An Athens Playlist
photo by Mick Haupt
an athens playlist
my (small) introduction to the athens music scene. including: athens music history, local artists, and a plethora of song recommendations
by third year Rachel Waters
Autumn has finally arrived in Athens. Though my wardrobe fluctuates from thick jackets in the crisp morning to tank tops in the warm afternoon sun, the change in season stirs a yearning for something fresh, something different, something long desired but never explored. For me, it's the allure of local music.
The demand and electricity for local music in Athens extends far beyond any of our times here as students. Many say the Athens music scene’s popularity began to grow with the B–52’s. In 1976, The group formed during an impromptu jam session, sparked by a shared flaming volcano drink at a now-lost gem of a Chinese restaurant on Baxter Street. The majority of Athens’ music relies on a blended rock alternative style dating from the 80s. This is noted in another one of the most famous bands hailing from Athens: R.E.M.
Athens’s music history is a fascinating look into the late 70s and early 80s cultural scene following the Vietnam War, where hippie counterculture and anti-war sentiments raged throughout American college campuses. For the small college town of Athens,
—this ultimately led to the rise of alternative music culture right here in Athens. I could write about the rise of Athens' alternative music culture for hours. For now, though, I’ll leave you with this article and focus on the current Athens music scene.
photo by Rachel Waters
I recently uncovered another hidden gem: originating in 2000, Athens has its own Walk of Fame. I’ve walked and ran over the bronze guitar picks cemented into the sidewalk Downtown a hundred times, but I've never understood its meaning to Athens music history. Some advice: look down at the names every once in a while - check out some artists. There’s a quiet thrill in it, something more captivating, more personal, and (dare I say) more charming than its Hollywood counterpart.
Music has long been a unifying and vibrant force right here in Athens. From the B-52s and R.E.M in the 80s to the passionate sounds of today’s college bands, its energy swirls through the humid air. Posters adorn lamp posts outside Jittery Joe’s and cling to crowded bus stops. Great rhythms linger just up the street; it’s a sweet reminder that we are all a part of a living, passionate, and vibrant musical history.
Over the past week, as I've struggled through Dostoevsky books beneath the trees at Herty field, wandered through North campus and downtown between classes, and studied until past midnight at the main library, music has been my constant companion. I’ve become an expert at quickly untangling my wired headphones, and my ears have gotten used to playing music a little too loud. My introduction is far from complete, but here are a couple of current local artists I’ve been loving recently:
florence cardigan
Florence cardigan describes themselves as“serving a delicious cocktail of funk, punk, and jazz-inspired indie rock” - and I couldn't describe it any better if I tried. It’s genuinely the perfect blend: and probably my most played songs from this whole list.
If you have a spare hour, there are just six songs on Spotify, and there genuinely is not one song I wouldn't recommend: every single one is a must listen. Florence Cardigan creates “a space reminiscent of an attractive ex’s apartment that you can’t stop thinking about. And much like that ex, Florence Cardigan is a band that is hard to forget.”
hotel fiction
Gentle, sweet, & simply sublime, hotel fiction’s indie rock takes a softer approach - their vocals remind me of popular artists like HAIM & Clairo.
The two lead singers, Jade & Jess, began playing together in 2019 while students at UGA. My absolute favorites from their catalog so far are “Athens GA,” “I Like You Around,” “Sunrise,” & “Margot.”
marcel sletten
The perfect blend of captivating, soothing, and tranquil - there’s something almost nostalgic about his electronic songs.
His album “Mammatus Clouds” has been my absolute go to for late night study sessions and walking through North Campus at 2 a.m. I can’t recommend this whole album enough, but my top songs are “Pressure Drop” and “Ghost.”
wieuca
Classic college band alt rock. I’m honestly struggling to write a synopsis of their music other than saying: the instruments, the vocals, the graphics- it’s all sick. Their albums “Truth Management” and “Burning Platform” have been perfect for blasting music a little too loud in the car. Some top favorites are: “Cleric,” “Gauntlet” & “Brain Sucks,” & “Llycra.”
karma kat
If you find yourself with 10 minutes to spare, you simply must listen to their three songs listed on Spotify, “Joe’s Bathroom,” “Four Shots Deep,” & “Titanic Boomerang.” My spotify replay count for these songs may be slightly embarrassing, but each song is truly addicting, blending pop, rock, & jazz elements together. Plus, their life shows downtown are just as fun and energetic.
hallpass
To put it simply: they’re perfect alt indie rock, with some folk spread throughout. Hallpass has gained popular recognition this last year - and with good reason. I honestly haven't come across a skippable song from them yet, and their rhythms are a prime motivator during morning jogs. Some of my favorites are “Record Player,” “Roma,” & “Oh, Honey.”
widespread panic
Formed in 1986 and still touring today (though only two original members remain), widespread panic is one of the original popular Athens jam bands. It’s a blend between alternative rock and southern flair—apparently they are notorious for their live performances.
Their instrumental live albums on Spotify are—for lack of better terms—pretty sick. Some song highlights are “Pickin’ Up The Pieces,” (my favorite) “The Take Out,” and their cover of “Maggot Brain.”