Podcast 19 Scours Atlanta’s Rock Scene
BMI continues to share tomorrow’s music today with its groundbreaking “See It Hear First™” new artist podcast series, the first of its kind in the music industry. Available at bmi.com/podcast, edition #19 explores Atlanta’s eclectic and bustling indie rock scene. BMI’s hand-picked sampling of the region’s up-and-comers features hard rockers Esmé; singer/songwriter John Pringle; roots rock band The Beggars’ Guild; and zealous rockers Tx/Rx.
Esmé’s frenetic rock relies on heavy guitar chords corralled by pop hook sensibility. Dueling lead vocalists offer a different approach to well trodden contemporary rock paths and revel in angst-ridden harmonies. Based in Atlanta’s thriving music scene, Esmé gigs relentlessly up and down the east coast and throughout the South, earmarking towns and venues along the way, and earning hordes of staunchly dedicated young fans in the process. Sample Esmé here on “These Dreams Are Real.” myspace.com/esme
Atlanta singer/songwriter John Pringle’s mellow rock mulls over typical situations and his protagonists’ reactions. Different moods find Pringle occasionally channeling Bruce Springsteen or David Gray — Springsteen when he’s spinning yarns, Gray when he’s lazily pondering. The son of an actress and stockbroker, John worked on Wall Street and in London before finally giving in to his musical calling. Tune in to John Pringle here on “Vanished Fortunes of Foolish Men.” myspace.com/johnpringle
The Beggars’ Guild aim to pick up and run with the torch of quintessential Americana rock, and their debut EP, Breaking Me Down, finds the Georgia quartet on the right path. Not afraid to wield a pulsing steel guitar or thick harmonies, the band employs the aforementioned weapons and more to create toe-tapping hooks in the happy tradition of southern summer rock. Infectious without sacrificing soul, hear The Beggars’ Guild here on “Minnesota (Always Leaving).” myspace.com/thebeggarsguild
Tx/Rx’s fiery tunes employ twin electric guitars to enhance the tense atmospheres stoked by lead vocalist Kevin Arthur. Moods shift from frenzied to eerie and lollygagging, scooping the listener up for the occasional emotional rollercoaster. Co-writers and co-conspirators, the band positions the song at its core, all the while singing and strumming with passionate conviction. Meet Tx/Rx here on their original song “Chances.” myspace.com/txrxspace
BMI’s “See It Hear First” podcast has become an important tool for exposing new BMI songwriters and artists to key industry professionals and fans alike. Since its release in May 2005, millions of listeners from around the world have tuned in to discover new music from a broad range of genres and regions. Past ‘cast artists including singer/songwriter Brendan James, rockers somedaynew, Latin hip-hop artist Cosculluela, Canadian crossover band Soul Kid #1 and country-pop combo the Zac Brown Band have all grabbed the industry’s attention through the BMI podcast, with some landing major recording and publishing deals, and others on the verge of being signed.
In addition to hearing great music from an array of new talent, podcast listeners can also vote for their favorite artist to help them win a CD duplication package from Disc Makers, the leading CD manufacturer for the independent musician. Winners get 1,000 discs, a prize with a promotional value of more than $10,000.
Tune in to bmi.com/podcast to hear all 18 editions of the BMI podcast, the first in the music industry to be listed in Apple’s podcast directory. The “See It Hear First” series is also available from iTunes at bmi.com/itunes, from Yahoo! at podcasts.yahoo.com, or though Pod2Mob.com.
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