My guests on AthCastMusic this week are four members of the band Bichos Vivos. With me today are Robert Moser, Philip Kohnen. Todd Mueller and Tony Oscar. Bichos Vivos play Forró, a lively music style from northeastern Brazil, featuring accordion, triangle, zabumba, guitar, bass, percussion, flute, violin, and vocals. Similar to Louisiana Zydeco music, here in the United States, it inspires energetic dancing with its vibrant rhythms. The band has just returned from their very first visit to...

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ken Starratt, co-founder of the Squalls, a pivotal band in Athens' alternative music scene. Alongside bandmates Bob Hay, Diana Torell, AL Walsh, Mark Cooper Smith (drums), and Mig Little (vocals), they shaped the musical landscape with four releases from 1981–1989, touring extensively. Their 2022 album, "Live from the 40 Watt," captures the essence of '80s dance parties, showcasing their unique sound. Alongside Athens legends like The B-52’s and R.E.M., the...

Vanessa was born in Atlanta, GA, to a textile worker and a housewife. After completing her elementary and secondary education, she moved to Athens to attend the University of Georgia, graduating with a BFA in 1978. In 1979, fellow students Randy Bewley, Michael Lachowski, and Curtis Crowe asked her to audition for their band, Pylon. This performance art project, initiated by three art students who barely knew how to play their instruments, aimed only to perform in New York City, inspired by...

Note: Due to time constraints, my podcast AthCastMusic is late by 2 days. Usually it airs every Thursday. Parking Garage is a dynamic band, often performing as a trio or quartet, based in Athens, Georgia. They kept me laughing throughout our conversation. The band members are: Dakota Snow - bass/voxNathan Whatley - guitar/voxZach Ross - drumsRafal - trumpetThree of the four members hail from mid-Georgia, with some having attended Georgia College & State University. They met through mutual...

OLIVER DOMINGO is the youngest guest on AthCastMusic. After relocating to Athens, he began experimenting with various instruments, exploring their potential. He collaborates with many emerging musicians in Athens on numerous projects. Constantly thinking about how to create thought-provoking soundscapes, Oliver’s voice is remarkably mature and versatile, making it hard to believe it's the same person singing. His unique and powerful vocals are exceptional for an 18-year-old. My conversation...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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 F**k’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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 [email protected] or call...

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...

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...

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