AthCastMusic: The Music of Athens GA, Now and Then

Meet Me! Marlene Sokol Stewart, the Host of AthCastMusic, The Music of Athens GA, Now and Then.Throughout this podcast series, I'll be bringing you conversations with some remarkable guests, each with their own unique insights into the music scene. From these conversations, we'll create a comprehensive view of the music landscape, both historic and contemporary.Athens, GA, holds a special place in music history, especially during the 80s when it created a new sound that reached far beyond its small-town boundaries. I'll dive deep into the stories of how this town became a breeding ground for musical innovation, changing the way musicians from Athens approached their music and influenced musicians worldwide.This podcast offers a distinctive perspective – that of an outsider looking in on this extraordinary place. We'll explore the ever-evolving music scene in Athens, GA, and its enduring impact on the music industry. Join me on this journey as we uncover the past and present of a town that continues to shape and inspire the world of music.

Join Marlene in the kick-off episode of "AthCast Music" as she shares her personal story and connection to the music industry. You’re in for an adventure of exploring Athens' music scene and the way it's rocked through the years, especially in the 80s and 90s! Hosted by Marlene Stewart.Produced by Kayla Dover

Marlene and Joe sit down with Andrew Ratcliffe, the mastermind behind Tweed Recording Audio Production School in Athens, GA. Andrew’s story takes us from being a student in Oxford to creating a thriving music school in Athens. Tune in as we delve into the creation of his groundbreaking program, the assembly of his award-winning staff and the exciting future that awaits Tweed Recording. Hosted by Marlene Stewart and Joe Hill.Thanks again to Andrew for joining us this episode. Learn more about Tweed Recording at https://www.tweedrecording.com.

Tune in to the latest episode of AthCast Music where Marlene and Joe sit down for a chat with Athens music legends, William Tonks and Tommy Jordan. With a musical camaraderie that has flourished over 15 years, their story begins in a Boy Scout Troop. Join us as we uncork the tales behind their extensive discography, experience in the Athens music scene and enjoy a couple beers.Hosted by Marlene Stewart and Joe Hill.Thanks again to Mr. Tonks and Mr. Jordan for joining us this episode. Learn more about them at https://www.mrjordanmrtonks.com.

Beyond the political podium, Mayor Girtz is a music aficionado who has not only served two terms but has also been a tireless advocate for the Athens music scene. Join Marlene as she chats with Mayor Girtz about his political journey, how he merges the love of music with the love of politics, and his commitment to the musicians who define the cultural heartbeat of Athens.So much thanks to Mayor Kelly Girtz for joining this week! To get in touch, email kelly.girtz@accgov.com or call 706-613-3010.

Step back in time with us in the latest episode of AthCast Music featuring the remarkable Donny Whitehead, a true Athenian who has witnessed the city's musical evolution for over six decades. From learning to play the piano in first grade to sharing the stage with iconic bands like The Platters and Temptations, Donny takes us on a musical history lesson. Join Marlene as she dives into the rich history of Athens' music scene and uncover the memories that shaped Donny's illustrious 64-year career. Thanks again to Donny for joining us this week! To get in touch with him, email donnywhitehead@gmail.com.

Dive into the musical and personal world of Spencer Thomas in this episode of AthCastMusic. A Jackson, MS native, Spencer has become an integral part of the Athens music scene. His work with “The Future Birds” and the Spencer Thomas Band echoes influences like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, blending working-class themes with deeper explorations of mental health and emotional complexities. His album “The Joke of Life” showcases his evolving artistry, with contributions from notable musicians. Join Marlene as she uncovers how Spencer navigates life and music in Athens, striving to be both a better musician and a better man.Thank you again Spencer Thomas for joining us!Direct: spencerthomassongs@gmail.comBooking: https://champagnesundaybooking@gmail.comManagement: drewbeskin@gmailcomInstagram: @SpencerthomassongsFaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=spencerthomassongs

Join us as we discuss the enchanting world of jazz with Mary Sigalas, an extraordinary jazz vocalist. In this episode of AthCastMusic, we will explore Mary's journey in reviving the captivating music of the 30s and 40s with her band, the Hot Hotty-Hots. Beyond her performances, Mary passionately leads Jazz Athens (JAGA), aiming to make Athens a jazz hub. Her conversation with Marlene radiates her deep love for hot jazz, which was strongly influenced by her grandfather. Mary's music is a dance-inducing, soul-stirring tribute to a timeless era.facebook.com./mary.sigalaswww.marysigalas.comfacebook.com/jazzathensInstagram: @marysigalas

In this episode of AthCastMusic, Marlene chats with Jim Benson, filmmaker of "Hwy 29 Revisited," a documentary capturing the influential music scene of Athens, GA in the 80s and 90s. Jim, also known for establishing the WORD X WORD Festival, shares his experiences in Athens, highlighting how the welcoming nature of local bands and venues extended his stay. Their discussion reveals shared goals and surprising connections, offering listeners a glimpse into the dynamic world of Athens' music legacy.hwy29documentary@gmail.com413-446-9505

This episode features the remarkable Sarah Mootz, an artist who has triumphed over adversity to establish her unique voice in music. Born in Georgia, Sarah began her musical journey early, writing songs and performing gigs from her teens. Despite facing industry pressures and challenges, she stayed true to her artistic vision. Marlene explores Sarah's story of resilience and self-acceptance, highlighting her emotionally charged songs like "Sexualized" and "Just Say You Love Me," and her latest release "Eat Your Heart Out." The episode offers an intimate conversation and a special performance by Sarah, showcasing her as one of the prominent 'now' musicians from Athens, GA.Instagram: @SarahmootzWebsite: Sarahmootz.com

This episode features Knowa and Mokah Johnson, a dynamic duo who have built a huge presence in Athens by promoting social change, diversity, and equality for people of color and multi-international cultures. Knowa and Mokah speak to Marlene about their unique story of meeting each other, how they created the United Group of Artists Entertainment, Athens Hip Hop Awards, the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM), and how they collaborated with other Athenian Influencers to create the spectacular Athens in Harmony, a fundraiser that supports the AADM and brings together singers and musicians that one might expect to perform together.Marlene@AthCastMusic.comJan 14, 2024 Athens in HarmonyJan. 15, 2024 MLK Parade & Music Festhttps://tinyurl.com/yc26nz74https://www.aadmovement.org/Instagram: Mokah.JasmineJohnsonInstagram: Mokah & Knowa JohnsonAthenshiphopaward.comjasminejohnsonedu@gmail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/mokahjasminejohnsonhttps://www.facebook.com/knowa.logicknowalogic@gmail.com

Join AthCastMusic as Marlene sits down for an insightful conversation with the musically versatile Freeman Leverett. Growing up in Elberton, GA, and attending school in Athens, Freeman faced social challenges that deeply influenced his musical journey. His exposure to diverse music led him to explore various genres and instruments, consqequentially leading him to shape a unique, stand-out sound. Now based in Athens, Freeman's songwriting skillfully blends world music elements, complemented by his impressive vocals. He's involved in multiple bands, including Bichos Vivos with its Brazilian Forró genre, and Floral Portrait. Freeman and Marlene talk about his latest project, born from a serendipitous online meeting with another musician. Listen as Freeman shares his unique story and showcases his exceptional vocal talent in a special performance.Hosted by Marlene Stewart.

On this episode of AthCastMusic, Marlene talks with Annie Leeth, a producer, engineer, and session violinist known for her work with Faye Webster, Kishi Bashi, Erasure, the Magic Gang, and Grouplove. Annie discusses how she discovered that her classical training did not align with the type of music she wanted to create. This realization led her to become a highly sought-after musician, known for her ability to enhance the sound of various artists' songs. Annie previously worked as the house engineer at Maze Studios in Atlanta under Ben Allen (Animal Collective, Deerhunter) before transitioning to her current role as an engineer at Chase Park Transduction.Hosted by Marlene Sokol Stewartdate: 12/19/23Songs: Alone Anyway, Waste Time (if you'd like)Instagram: Annie,leethFaceBook: Annie Leethannieleeth.commarlene@athcastmusic.com

Marlene Sokol Stewart talks about her up and coming Season 2 of AthCastMusic. In season 2, Marlene has the opportunity to bring some of the best musician's and industry influencers in Athens Georgia. Whether her guests have been in Athens since the glory days of Athens, or some of the best bands and musicians that are making their mark not only in Athens but nationally and some internationally. This will be a great season to listen to AthCastMusic, If you "don't listen, you can't hear!"Season 2 TrailerShow: AthCastMusic: The Music of Athens Georgia Now and ThenFrequency: Updated Weekly, ThursdaysEngineer: Kayla Dover, Tweed recordingRecorded at Tweed Recording, Audio Production School, Athens GaIntro by Telly Awarding winning Mike Hathcote, https://mikehathcote.com/ or mike@mikehathcote.com

Hank Sullivant is an American rock musician and record producer, who is known for his work as a co-founder of the Athens-based pop rock band The Whigs, his stint as touring guitarist for MGMT, and as leader of the rock band Kuroma. Marlene sat down with Hank to talk about his time with the Whigs, what touring with MGMT was like, to having a family and being the organist for his church as well as the Business of Music & Life Skills Instructor at Tweed Recording.Show AthCastMusic hosted by Marlene Sokol StewartFrequency Every ThursdayPublished April 4, 2024Length: 52.42Recording Engineer Kayla Dover, Tweed RecordingIntro by Telly Award winning Mike Hathcote of Mike Hathcote Media, https://mikehathcote.com/, mike@mikehathcote.com

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 StewartFrequency Weekly on ThursdaysLength 58:03Rating ExplicitEngineer Kayla Dover Recorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production SchoolMIKE MANTIONE FB https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=mike%20mantione&__stsd__=eyJwcmltYXJ5Ijp7InR5cGUiOiJUWVBFQUhFQURfUEVPUExFX0VOVElUSUVTIn19INSTAGRAM MIKEMANTIONE FIVE EIGHT FB https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=five%20eightTHE BAD ENDS https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=the%20bad%20endsINSTAGRAM BADENDSROCKDAN HOROWITZ FB https://www.facebook.com/dan.horowitz.96KLEZMER LOCAL 42 FB https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=klezmer%20local%2042

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 StewartFrequency Weekly on ThursdayLength: 71.27Rating ExplicitFaceBook https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jim%20whiteWebite: jimwhitemusic.net catalog and to purchase Incidental ContactInstagram Willow Avalon.David Byrne Instagram davidbyrneofficial

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 StewartFrequency Weekly on ThursdayLength: 51:15Rating ExplicitFaceBook https://www.facebook.com/billcodyus

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 StewartFrequency Weekly on ThursdayLength: 44:10Instagram: @montumillerFaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/william.miller.aka.montuATHFactor-Liberty Entertainment (ALE)

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 18Length : 39:41Updated Weekly on ThursdayEngineer: Kayla DoverRecorded at Tweed Recording Audio Production Schoolhttps://tweedrecording.comInstagram: Adam.PoulinFaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.poulin.71 https://www.facebook.com/grasslandstringband https://www.grasslandband.com