Metro Pulse/Music/Eye on the Scene

...and a prayer?

Local hardcore music enthusiasts will be pleased to hear of the establishment of an indie label right here at home. That's right kiddies, now that One Wing Records is up and running, you'll be able to hear digitized platters released by local bands all on the DIY tip, yo.

The brand spanking new label is spearheaded by impresario of all things hard, fast and passionate, Barry Gault. Gault says he's always wanted to run his own label. Life in the music bidnez is tough, but the 21-year-old music magnate has the necessary optimism, chutzpah and bravura to weather the ensuing storm.

"It's been my dream to run a label since I was a junior in high school," says Gault. "I wanted to do something in the music business as opposed to being an actual artist. I've always loved music. And I've always wanted to have the ability to get the music that I love out to the public one way or another."

At present, One Wing has two area bands with scheduled releases. Past Mistakes will unleash their sophomore disc, And The story Doesn't End, in July and Atropos will release their debut, Industry Vs. Inferiority in the late summer or early fall.

But to stave off your hunger for local 'core, One Wing will be releasing a four-song sampler (two songs each by Atropos and Past Mistakes) in late July. The sampler will be a freebie given out at music festivals, shows and in cool area record stores. Or if mom won't let you borrow the car to go to the hardcore fest, you can contact the label at www.onewingRecords.com for info on how to secure a copy of the sampler for yourself.

No Depression

in KnoxvilleLovers of the local scene might wanna take a peek at the current issue of the alt-country bible No Depression. For one thing, there's a big profile of Scott Miller (written by some guy named Mayshark, with nice photos by local shutter wizard David Andrews). And there's also a write-up on Miller's ex-roymate Mic Harrison and his new band the Faults. Between the two stories, a bevy of other local names are dropped: Todd Steed, the Judybats, Superdrag, Taoist Cowboys, the Swamis. Even Disc Exchange manager Shane Tymon makes an appearance, musing on Miller's newfound maturity. Like the man says, you can't shake Knoxville.

Local CD Review

Blue Mother Tupelo
Delta Low, Mountain High

There seems to be a lot of action brewing on Knoxville's Americana scene, and it's not just from the major players (who could that be?) either. Locals Blue Mother Tupelo have just released a new CD, Delta Low, Mountain High (Sho 'Nuff Records), which proves their worth as practitioners of indigenous musical forms.

BMT seems to exist in the very center of America's musical terrain: a place where blues, bluegrass, folk, country, rock 'n' roll and gospel intersect seamlessly. Formed around the core unit of marital partners Micol Davis and Ricky Davis, BMT touches on each of these forms at some point in the course of the album, displaying a true understanding of roots music on a lovingly produced, reverent collection.

Apparently a loosely bound aggregation, BMT sends a gaggle of area musicians through the revolving door of their chapel of the blues. Yokels Chucke Burke, Dave 'Ro Rorick, Jimmy Clark, Richard Griffin, Danny Vestal, Quentin Ware, Bobby Keys, George Johnson and JT Tucker make their presence known with a variety of acoustic sounds.

But of course, it all boils down to the blues. Ricky Davis' six string skills are evident throughout—and he's got the chops that can only come from years of experience. Both Mr. & Mrs Davis sing on the outing, but Micol Davis' dusky alto voice seems best—not a slight on Mr. Davis either. Micol's vocals recall the timbre of Rickie Lee Jones or Bobby Gentry, while Ricky sounds sort of like Dr. John. Obviously, they've both been doing their homework.

Delta Low, Mountain High merely serves as another reminder of why BMT is a steady draw on the local club scene with an ever increasing fan base. These guys are the genuine real deal, living among us. So now it's your turn to check 'em out for yourselves. BMT creates real music—by and for real people. And there's no denying the quality and authenticity of their work.

BMT will play Barley's on Saturday, July 21.

Go.

Thursday: Michelle Shocked at Blue Cats. A kind-hearted woman sings sharp, shocked songs.

Friday: Evil Twin with the Shaken Babies at 319 Gay Street. Kick off your 13th in wild, dark style.

Saturday: Snowglobe with Palindrome, The Passport Again, and Johnny Romania at Tomato Head. Release party for Makeshift #2, a disc full of good, thought-provoking sounds from Memphis-exes.

Sunday: Sister Calling My Name at Carousel Theatre. An uplifting, spiritually-themed drama produced by Terry Weber's WordPlayers.

Monday: Open Mic Night at MacLeod's. You just never know who'll turn up.

Tuesday: Richard LeFevre's resonant images from the Civil War on display at the Ewing Gallery.

Wednesday: Dealer's choice—Kristi Rose and Pulp Country at Barley's or Red Monkey with Champagne Kiss and Dirty Unicorns at Pilot Light. Each'll be a good show, but only you know if you'd prefer new-old-country or Brit rock-pop.

—Emma "In need of vacation destination suggestions" Poptart