RESONANCE ATL: Comedy, music, film, and all that comes with it
Virgo season is upon us and these local artists are grooving (Beyonce reference lol)
Stand-up comedy, original films, hard and soft rock, punk, alt-country, and more – there’s something for everyone.
Sun., Sept. 3
One Night Stand-Up, 529 Bar — If you’re an Atlanta comedy fan, you’ve probably heard of Amber North — known for her clever wit and dark but hilarious social commentary. North’s Grrrls Nite Out is Atlanta’s longest running all-female comedy showcase during which she highlights local female comics from Atlanta and surrounding areas. North spent two years co-producing a sketch film competition Ladies Night, and has performed in countless festivals across the southeast. She has been continuing to take the Atlanta comedy scene by storm with her live shows and sports news comedy Instagram, @amberlandsports. Before North made a name for herself as a comedian, she was an avid sports journalism fan with plans to make a career out of it. Now, she gets to use her writing and comedy skills to connect to both communities. North will be performing at this rare 529 comedy show along with Andy Sandford, Gabbie Watts, Jason Hulsey, Joe Pettis and Shaunak Godkhindi. $10. 7:00 p.m. 529 Bar, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. Atlanta, 30316. 529atlanta.com
Thu., Sept. 7
SMALL, Scratch-Offs, Bass Drum of Death, The EARL — SMALL is anything but, if you didn’t get that from their ironically capitalized, band name. This chaotic trio just released two new singles in June and they’re exactly what every local punk needs. “Telephone” and “Cosmos are upbeat, danceable tunes with a common stylistic theme of chaos. Their raucous vocals and deep-cutting lyricism make for the perfect punk sound. Also on this bill is local post-punk five-piece Scratch-Offs, a perfect compliment to SMALL. Scratch-offs only have a few released singles, “Text Fight and “Jesus Night,” but both should be a good indication that they know what they’re doing. Mike Ligocki’s vocals have a classic punk rock feel with a distinct sound that could only be his. Don’t miss either of these locals at The Earl with Bass Drum of Death on Sept. 7.
$20. 8:00 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta, 30316. badearl.com
Fri., Sept. 8
Dinner Time, Heffner, Nicholas Mallis, 529 Bar — The Athens and Atlanta music scenes sometimes go hand-in-hand, especially in the indie-rock field. I have no doubt this 529 bill will be a banger. Atlanta’s favorite indie soft rock outfit, Dinner Time, is known for their moody soundscapes and trippy ‘60s and ‘70s-influenced production style, perfectly exhibited on their sophomore album from 2021, Halfway Down. Their smooth, dance riffs and deep guitar and vocal tones provide for a very fun listening experience, sure compliment Athens’ Heffner and Nicholas Mallis. Heffner isn’t unlike Dinnertime in their trippy indie style, but their alternative rock sound is what makes them stand out. Heffner started making waves in Athens back in 2020 with their debut single, “You Don’t Even Know Him,” and have since not only grown in sound, but also in members. Their 2022 album Perfect Heaven is full of softer, more intimate guitar-driven tunes like “Close Enough” and harder hitting songs like “Tough Questions” that are reminiscent of their first, self-titled album. Nicholas Mallis is an Athens artist known for his “weirdo pop” songs. Mallis has an experimental, electro-pop sound that makes you want to dance. His lyricism matches his chaotic energy and his live performances are no exception. Don’t miss these three acts at 529 Sept. 8.
$15. 9:00 p.m. 529 Bar, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E. Atlanta, 30316. 529atlanta.com
Tue., Sept. 12
Mallbangs, Reed Winkler, Alley Rainy, Jack Cherry, The Inner Space in Underground Atlanta — The Inner Space in Underground Atlanta may be somewhat difficult to find on first arrival, but once you do, you unlock some of the best local shows around. This one is no exception, with four of what I’ll call elevated singer-songwriter projects. Mallbangs is one of my favorite local outfits, not only for their alternative pop sound but also for their sincerity in both songwriting and in life. When they’re not writing songs, front-person Aidy runs something called The Voicemail Project. There’s an Instagram page (@the.voicemail.project), P.O. Box and a phone number for folks to anonymously leave messages about whatever they want. It’s an outlet to vent, tell stories or admit things and feelings you’re too afraid to tell anyone else. With over 1,300 followers and daily messages, Aidy gives strangers a safe space with their platform. They also do that with their music. Checking For Daggers, Mallbang’s 2022 album is sincere writing and bedroom-pop beats that’ll make you feel seen in all the best ways. Also playing this bill is Atlanta’s newest neo-folk swooner Reed Winkler, with her dreamy tunes and wistful words as well as new slowcore DIY trio Alley Rainy and noise-pop songwriter Jack Cherry. Don’t forget to arrive early to give yourself time to find the space if you haven’t been there before.
$10. Tue. Sept. 12, 8:00 p.m. The Inner Space in Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St. 30303. www.instagram.com/innerspace_atl
Fri., Sept. 15
Hensleys, CannonandTheBoxes, No Yonder, Buteco — The Hensleys are Atlanta’s newest psych-punk foursome. Just last month they released their first music video for their latest single, “Midsummer.” These moody punks have been playing all over town recently and making fans everywhere they go. Their debut EP releases Sept. 1 on all platforms. I have no doubt it’ll have just as many funky riffs as relatable themes on it. Also on this Buteco bill is Athens’ beloved CannonandtheBoxes. Front-person Cannon Rogers is someone everyone in the indie folk/rock scene seems to love, not only for his songwriting/guitar/pedal steel ability, but also for his infectious personality. Rogers and his boxes have been known for their folky rock sound since their first releases in Athens back in 2019 and more recently their 2021 album The Wonder Years. Since graduating from the UGA Music Business Program, Rogers has not only advanced musically but also stylistically, constantly experimenting and trying new things with his music. C&tB’s newest album High Life dropped early this month and is everything we needed from them. With hits like “Classic City Celebrity and “Pastel Houses,” High Life’’ highlights the band’s natural folky sound while also giving us indie and alternative rock undertones. The album even features a cover of Steve Earle’s “Transcendental Blues.” This is definitely not a show you want to miss.
$10. Fri. Sept. 15, 8:00 p.m. Buteco, 1039 Grant St. NE. Atlanta, 30315. Butecoatl.com
Sat., Sept. 16
Kelly Romo, Equal Creatures, Maxine Green, Vinyl – Self-described as “miserable for artistic purposes Kelly Romo is releasing their debut album Good Mourning’’ Sept. 14 and throwing a killer release show to match. This album comes after two recent singles, “an old friend” and “bargain boi,” both prepping us for this highly-anticipated record. Romo began as a late-night DJ and music producer whose skills later materialized into songwriting for her own pop project. Romo’s music is almost conversational in a way and poetic in every way. Her authenticity and vulnerability show not only in the lyricism but also through raucousness of her vocals. Romo’s music has bedroom and experimental pop vibes as well as classic indie rock riffs and tones. Along with the album release comes an accompanying film by local artist Julianna Freed’s gAy24. I have no doubt the upcoming album will be just as fun to listen to as these singles. Don’t miss her release show with local indie rockers Equal Creatures and new neo-soul foursome Maxine Greene.
$12-$15. Sat. Sept. 16, 8:00 p.m. Vinyl, 1374 West Peachtree St. NW. 30309. Centerstage-atlanta.com
Tue., Sept. 19
Keke Palmer, The Loft — Keke Palmer, the queen herself is coming to Atlanta. She’s my personal favorite celebrity virgo (sorry, Beyonce) and she’s also a damn good singer and performer. Palmer has been everywhere – movies, tv, late night, podcasts – but this tour is to celebrate her May film and accompanying album Big Boss. Big Boss is unlike anything Palmer has done. It is a 41 min film of Keke Palmer’s life by Palmer for her TV Network, KeyTV. The film opens with scenes of a young Palmer, a child actress running lines and singing songs, growing up in a religious household and with her family in Chicago and then eventually entering the male-dominated entertainment industry. It goes song-by-song through the album, making it essentially 10 music videos that sync up to show her life story and path getting to where she is. It is raw, emotional and a very vulnerable look into Palmer’s life. Not only are the songs classic Keke’s pop and R&B sound, the videos are just as good. I thoroughly enjoyed this entire film and I have no doubt the Big Boss tour will be just as entertaining.
$30. Tue. Sept. 19, 8:00 p.m. The Loft, 1374 West Peachtree St. NW. 30309. Centerstage-atlanta.com
Thu., Sept. 21
Nihilist Cheerleader, Wine Lips, Frankie & The Witch Fingers, Terminal West — Atlanta/Athens riot punk beloveds Nihilist Cheerleader’s newest single — and first release since 2018 — “So Good” dropped in May and is just the comeback we needed. Nihilist Cheerleader’s angsty sound and calculated chaos translate perfectly in their live performances, always leaving you wanting more. Fingers crossed we keep getting new releases and shows from these folks. Don’t miss them at Terminal West on Sept. 21 with Frankie & the Witch Fingers and Wine Lips.
$30. Thu. Sept. 21, 8:00 p.m. Terminal West, 887 West Marietta St. NW. 30318. [https//terminalwestatl.com|Terminalwestatl.com
Fri., Sept. 22
New Junk City, Dead Register, Shehehe, Commune, Boggs Social & Supply — Who doesn’t love a good pop-punk foursome? Atlanta’s New Junk City are one of my favorites and they’re supporting Dead Register, Shehehe and Commune at Boggs on Sept. 22. New Junk City have been playing in Atlanta and touring all over for years, making a name for themselves as one of the city’s favorites, musically and personally. Their 2022 album Beg A Promise is full of danceable riffs and rock n’ roll feelings. Singles like “Quitters” and “Left Shoes Jimmy” bring back a nostalgic emo punk feel that could make anyone just want to dance and sing along. Fingers crossed for a new release from them soon.
$15. Fri. Sept. 22, 8:00 p.m. Boggs Social & Supply, 1310 White St. SW. 30310. boggssocial.com
Tue., Sept. 26
Blammo, Dippers, Lewsberg, The EARL — Blammo’s 2021 album, Onomatopoeia, combines classic punk sounds with multi-cultural influences and eclectic melodies that make any listener want to hear more. These local legends give a wild live performance that perfectly encapsulates their infectious energy. Blammo is opening up The EARL on Sept. 26 for Lewsberg and Dippers. $12-$14. Tue. Sept. 26, 8:00 p.m. The EARL, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE. Atlanta, 30316. badearl.com
Please send upcoming shows to consider for CL’s Resonance ATL concert calendar to jessica.goodson@creativeloafing.com