AthCastMusic: The Music of Athens GA, Now and Then

Dusty Gannon, lead vocalist and guitarist of Vision Video, originates from Athens, Georgia. A former U.S. Army combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, Gannon also worked as a firefighter before embarking on his music career. His life experiences with trauma and the darker sides of humanity deeply shape his songwriting, addressing themes like mental health, war, and mortality.

Gannon founded Vision Video in the late 2010s, releasing their debut album, Inked in Red, in 2021. The band draws inspiration from classic goth and post-punk acts such as The Cure and The Chameleons, blending these influences with a modern flair. Their sophomore album, Haunted Hours, was released in 2022. Beyond music, Gannon has built a strong social media following, thanks to his engaging "Goth Dad" persona on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

GANNON STILL remains committed to tackling issues like PTSD and trauma, using music as a therapeutic outlet.

TAKE A LISTEN TO MY FASCINATING CONVERSTATION WITH DUSTY

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

SEASON: 3 Episode 33

Length: 48:59

PUBLISHED: Dec. 12, 2024

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

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

CONTACT FOR DUSTY GANNON/VISION VIDEO

email: [email protected]

TikTok: Goth Dad

Instagram: vision video band

Band Camp: https://visionvideo.bandcamp.com

Beyond performing and recording music, Drew Beskin has been deeply engaged in nurturing Athens' vibrant music scene. He’s known for his connections within the local community, often collaborating with other musicians. Additionally, he has been instrumental in organizing events, supporting venues, and promoting local talent, all of which shows his devout commitment to maintaining Athens’ reputation as a hub for creativity and independent music. Drew's recently released a new single, "I guess We're on Our Own" once again shows Drew's songwriting prowess. It was quite the experience digging into the mind of Drew learning so many things I didn't know about him. You too will learn about Drew and the many facets of his life and his love for Athens Ga along with a great song live in our Tweed Recording Studi0. Here is my talk with Drew Beskin.

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

SEASON: 3 Episode 31

Length : 39:36

PUBLISHED:

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

Instagram

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

Instagram: AthCastMusic

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

https://rss.com/podcasts/athcastmusic

DREW BESKIN CONTACT:

https://www.drewbeskin.com

Instagram: drewbeskin

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/DrewBeskin

https://drewbeskin.bandcamp.com

Trvy and the Enemy are my guests this week on AthCastMusic!

I must say, having them on was an unexpected session of laughing, expressions of passions along with opening up to very personal emotions with Trvy. This band has a camaraderie like no other. We laughed that they never could get divorced.

Trvy (trevey) aka Trevor Wiggins and the Enemy is made up of Trvy on vocals, drummer Rio Crane, bassist James Stickney and guitarist Robbie Rapp. Crane, Stickney and Rapp are childhood friends who had played together in a couple of bands before meeting Trvy via the Athens hip hop scene. Trvy already had quite the reputation as one of Athens' best MCs not to mention he won the Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year award in 2023.

Trvy and bandmates spoke about their childhood and how 3 of them grew up near each other and spent many days exploring Athens on their bicycles and how they were all driven to playing music. It’s a very touching story how they have remained friends and TRVY finding this trio of friends. Trvy says "The goal wasn't to have musicians backing me up to re-create songs that I already made. I wanted to be in a band." And a band he did become. Such an insightful conversation with these gentlemen. Here is Trvy and the Enemy.

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

SEASON: 3 Episode 31

Length: 44:20

PUBLISHED: November 20, 2024

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

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

CONTACT FOR TRVY AND THE ENEMY:

IG: trvyandtheenemy

FB: https://www.facebook.com/trvyf/

Tiktok: trvyandtheenemy

Website: https://trvyandtheenemy.com

My guest this week is the one and only Jay Gonzalez. Jay is a longtime "townie" here in Athens, GA, and is grateful to call Athen’s home. His gratitude extends to what he calls "the luckiest job he's ever had" — being the keyboardist for the band Drive-By Truckers. That lucky job takes him on the road all over the U.S. and across the pond to many European countries.

When he's not on the road, Jay has a unique knack for performing cover songs that will surprise and excite you. You may find yourself dancing and singing the night away. He's put together a new band that takes these covers to a whole new level. No matter where you see Jay, he’ll bring back memories for some and a music history lesson for others.

Jay talked about his love of Athens, his family, and his experience as a member of Drive-By Truckers. We had a great time, and he even played and sang live in the studio. Here’s my time with Jay Gonzalez.

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

Host: Marlene Sokol Stewart

SEASON: 3 Episode 30

Length: 49:06

PUBLISHED: Nov. 14, 2024

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

UGA Music School Intern: Kati Putnam

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

CONTACT FOR JAY GONZALEZ:

http://jaygonzalez.com

http://soundcloud.com/jaygonzalez

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jay%20gonzalez

INSTAGRAM:@jaydomgon

BANDCAMP: bit.ly/40NzTm8

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

[email protected]

Instagram: AthCastMusic

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

I met Verno

Vernon J. Thornsberry is a musician and artist who lives and works in Athens, Georgia. Thornsberry is originally from New Orleans, where he was mentored for many years by George Dureau, an artist who is said to have inspired the work of Robert Mapplethorpe. But there's more. Vernon is also a baker who started baking at the Grit, which unfortunately closed last year. He has continued baking at the new location for the Daily Groceries new location and still making delicious vegan treats. His music infuses the band Organically Programmed Orchestra, which plays the washboard, and he still has his own band that will show up in Athens when you least expect it.. I was invited to visit Vernon's home and experience where the magic happens. Listening to Vernon will just make you smile. Here is my conversation with Vernon Thornsberry.

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

SEASON: 3 Episode 28

Length :37.07

PUBLISHED:

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

Contact for Vernon Thornsberry:

Instagram: vernonthornsberry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=vernon%20thornsberry

website: vernonthornsberry..com

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

instagram: AthCastMusic

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

The Reverend Connor Tribble’s conversation begins with Athens, Georgia, where he attended high school and first emerged as a powerful presence in the local music scene. Long before Athens earned its fame as a musical hub, he was already making waves, and earning the notable title "The Godfather of Punk" .

Connor's ambition soon led him to New York City, where he became a legend in his own right. Musicians and fans alike hailed him as “The Best Frontman They Had Ever Seen,” captivated by his blend of sharp, humor-laden lyrics, electrifying onstage banter, and searing musical energy. He sharpened his performance at iconic venues like Café Wha?, the very stage where Jimi Hendrix had once launched his own career. Tribble’s charisma and talent quickly became the stuff of legends, and he remains dearly beloved back in Athens, where his sold-out shows are a testament to his lasting impact on the city's cultural landscape.

Now dividing his time between Athens and Mexico, Connor and his wife have embraced the importance of family, choosing a lifestyle that allows them to be closer to loved ones. My conversation with Connor was spiritual and his insights, humor, and gratitude for life’s journey left a deep impression. He spoke with the kind of clarity and warmth that only comes from a life lived fully, without regrets. Here is my reflective conversation with the inimitable Reverend Connor Tribble.

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

SEASON: 3 Episode: 27

Length :47:18

PUBLISHED: 10/31/2024

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

Connor Tribble

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conner.tribble

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

instagram: AthCastMusic

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

Clark Hamilton is a unique and versatile musician, often described as “a horse of a different color” for his ability to step beyond conventional musical boundaries. With an impressive depth of knowledge, Hamilton's passion for older jazz artists shines through, as the genre remains his favorite. He draws great inspiration from Joni Mitchell, whom he considers his greatest artistic influence and hopes to meet one day.

Hamilton is a true multi-instrumentalist, playing every instrument on his recordings. He takes full control of his music production—writing, creating, mixing, and performing all the vocals. His versatility extends to live performances, both as a solo artist and with his band Klark Sound. He has shared stages with acts such as “My Improvement Movement” and has performed at notable venues like the 40 Watt Club.

Beyond his performances, Hamilton is involved in the technical side of music as a technician and teacher at the Tweed Recording facility, where he shares his knowledge and passion for music production. Conversations with him reveal his deep understanding of the industry and technology, as well as his constant drive to experiment with new sounds and approaches in his work.

Clark talked about his early opportunities of being exposed to music and artistic creativity and how he uses that exposure to create and experiment with his music.

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

SEASON: 3 Episode

Length :

PUBLISHED:

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

UGA INTERN Kati Putnam

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

Instagram

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

instagram: AthCastMusic

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

Gregpru Frederick is one of the most important people for the music industry in Athens GA. Gregory has recorded over 26,000 live videos of musicians from Athens and visitors as well. He can be seen running up and down the streets most nights. I had such an interesting chat with Gregory about how he came to Athens, why he never saw many of the bands during the 80's and how he's making it up today.

SEASON: 3 Episode 2

Length: 47.40

PUBLISHED: 10-17-2024

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

Intern: Kati Putman

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

[email protected]

instagram: AthCastMusic

Gregory Fredericks You Tube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTqsEbDj3rrHkM_efYUcAyhAXBdHW2yaS

Timi Conley came to Athens in 1991. He came searching for music, art and whatever else he could find, and find he did. He's been playing music here in Athens with many different versions of bands. Finally, Timi, along with Greg Surratt, Chris Byron, Shelley Lotus and Andrew Hammer became the Wonderland Rangers. Timi and the Wonderland Rangers put on a very exciting and colorful performance. Their genres have no limits and continue to expand.

Athenians await the next Wild Rumpus event on October 26 in downtown Athens. If you've never been to the Parade, you're in for a lot of creative costumes, music and art. Not to mention the announcement of the 2025 Rumpus Charity Bennificiary.

Timi and I spoke about how he became Timi Conley and why he still loves to be creative in all facets of his life. Warning: There was quite a bit of laughter and fun.

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

SHOW TITLE: Timi Conley: The Timi Talks

SEASON: 3 Episode 25

Length: 35:42

PUBLISHED: Oct 10, 2024

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

timiconley.com

https://wildrumpus.org

Heffner is a contemporary alternative indie band living here in Athens, GA. It began with members Taylor Cotton and Reagan Byrd, high school pals moving to Athens to go to school. They started playing with several bands around town. Wanting a band of their own, they knew if they started building a band, other members would come, and they did! Soon after one by one band members McKendrick Bearden, Will and Lars Heffner, and Tommy Trautwein joined the band.

Their sophomore album, “Perfect Heaven,” catapulted them into regional success and the new “darlings” of Athens. With the release of their latest single “Truck,” Heffner exposes how their songwriting has grown and how their unique blend of melodic riffs, and style combines elements of alternative rock with influences from Folk and Pop. Taylor Cotton came on AthCastMusic and spoke about the nuances of the band, how he is the wrangler and how much fun they are having touring and playing here in Athens.

Here is my conversation with Taylor Cotton..

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

SHOW TITLE: Here come Taylor Cotton Jumping down the Heffner trail (unofficial Heffner Band)

SEASON: 3 Episode 24

Length: 35:43

PUBLISHED: Oct 3, 2024

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

INSTAGRAM: UNOFFICIALHEFFNERBAND

https://heffner.bandcamp.com/

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

instagram: AthCastMusic

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