AthCastMusic: The Music of Athens GA, Now and Then

If you haven’t heard of my next guest, like me, you are in for a wonderful treat, like me!

Toni Hunlo came into my life just a short few weeks ago, when my team suggested I have him on. Who is him, I asked?? Well, once I started listening and reading about Toni, I certainly found out. Toni Hunlo is like no other Athens singer I’ve heard. You can’t say a specific genre, but you can say everything that comes out of his mouth when he sings, performs in spoken word and the lyrics that are some the most thoughtful, genuine, and authentic lovely and sophisticated. In my opinion of course.

I just met him, but I fell in love with him at first listen with his own band or with Lighthearted. Athens has already begun to do the same. I beg you to go listen to him at a venue that will allow you to capture and take in the essence of Toni Hunlo. This is me talking to Toni Hunlo.

AthCastMusic (©): The Music of Athens Georgia, Now and Then

SEASON: 4 EPISODE: 40

LENGTH: 46:58

PUBLISHED: June 26, 2025

UPDATED WEEKLY ON THURSDAY

ENGINEER: KAYLA DOVER

RECORDED AT TWEED RECORDING AUDIO PRODUCTION SCHOOL

https://tweedrecording.com (https://tweedrecording.com/)

Produced by The Lightroom-Ath

Photos and Camera: Ellison Suhoza & Lucca Fagundes

Executive Producers: Guillermo Zouain and Wendy Muñiz

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

mailto:[email protected]

Instagram: AthCastMusic

YouTube: AthCastMusic (@MarleneSokolStewart-12)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550294283019

TONI HUNLO INFO

Email: [email protected] (the o is a 0 (zero)

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LISTENING TO AND WATCHING ATHCASTMUSIC! KINDLY SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL, GIVE A REVIEW, FOLLOW US ON SPOTIFY, APPLE PODCASTS AND AMAZON MUSIC.

REMEMBER, “IF YOU DON’T LISTEN, YOU CAN’T HEAR.”

Welcome to AthCastMusic: The Music of Athens Ga Now and Then. I'm your host Marlene Sokol Stewart.

Today’s episode is about one man, one mic, and one very questionable leap from the 40 Watt stage. We’re talking about Cole Taylor, former tour manager for the Drive-By Truckers, lifelong wrestling fanatic, and the mastermind behind Classic City Wrestling — the wildest mashup of rock and wrestling the South has ever seen.

Cole took his love of suplexes and soundchecks and created a full-blown spectacle where you can catch live bands between body slams. It’s like if Monday Night Raw and a dive bar had a beautiful, chaotic baby — and yes, it all happens right here in Athens.

He’ll tell us how it started, how it’s going, and how he somehow turned a blown-out knee into a rallying cry for an entire community. Hint: it involves duct tape, a lot of heart, and probably some ibuprofen.

We also had a surprise guest on zoom from the WWF, WWE, and WCW days. Watch on my YouTube channel!

So, if you’ve ever wanted to see a luchador salsa-shuffle across a stage while a band rips a twangy solo overhead — yeah, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it.

AthCastMusic (©): The Music of Athens Georgia, Now and Then

SEASON: 4 EPISODE 38

LENGTH: 1:16

PUBLISHED: June 19, 2025

UPDATED WEEKLY ON THURSDAY

ENGINEER: KAYLA DOVER

RECORDED AT TWEED RECORDING AUDIO PRODUCTION SCHOOL

https://tweedrecording.com (https://tweedrecording.com/)

Produced by The Lightroom-Ath

Photos and Camera: Ellison Suhoza & Lucca Fagundes

Executive Producers: Guillermo Zouain and Wendy Muñiz

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

mailto:[email protected]

Instagram: AthCastMusic

YouTube: AthCastMusic (@MarleneSokolStewart-12)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550294283019

CONTACT FOR COLE TAYLOR:

email: [email protected]

IG @tcoletaylor

FB: bit.ly/3FX2QE6

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LISTENING TO AND WATCHING ATHCASTMUSIC! KINDLY SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL, GIVE A REVIEW, FOLLOW US ON SPOTIFY, APPLE PODCASTS AND AMAZON MUSIC.

REMEMBER, “IF YOU DON’T LISTEN, YOU CAN’T HEAR"

My next guests are Dana Downs and Michelle Roche. Yep, we get 2 mints in one on this next episode. Dana hails from Louisiana but was pretty much an Army Brat and came to Athens from Columbus, GA .

Michelle is from the Atlanta Area. They both have been here in Athens since the “Big Bang!” Dana as a musician and beautiful singer, while Michelle was always taking care of business. Some of the bands Michelle worked with were, Five-Eight, Of Montreal, Vigilantes of Love, Pylon Reenactment, The Glands, Randall Bramblett, and Widespread Panic. She has also been part of AthFest for about 6 years now. You can still see Dana playing around town with anyone who asks her! As two major entities of the Athens music scene, they both showed how well they fit into the Music of Athens GA then and now! It made me so happy to talk with them both. I think you’ll concur.

THERE PROBABLY ISN’T ANY MUSIC AFICIONADO THAT DOESN’T KNOW R.E.M. AND HOW BERTIS DOWNS BECAME THE MANAGER, LAWYER. AND PROTECTOR OF R.E.M. BERTIS DOWNS CAME TO ATHENS GA AFTER ATTENDING DAVIDSON COLLEGE IN NC, STUDYING AND DOING SOME DJ SHIFTS AT THEIR INFAMOUS RADIO STATION, WFAE. HE ATTENDED LAW SCHOOL AT UGA.

BERTIS TRAVELED ALL OVER THE WORLD WITH R.E.M. , TAKING AWAY THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THE TREACHEROUS AND SOMETIMES SLEAZY SIDE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. AS AN ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER, DOWNS MADE SURE ALL OF THEIR WISHES AND DECISIONS THAT THEY FELT WERE BEST FOR THE BAND WERE CARRIED OUT. BERTIS WROTE A SERIES OF “POSTCARDS FROM …” WHICHEVER CITY THEY WERE PLAYING AND DOCUMENTING SO MANY MAGICAL MOMENTS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE HISTORY OF THIS ICONIC BAND. ALTHOUGH THE BAND AMICABLY DECIDED TO STOP TOURING AS A BAND IN 2011, DOWNS IS STILL VERY ACTIVE IN MANY OF THE SPECIAL EVENTS, CHARITY, AND AN ADVERSARY FOR EDUCATION AMONG MANY OTHER PROJECTS.

HAVING BERTIS ON THE SHOW ALLOWED ME TO GET TO KNOW JUST WHO BERTIS DOWNS WAS AND STILL IS TODAY.

HEAR YE HEAR YE TO MY CONVERSATION WITH BERTIS DOWNS

AthCastMusic (©): The Music of Athens Georgia, Now and Then

SEASON: 4 EPISODE 38

LENGTH: 36:07

PUBLISHED: May 29, 2025

UPDATED WEEKLY ON THURSDAY

ENGINEER: KAYLA DOVER

RECORDED AT TWEED RECORDING AUDIO PRODUCTION SCHOOL

https://tweedrecording.com (https://tweedrecording.com/)

Produced by The Lightroom-Ath

Photos and Camera: Ellison Suhoza & Evelyn McCanless

Executive Producers: Guillermo Zouain and Wendy Muñiz

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

mailto:[email protected]

Instagram: AthCastMusic

YouTube: AthCastMusic (@MarleneSokolStewart-12)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550294283019

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LISTENING TO AND WATCHING ATHCASTMUSIC! KINDLY SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL, GIVE A REVIEW, FOLLOW US ON SPOTIFY, APPLE PODCASTS AND AMAZON MUSIC.

REMEMBER, “IF YOU DON’T LISTEN, YOU CAN’T HEAR.”

John Keane is a veteran producer, engineer, and musician who has been involved in the creation of many gold and multi-platinum records. He is best known for his work with R.E.M, Widespread Panic, The Indigo Girls, Robert Earl Keen, and too many more to list. He started John Keane Studios in Athens, Georgia in 1981. John became an expert on subjects such as record production, home recording, and Pro Tools. Not only did John teach a Pro Tools course for the University of Georgia’s Music Business Program, but he is also the author of the popular Pro Tools book, The Musician’s Guide to Pro Tools (McGraw-Hill). He has also created Online Pro Tools, a series of Pro Tools instructional videos.

John was so well known for his studio work here in Athens, many of the artist he worked with would bring other musicians to record with John as well. David Barbee well known for his studio work in Athens as well, actually learned in Keane’s studio. The tales that come out of those studios during the late 70’s and 80’s continue to flow through the music community as cherished memories still today. John still continues with the “newbies” coming out of Athens today with the same vigor as those days. He continues to strive to keep them relevant to the times but still keeping the “Athens Vibe” alive.

My conversation with John was one for the top shelf on my Podcast, AthCastMusic and one that will have a special place in my memories. Listen to my captivating and lovely conversation with John Keane.

Show AthCastMusic (©): The Music of Athens Georgia, Now and Then

SEASON: 4 Episode 36

Length: 45:00

PUBLISHED: May 29, 2025

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

Produced by The Lightroom-Ath

Photos and Camera: Moreno Bueno

Executive Producers: Guillermo Zouain and Wendy Muñiz

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

[email protected]

Instagram: AthCastMusic

YouTube: AthCastMusic (@MarleneSokolStewart-12)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550294283019

Trepid is a band that was only born ten months ago. Members May May Bryant (vocalist), Turner Chastain (rhythm guitar), J. Ben Turk (lead guitar), John Bellerjeau (bass), and Ethan Houseman (drums) talk about how a magical meeting brought them together — and why they knew Athens was the right place to shape their own sound and technique within the 80s and 90s shoegaze genre. With bands like My Bloody Valentine, Jesus and The Mary Chain, Slowdive, and Catherine Wheel laying the foundation, Trepid took what they could from those influences and left the rest behind, replacing it with their own multi-layered, melodic, and boisterous vocals that push through the instrumental side of their message.

I was surprised — and honestly impressed — when I talked with these young musicians. Take a hard listen to May May, Turner, and J. Ben. They’ll let you in, if you do.

Thank you for listening to AthCastMusic. Consider following me on Spotify, Apple podcasts or any other podcast platform. Any reviews would be great as well.

Show AthCastMusic (©): The Music of Athens Georgia, Now and Then.

SEASON: 4. Episode 36

Length: 42:53

PUBLISHED: May 16, 2025

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Recording Engineer: Kayla Dover

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

Produced by The Lightroom Athens.

Photo and Camera: Morena Bueno

Executive Producers: Guillermo Zouain and Wendy Muñiz

TheLightroom-ATH.com

[email protected]

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

[email protected]

Instagram: AthCastMusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550294283019

[email protected]

Jorma Starratt grew up in Athens, GA, spending his early years immersed in the vibrant music scene at the legendary 40 Watt Club by the age of 10. His father, Ken Starratt, was a member of the iconic band The Squalls. It was through these experiences Jorma was on the cusp of something truly groundbreaking. Athens was producing bands such as R.E.M, The B'52's, Pylon, Elf Power, Of Montreal, Five Eight, Wide Spread Panic, Drive by Truckers and so many more. Once he finished high school, it was inevitable he would take his upbringing straight into the music scene He put together the band Prozak, which became very popular and reached impressive heights. Unfortunately, some of the band members chose different paths, and the band eventually dissolved.

As the old adage says, when one door closes, one door opens. Into that door comes an exciting new direction for Jorma. Flag pole writes, "In the early aughts, outsiders viewed the Classic City as the home of redneck rap, thanks to Bubba Sparxxx scoring a 2001 MTV hit with “Ugly.” In 2003, Herb and Skills set the record straight. Under the direction of producers Jorma Starratt and Hano Leathers, rappers Bird, Ishues, Jawz of Life, Fort Knox and more laid down stone-cold classics with a Wu-Tang sword style. For proof, look no further than Ishues’ razor-sharp verses on “The Saga Continues.” It’s forgotten history now, but press play on Spotify and the lyrical depth, full-bodied production and cinematic samples weave together a disarmingly profound time capsule from a sophisticated era of Southern hip hop.

Jorma talks to me about these exciting days, going out to L.A. and how he wishes he could go back to some of those times again. Who knows......maybe he will. Here is my conversation with Jorma Starratt.

Show AthCastMusic (©): The Music of Athens Georgia, Now and Then.

A Child of the Squall: Jorma Starratt

Length: 45:28

PUBLISHED: March 6, 2025

The Singles series is spontaneously published.

Engineer: Kayla Dover

UGA School of Music Business Program

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

info@tweedrecording,com

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

[email protected]

instagram: AthCastMusic

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550294283019

Prozak YouTube Channel: @prozak96

Ishues YouTube Channel: @ishues

Herbs and Skills YouTube Channel: @herbsandskills

Hello All, this is Marlene Sokol Stewart trying to do some special podcast until I can put together Season 4 that should kick off by the end of April or early May,

I’ve got something special coming your way…

I will be introducing The Singles Series—where I sit down with the sons and daughters of prolific musicians to hear what it was really like growing up with a parent in the spotlight. The music, the madness, the memories—how did it shape them? And what do they want the world to know? Hopefully, ask them and they will come!

I’ll also be releasing episodes whenever something interesting comes my way, such as a special show, a musician releasing a new project or some news about the music industry that would be of interest to my listeners. So stay tuned! Be sure to follow, rate, and share the AthCastMusic podcast as it is a great way for me to get more listeners coming to this podcast.

Thank you all for listening! Remember...If you don't listen, you can't hear!

Show AthCastMusic (©): The Music of Athens Georgia, Now and Then.

TRAILER: SINGLE SERIES

Length 1:26

PUBLISHED:

Every now and then until Season 4

Engineer: Kayla Dover

UGA Music Business intern: Timi Meade

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

[email protected]

instagram: AthCastMusic

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550294283019

Dodd Ferrelle is a notable musician and public figure in Winterville, GA. With roots in the Athens music scene, Dodd is known for his contributions to folk and Americana music, blending storytelling with soulful tunes. Over the years, he has worked as a solo artist and collaborated with other bands.

Beyond his music career, Dodd has made a significant impact on the Winterville community, especially in his role as mayor. During his time in office, Mayor Ferrelle has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at revitalizing Winterville, focusing on community building and improving local infrastructure. He is deeply passionate about the arts and has helped organize festivals and events that celebrate local culture. His involvement in civic life reflects his dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Winterville's residents.

My conversation with Dodd Ferrelle was truly special. I loved how he expressed his passions and commitments to both Winterville and his music. Please take the time to listen to my conversation with Mayor Dodd Ferrelle.

Elf Power is an indie rock band from Athens, Georgia, known for its blend of psychedelic, folk, and dreamy rock sounds. They got started in the mid-90s and quickly became part of the “Elephant 6 Collective,” a group of bands like Neutral Milk Hotel and The Apples in Stereo who created unique, experimental music.

I had sold a lot of Elf Power's music in the record stores I worked. I had not listened to them in quite some time. I had forgotten how their music is often dreamy and mysterious, full of quirky lyrics and catchy tunes. Seeing them several times now since I began this podcast has opened up a new and more educated listening for me. Their songs explore themes like nature, dreams, and the surreal, and their albums are like journeys into different worlds.

With frontman Andrew Rieger’s distinct voice and poetic lyrics, Elf Power has a sound that's both gentle and powerful. Being able to talk to Andrew of Elf Power was not only a history lesson beginning with Andrew’s recording solo 4 track cassettes, to recording in studios with some of the top producers in the industry. This resulted in their discography capturing a mix of haunting melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and a musical style that's earthy yet otherworldly. I was so happy to see them live, and I am still rekindling my love of this band. This talk with Andrew was perfect as I listened to some of Andrew’s thoughts that creeped into the side of quirky meets surreal. I hope you have a great auditory experience listening to Andrew Rieger.

Show AthCastMusic (©): The Music of Athens Georgia, Now and Then.

SEASON: 3 Episode 34

Length: 39:23

PUBLISHED:

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

Intern: Kati Putman (UGA Music School)

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

[email protected]

instagram: AthCastMusic

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550294283019

INSTAGRAM: ELFPOWERBAND

FACEBOOK: https:/facebook.com/elfpower

Website: elfpower.com

BAND CAMP: bit.ly/4flHImA

OR https://elfpower,bandcamp.com