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Atlanta Music Grapevine - Cool Town. Cool Tunes.
  • Artists
    • Artist Spotlights
    • Artists Off The Vine
    • Artist To Artist
  • Venues
    • Venue Spotlight
    • Venues Off The Vine
    • Venues List
    • Venues Map
  • Music Business
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Artists, New Releases

A Slow Boat To China
Reflects On “Mirrors” From Upcoming Concept Album

March 12, 2019 by No Comments

Since its inception in 2014, A Slow Boat to China has become well known for its original hard rock compositions, recorded with tasteful production flourishes. Their sound is at once familiar yet difficult to discern specific references, although band members cite favorite groups including Janes Addiction, Kings X, Alice In Chains, Failure, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Queens of the Stone Age, and Dead Sara. They just rock.

From the beginning, Jimi Broderick (vocals), Zen Hardy (bass), and Matt Hanson (guitars/vocals) gelled in their performing as if the band had a decades-long existence – readily translating its studio productions to stage, demonstrating prowess with both their instruments and in managing processing effects. Their dexterity in playing many styles shines. Guitarist Matt Hanson is as comfortable with a soft acoustic intro as he is unleashing a hail fire of guitar bursts. Together, the band has shown a sweet spot for songs with a hard rocking midtempo like those of some of the 90’s best alternative and Seattle bands.

mirrors final

“Mirrors” is the first single from an EP slated for August that will also be a concept record with a story woven through it.

The band’s new single, “Mirrors”, sounds both familiar and full of renewed energy, part of which can be credited to their new drummer, Mike Froedge. Froedge is well known not only as a drummer in Black Label Society, DoubleDrive, and The Dreaded Marco, but also as a studio owner and award-winning producer with a list of credits too long and too varied to name here. Actually, Mike has been a part of the Slow Boat family from its beginning. The first band rehearsal was in Mike’s former studio, and he recorded, produced and mixed their first two records. When their drum slot opened, it was a natural and obvious fit for Mike to join.

We have a monomaniacal focus on creating a unique experience for the listener.

Mike has always had in influence on the band’s sound, but his joining in the playing has opened up some new sounds. Matt explains, “A lot of the songs off the new EP were written pre-Froedge, but “Mirrors” was written quickly in a rehearsal room with Mike, and I think the energy is apparent.” Indeed “Mirrors” sounds like Matt now has a “lead drummer” to match him on lead guitar. Matt starts off the song with a fast, indelible guitar hook. When the band kicks in seconds later, the drums make the sound seem not just bigger, but deceptively faster, kicking up listeners’ heart rates a few notches.

“Mirrors” is the lead-off single from an upcoming album currently in production and scheduled to be released in August. Like the single, all the hallmarks of Slow Boat’s sound are evident in the new record; however, there is also a fresh approach. Matt says, “While this record will sound like a natural extension of our last record, there is a lot more range in the new songs. ‘Mirrors’ wasn’t actually our first pick for a single, but once we got into the studio, it made sense. We are really going for it with this one, and our fans will hear what they expect, but we are also finding the shades of gray on both sides of the spectrum. The record will sound familiar, but prepare to be surprised!”

The energy in this creative process has been something I've never experienced, and something that I will never forget

Continuing to push themselves creatively, both collectively and individually, has influenced their ideas for this EP. “The new EP is a conceptual record, written as a story. Writing around the story really pushed us as band. We are taking our time with this one, and I think that will be very apparent when the cohesion of songs comes together in one record.”

asbtc live shot

A Slow Boat To China will focus on completing recording of its record and then begin playing the new material live.

A Slow Boat To China debuted “Mirrors”at a single release show at Smith’s Olde Bar on March 1, but is now giving priority to recording. “We have some exciting things in the works, but for now, we are committing ourselves to being in the studio to bring this EP to life. We have a monomaniacal focus on creating a unique experience for the listener.”

Matt’s enthusiasm for the band’s next stage is contagious. “We are excited about the direction of the band and continue to stay focused on honing our craft and getting better at what we do. The energy in this creative process has been something I’ve never experienced, and something that I will never forget. It is really special to make music with this band.”

“Mirrors” is available through all major streaming services.

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aslowboattochina.com

A Slow Boat To China Facebook page

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Artists, Artists Off The Vine

John Driskell Hopkins’ Heavy Revelation With The Bloody Wolves Of Venice

March 4, 2019 by No Comments

John Driskell Hopkins is an artist who likes to wear many hats. While he certainly has a fondness for millinery, he also applies his talents to a wide scope of interests. “Hop” is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and founding member of multi-Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band. You will also find him behind the board as an engineer and producer in his own studio, Brighter Shade Studios, leading the John Driskell Hopkins Band, and serving as a leader in the Atlanta chapter of National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

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Artist Spotlights, Artists

The Ormewoods: A Duet Of Creativity,
Life, And Love

February 14, 2019 by No Comments

When you step into the life of Claire Pearson and Don McCollister, you know you have entered a special place. Their chemistry is tangible, their passion for life is contagious, and their talent is undeniable. Theirs is a love story forged through music over time and space and the benefit goes to us.

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Artist Spotlights, Artists

Artist Spotlight: The Andy Browne Troupe Flies Without A Net

January 25, 2019 by No Comments

Andy Browne is a fan of Salvador Dali, who is famous for saying “Have no fear of perfection, you will never reach it.” It is a saying that mirrors Andy’s development into an artist willing to follow his muses in creating any mix of styles, themes, rhythms, and instrumentation without fear of how others will receive it. You may think you know Andy Browne, but chances are if you only are thinking of his earlier days as an Atlanta music pioneer, you might be missing out on the multifaceted art he is bringing to Atlanta music today, notably as leader of The Andy Browne Troupe.

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Artist Spotlights, Artists

Artist Spotlight: Conkrete God – Crushing Music, Messages,
and Mosh Pits

December 22, 2018 by No Comments

“We are the perfect band example of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover,’” declares Denitra Isler, lead vocalist of hard-hitting rock band Conkrete God. She is right because a photograph and simple description does not capture the punk and heavy rock inspired wall of energy and sound the band propels from the stage when live. This band is an interesting book. You should definitely crack it.

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Right before lunch I get in the car and turn on WABE. I hear a familiar voice and music behind it. I cannot believe what I am hearing out of the speakers and it catches me off guard a minute. “I have that record!” It is none other than Kyle Gordon of our favorite MammaBear in an interview on City Lights. Way to go Lois!
It is already time to start working for the weekend! The annual Summer Shade Festival is a wonderful kickoff to more pleasant weather outdoor entertainment. Among all the music and art are some of our favorite people including Lynx Deluxe Saturday at 3:20PM – they always deliver on stage with their batch of energetic tunes. Also check out Rare Birds Sunday at 4:00PM and James Hall & The Steady Wicked at 7:45PM. See the festival website for a full schedule!
Look at this sweet line up playing right now! It’s free!
This week marks the release of ‘Free Radical’, the fourth full-length studio album from MammaBear, the music project led by Kyle Gordon, who wrote and sings lead on all seven of the tunes, in addition to contributing drums and percussion, guitars, and bass. ‘Free Radical’ was originally recorded at Gordon’s home on an 8-track recorder during the pandemic and later finished in the studio, supported by renown local allies Benjamin J. Davidow (Gas Hound, Phantom Electric, The Buzzards of Fuzz), Josh Longino (Disapyramids, Gringo Star), and Tony W. Belser (Bloodplums), whose talents give this record a real band vibe.
There is so much good music happening all around Atlanta this holiday weekend. One show to which you should treat yourself is on Saturday September 4 as Smith’s Old Bar hosts The Ladies Of…
For a few years now we have enjoyed recordings by MammaBear, full of ear-grabbing buzzy licks and an easy, nonchalant hookiness and cool vibe.

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