AthCastMusic: The Music of Athens GA, Now and Then

My guests on AthCastMusic this week are four members of the band Bichos Vivos. With me today are Robert Moser, Philip Kohnen. Todd Mueller and Tony Oscar.

Bichos Vivos play Forró, a lively music style from northeastern Brazil, featuring accordion, triangle, zabumba, guitar, bass, percussion, flute, violin, and vocals. Similar to Louisiana Zydeco music, here in the United States, it inspires energetic dancing with its vibrant rhythms. The band has just returned from their very first visit to Brazil, just in time for AthFest!

Our conversation was so much fun and there was a LOT of laughter. We talked about how each member got to Athens, how they met and how much their camaraderie makes it a very special band. You will get to hear a live song here at Tweed Recording and wait until you hear what all of their day jobs are!

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

SEASON: 2 Episode 23

Length : 40:00

PUBLISHED: June 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: AthCastMusicFaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550294283019

INSTAGRAM: bichosvivosmusic

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BichosVivos

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ken Starratt, co-founder of the Squalls, a pivotal band in Athens' alternative music scene. Alongside bandmates Bob Hay, Diana Torell, AL Walsh, Mark Cooper Smith (drums), and Mig Little (vocals), they shaped the musical landscape with four releases from 1981–1989, touring extensively. Their 2022 album, "Live from the 40 Watt," captures the essence of '80s dance parties, showcasing their unique sound. Alongside Athens legends like The B-52’s and R.E.M., the Squalls are immortalized in the documentary "Athens, GA: Inside/Out" (1986). Ken's passion for Athens' music scene remains evident, as he discusses its ongoing vibrancy with emerging bands. Here's my insightful conversation with Ken Starratt.

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

SEASON: 2 Episode: 22

Length : 52.57

PUBLISHED: June 6, 2024

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

Vanessa was born in Atlanta, GA, to a textile worker and a housewife. After completing her elementary and secondary education, she moved to Athens to attend the University of Georgia, graduating with a BFA in 1978. In 1979, fellow students Randy Bewley, Michael Lachowski, and Curtis Crowe asked her to audition for their band, Pylon. This performance art project, initiated by three art students who barely knew how to play their instruments, aimed only to perform in New York City, inspired by the chart-breaking B-52’s, and then disband. However, after their supposed one-off performance at the Art Rock Festival and a write-up in Interview Magazine, they decided to continue as long as it was enjoyable. They opened for Gang of Four after many Athens bands encouraged Harrah’s in NYC to book them. From there, they traveled widely, playing alongside bands like Talking Heads, B-52’s, and U2. They first disbanded in 1983, reunited once, and had their final breakup in 2009 after the loss of their beloved bandmate Randy Bewley.

Gradually, Vanessa began exploring new musical collaborations and formed a new band called Pylon Reenactment Society (PRS). In a 2016 interview, she said, “It's been inspirational, if that's the right word, to be able to play this music again. I really don't want people to forget Pylon. These are different people, and we are re-enacting this experience, so it's not exactly Pylon, but it's fresh and done in the same spirit." And this band certainly has spirit! It is incredibly fun to watch.

I can't say enough about Vanessa and how much she captivated me from the first word she spoke. Her calming voice kept me engaged with her wonderful stories about the past with Pylon and her current work with Pylon Reenactment Society. You'll be delighted once you hear this conversation I had with Vanessa Briscoe Hay.

SHOW: AthCastMusic

Time: 43:25

Vanessa’s contact

Pylonreenactmentsociety.com

Instagram: Vanessa_b_Hay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.b.hay?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Pylon Reenactment Society: https://www.facebook.com/pylonreenactmentsociety?mibextid=LQQJ4d

AthCastMusic Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Note: Due to time constraints, my podcast AthCastMusic is late by 2 days. Usually it airs every Thursday.

Parking Garage is a dynamic band, often performing as a trio or quartet, based in Athens, Georgia. They kept me laughing throughout our

conversation. The band members are:

• Dakota Snow - bass/vox
• Nathan Whatley - guitar/vox
• Zach Ross - drums

Rafal - trumpetThree of the four members hail from mid-Georgia, with some having attended Georgia College & State University. They met through mutual connections during their high school years and have been musically connected ever since. The band solidified as a trio in Athens, and the recent addition of Rafal, (RAFFLE) a born and bred Athenian, on trumpet has given their sound a distinctive melodic rock vibe.

Flagpole, Athens' music magazine, celebrated the band's arrival in the city with the release of their five-song EP, in 2022, If We Haven’t Said It Already, produced by Well Kept’s Tommy Trautwein. In the article, Lamb notes, "the lead singer has all the swagger of early Beastie Boys and the ambition of early Rush."

I had an incredible time with these guys, laughing throughout our conversation. You'll enjoy learning about how they formed, their feelings about Athens, how they got their name and where their talent might take them in the future.

Don't miss out on hearing one of their live performances of a song that's never been recorded. It was a blast! Here is my conversation with Parking Garage.

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

Episode 20

Length : 56:23

PUBLISHED: May 25, 2024

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

Instagram: theparkinggarageband

CONTACT FOR ATHCASTMUSIC:

instagram: AthCastMusic

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

OLIVER DOMINGO is the youngest guest on AthCastMusic. After relocating to Athens, he began experimenting with various instruments, exploring their potential. He collaborates with many emerging musicians in Athens on numerous projects. Constantly thinking about how to create thought-provoking soundscapes, Oliver’s voice is remarkably mature and versatile, making it hard to believe it's the same person singing. His unique and powerful vocals are exceptional for an 18-year-old. My conversation with Oliver was engaging, surprising, and exceptional. You won't want to miss hearing this bright and creative episode with OLIVER DOMINGO.

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

Episode 19

Length : 38:30

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Published: May. 18, 2024

Engineer: Kayla Dover

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

Instagram: organically programmed

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/oliver.domingo.547727

Email: ProfessionalSquidWrangler.com

Adam Poulin is my guest on my latest episode of AthCastMusic: The Music of Athens Georgia, Now and Then. Adam didn't mean to become an Athenian. He had all intentions of joining the military since he couldn't find a job after attending Young Harris College. He started playing Violin in his elementary school years. After his violin was stolen, he began playing the guitar. By age 24 after moving to Athens, hard work and talent turned him into one of the most sought-after professional musicians around, including as a studio player. Adam’s high on-stage energy and musicianship makes him worth any admission price to watch and hear. His group Grassland String band tours around the US often. You won’t want to miss this conversation I had with Adam Poulin along with his performance in the Tweed Recording studio where we record.

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

Episode 18

Length : 39:41

Updated Weekly on Thursday

Engineer: Kayla Dover

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

https://tweedrecording.com

Instagram: Adam.Poulin

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.poulin.71

https://www.facebook.com/grasslandstringband

https://www.grasslandband.com

MY GUEST ON EPISODE 17 OF ATHCASTMUSIC IS MONTU MILLER.

Montu Miller hails from Minneapolis, MN, and is a proud alumnus of North High School. His journey led him to Georgia, initially to Morris Brown College in Atlanta. However, fate intervened when he discovered Athens, a city he instantly fell in love with, prompting him to transfer to the University of Georgia. While at UGA, Montu delved into his passion for music, embarking on tours alongside iconic figures like KRS-One and Ishues.

Despite the allure of life on the road, Montu felt a calling to continue his education and pursue endeavors that would positively impact Athens. This drive led him to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Black Studies from the University of Georgia. His educational journey didn't end there; he furthered his studies by pursuing a Masters in the Art of Teaching Secondary Education at Piedmont University's Athens Campus.

Currently, Montu serves as a dedicated educator at Cedar Shoals High School, teaching Peer Leadership, Ethnic Studies, and AP Black Studies. Beyond the classroom, he promotes the local hip hop scene, contributing to AthFactor-Liberty Entertainment, a collective aimed at empowering musicians to achieve greater success. Montu also collaborates with Seth Hendershot to host a biweekly open mic event at Hendershots, providing a platform for aspiring artists in Athens.

Community engagement is at the heart of Montu's endeavors, as he actively participates in various organizing efforts to connect people with essential resources. At home, he shares his life with his wife, Ymmilia, and their five children: Brayana, Sekayi, Brandon, Gyasi, and Liam, residing in the vibrant North Side of Athens.

My conversation with Montu was insiteful, funny, emotional and yet another reason that Athens Ga is a very special place. I impress upon anyone reading this, to listen to Monty, we need 100, 000 more of him.

Remember, If you don't listen you can't hear!

Show AthCastMusic (©) with Marlene Sokol Stewart

Frequency Weekly on Thursday

Length: 44:10

Instagram: @montumiller

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/william.miller.aka.montu

ATHFactor-Liberty Entertainment (ALE)

My guest, Bill Cody, is a filmmaker and writer who has had films at major film festivals all over the world including Sundance, Berlin, Full Frame and many, many more. He first started in the film industry as an assistant to famed writer-director John Milius (Apocalypse Now, The Wind and the Lion) and went on to make many acclaimed documentaries both as a producer and a director, including Athens, GA/Inside-Out, two-headed cow, and Athens/Inside-Out 2: Red Turns into Blue. His feature film, Slaves to the Underground, was in competition at both Sundance and Berlin, and he has also written scripts for the Disney Channel. Thirty years later, Bill returned to Athens on a new journey that revealed a Southern city leading the way in progressive politics and the beginnings of true racial equality, once again featuring members of R.E.M., the B-52's and Pylon, only now to include a new generation of artists and activists such as Mariah Parker aka Linqua Franqa, Kishi Bashi, Patterson Hood and the Drive-By Truckers. My conversation with Bill was full of laughs, stories and a vulnerable account of his days when things weren't so good.

Remember, If you don't listen, you can't hear.

Show AthCastMusic with Marlene Sokol Stewart

Frequency Weekly on Thursday

Length: 51:15

Rating Explicit

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

Jim White has allowed my listeners into his journey of growing up in Pensacola Florida, having a tumultuous childhood along with being a member of a Pentacostal Church for 10 Years. Prior to being a musician, Jim worked around the US and parts of Europe doing several jobs, such as dishwasher, landscaper, lifeguard, cook, surfboard laminator, and even modeling! All roads from these occupations and a Pentecostal life, lead him to NYC where he began driving a cab and eventually attended NYU's Film School. Toward the end of Jim's 13 years in NYC driving a cab, he had what most people would call a nervous breakdown which sometimes brought him thoughts of suicide. When Jim was in his darkest days, he was saved by some miraculous synchronicities. He had begun writing music for no one but himself. Through a series of synchronicities, his recordings made it to David Byrne ( Yes, that David Byrne).

Byrne's recognition of White's talent propelled him onto the global stage, where he has since established himself as a prolific songwriter and performer. His life lead him to Athens and here he is, in our home town. You'll want to hear this thought provoking and extraordinary conversation I had with Jim.

Jim is also the proud father of Willow Avalon, who has just signed a record deal and exploding onto the music scene. Definitely check her out her unique talent as a singer / songwriter.

Show AthCastMusic with Marlene Sokol Stewart

Frequency Weekly on Thursday

Length: 71.27

Rating Explicit

FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jim%20white

Webite: jimwhitemusic.net catalog and to purchase Incidental Contact

Instagram Willow Avalon.

David Byrne Instagram davidbyrneofficial

Mike Mantione and Dan Horowitz have been friends since their days at State University of New York (SUNY) in Binghamton NY. They created a band called "The Reasonable Men." "The Reasonable Men" went on to some local infamy as the party-rock band responsible for songs like “What The Fuck’s Wrong With My Brain?”, “Two Fat Ladies”, and “What I Imagined is a Movie by Me.” After an unforeseen life changing event for Mike Mantione, the band took a hiatus. When Dan Franz, another member of the band followed his brother to Athens Georgia, Mike and Dan ended up following since Franz had taken all of the bands equipment with them and secured a very affordable apartment! . Franz left the band the name changed to Five Eight. Mike Palmatier eventually left after a serious accident, Patrick Ferguson a local drummer, joined the band. Many hard days and albums followed until they began to get noticed for great music and stage antics, They are still a huge part of the music scene in Athens. Currently a documentary is being made about the band that should be out in the near future. If you've never seen a Five Eight show, it is a musical experience not to be forgotten. Mike Mantione, along with Dave Domizi on bass and vocals, Geoff Melkonian on keyboards and vocals, and Christian Lopez on guitars and mandolin and R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry, is now a part of a new group called the "Bad Ends." Marlene had a crazy conversation with Mike and Dan and really couldn't get much in between! Don't miss Mike and Dan singing 4th of July off of their up and coming Album.

Show AthCastMusic with Marlene Sokol Stewart

Frequency Weekly on Thursdays

Length 58:03

Rating Explicit

Engineer Kayla Dover

Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production School

MIKE MANTIONE FB

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=mike%20mantione&__stsd__=eyJwcmltYXJ5Ijp7InR5cGUiOiJUWVBFQUhFQURfUEVPUExFX0VOVElUSUVTIn19

INSTAGRAM MIKEMANTIONE

FIVE EIGHT FB https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=five%20eight

THE BAD ENDS https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20bad%20ends

INSTAGRAM BADENDSROCK

DAN HOROWITZ FB https://www.facebook.com/dan.horowitz.96

KLEZMER LOCAL 42 FB https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=klezmer%20local%2042