Get Out There, Get On It

So I can't tell you guys who's leading in hours volunteered, or I'd have to kill you (inquisitive suicidal's stay back). But I can tell you that the race is close. We're rounding the second turn and no one contender has pulled far ahead of the rest. There's a little less than a month left to accumulate hours. So get out there and get on it.

Black-eyed Peas and Cabbage

I hope everyone ate their New Year’s good luck foods, especially our competing bands. It is January and we have now reached the halfway point of this competition. Bands, you now have one month left to log hours. What better way to start the New Year than lending a hand to those in need? Remember, January 31st is the last day to accumulate hours. So everyone get out there and give others a great beginning to their year.

Great Work

Hey guys, we're almost to the halfway point in our competition. All the bands have been putting in a lot of hours, and everyone is very grateful for their help. Please everyone keep in mind that non profits can always use more help, especially now during this historic recession. Non profits typically have extremely tight budgets, and with many people dealing with pay cuts or complete job losses, there is fare less money and time to be donated to those in need. We really appreciate all those who are out there giving what they can, in the spirit of the competition or in the spirit of the season. Thank you all, and may you all have heart warming holidays.

Congratulations Graham Marsh

Congratulations are in order. Graham Marsh has been nominated for a Grammy for his work on the critically acclaimed Gnarls Barkley album, The Odd Couple. If you do not know the album I speak of, then yes that does make you crazy…get it? Anyways, this Grammy nominee has set aside time in his busy, hit-making schedule to sit down with our lucky competition winner and quite possibly make the break-out artist album of 2009. Do you think this artist should be you? Do you have the heart and the work ethic of a star? Then get out there and show us you do. Hours are still logging, and more bands keep signing up each day. The kitchens getting hot, but sweats the secret ingredient in this special sauce. Everybody, get out there and give to your community. The rewards you will reap will not be limited to this competition. And Mr. Marsh, from everyone here at WonderRoot Studio's, congratulations, thank you for all the inspiring music, and thank you for helping us.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Takes Notice

Last week the Atlanta Journal-Constitution published a write up on our battle of the bands. We here at WonderRoot would like to thank them so much for taking notice of our competition. This type of recognition really helps us get the word out to a more diverse crowd. This is even more reason for all you musicians to get involved in this. Go here to check out what was said.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/atlanta-holiday-guide/events/stories/2008/11/24/bands_give_holiday.html

You Make It All Possible

So everyone is talking about how this competition is such a great idea, and how WonderRoot is providing so much help to local artists. But, we cannot take all the credit. There are many people working together to facilitate the execution of this competition. This post is to shine the spot light on them, and to say thanks.

Performer Magazine- Performer is an excellent source for new acts, big and small. They are a highly reputable music focused publication that always seems to be on the crest of the hottest emerging acts and interests within the music community. If you’re ever in need of a taste of something new, pick up a Performer. Read this highlight of WonderRoot Studios. http://www.performermag.com/sep.atl.0811.php

Criminal Records- Criminal holds a special place in many Atlantans hearts. Growing up in here, we all were exposed to great head bopping music via Power 99 ( the original 99x). But, if you wanted something off the beaten radio path, you needed to find it yourself. Before the Internet made millions of people music super sleuths, Criminal Records was the bloodhound that sniffed out must hear bands. They still hold true to this today, while also providing comics, clothes, films and other awesome gifts. Check them out if you haven’t already. http://www.criminal.com/

Lenny’s Bar- Lenny’s has been a staple for the Atlanta music scene for as long as we can remember. Once know as Dottie’s, and often referred to as the “CBGB’s of Atlanta”, Lenny’s always offers up ice cold cheap beer with red hot music acts. If you have a ten bucks and a ride to Lenny’s, you have a great night ahead of you. Check out up coming shows here. http://www.lennysbar.com/

Robot Face Productions- A relatively new upstart in the Atl. scene, RFP has been working hard to make a positive impact. The whole RFP crew has been deeply involved in Atlanta Arts since they were kids. Now, they’re grown and so are their ambitions. They currently do three things: 1) Book and promote a bi-monthly event to showcase of the very best new local Atlanta bands. 2) Manage the Music Initiatives Program for WonderRoot's Community Arts Space. 3) Book and promote concerts for non-profit organizations in Atlanta.

Indie Outlaw- RFP works very closely with Indie Outlaw, a music consulting and artist advocacy firm. IO has helped Atlanta/Athens bands such as Morning State and The Pendletons to be heard by a wider audience. Based out of NYC, IO aims to bring great Atlanta bands to NY and visa versa. IO and RFP reach across the span of the east coast to make sure we all are able to get an ear full of the best of both cities. www.indieoutlaw.com

From everyone here at WonderRoot, thank you everyone. We are so grateful for your contributions. This competition wouldn’t have been close to being possible without you guys. Now, musicians, make all of our efforts worth it and give us a blow-out competition. We’re all counting on you now. So, sign up and start competing.

Taking cues from Digital Underground, I believe today is everyone's chance to do The Hump. Now, I know that's got you guys excited. And, you should be excited. It's Wednesday, and we're almost 3 weeks into the competition at this point. There's a strong battle waging even in these early stages. We keep having new sign-ups, and we can always use more. So, those of you who think you may enjoy this competition, SIGN UP! Those of you who think you know someone who might benefit from having Graham Marsh engineer their EP, get them to sign up. By the way, all musicians would benefit from this. Even your little brother Timmy who plays Recorder would have a KILLER EP if Marsh worked with him. Imagine a sweet driving beat, add in some voder effects, while Timmy solo's on Hot Cross Buns. AMAZING. I digress. You and all your friends, SIGN UP. We'll see ya out there.