Music lovers once again discover Atlantis
Hip-Hop pioneers discuss the early days
For accessAtlanta
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Now in its 11th year, the Atlantis Music Conference & Festival has always prided itself on being a place where unsigned bands could network with industry types in hopes of securing a record deal or endorsement. For music fans, it has become a great place to catch rising acts on their way to stardom or unsigned bands you may not have heard. While the showcases and schmoozing remain a vital part of the event, this year also provides musicians and fans access to seminars and other resources to help them perfect their craft and market their music in the right way. Here’s a look at some of the main attractions of this four-day event.
Walter Leaphart
Public Enemy, also known as PE, is a hip hop group from Long Island, New York, who started their career in 1982.
Patti Farfan
Atlanta’s Modern Society Thomas Carter (from left), Woody Brown, Tyler Bence, Chris Martin.
Opening party/red carpet
For fans, the folks stepping out of the limos and onto the red carpet may not look all that familiar. That’s because this is an opportunity for up-and-coming acts to feel like the celebrities they might become. Participating bands get the VIP treatment while photographers snap their photos on their way inside the club. Once inside, this is a great opportunity for bands to interact with fans, industry people and other musicians.
• THE 411: 7 p.m. Sept. 17. Opera, 1150-B Peachtree St. N.E., Midtown.
An evening with Public Enemy
As one of the pioneers of hip-hop, Public Enemy combined bombastic beats and bold rhymes. Founding members Chuck D and Professor Griff, along with DJ Lord, will discuss their early days, their creative process and experiences from 20 years of touring the world.
• THE 411: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Sept. 18. Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St. N.W., Midtown.
Remix Hotel Atlanta
Registrants learn to use the latest gadgets and technology necessary for quality music production from industry experts.
• THE 411: 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 18-20. School of Audio Engineering Institute of Technology, 215 Peachtree St. N.E., downtown Atlanta.
Showcases
From an Americana lineup hosted by former 99X program director Leslie Fram at Smith’s Olde Bar on Sept. 19 to a music and fashion showcase the same night at the Loft, live bands are still the biggest draw at Atlantis. With acts ranging from hip-hoppers like Futureshock and Nobody Famous to indie rock and soulful pop acts like the Modern Society, Ponderosa and the Love Willows, the possibilities are seemingly limitless as to what kind of music you might discover.
• THE 411: $30 for weekend pass; $50-$250 for artist registration. Sept. 17-20 (times vary). CW Midtown Music Complex (and other venues), 1374 W. Peachtree St. N.W., Midtown. 770-499-8600, www.atlantismusic.com.
