Metro Pulse/Music/Eye on the Scene

Let There Be Rock

Jeff Woods is starting a Knoxville record label called Cultstar in hopes of getting more attention for local artists and combining resources.

"There are so many talented people in Knoxville all putting out records on their own and doing great amazing things and all working independently toward the same goal," Woods says, "and paying more than they have to to have their records pressed or buy advertising."

Two local artists have committed to being on the label so far—Leslie Woods, Jeff's wife and bandmate, and Tim Lee. He's talked with several other local artists, but none have committed yet.

Woods is now soliciting investors, who would have a vote on large issues—like borrowing money—but would not be involved in the signing of artists or day-to-day management. Steve Greene will likely be involved as a manager, Woods says.

The label is designed to be artist-friendly, Woods says, and eventually he'd like to sign bands from outside Knoxville. "Conceivably, if we get things rolling, a lot of people would want to be on this label.... It started out as a way to put some of these Knoxville artists on the map," he says.

The artists could benefit by doing group advertising and getting group rates on pressing CDs. "For a single band, it's difficult to justify buying a $500 or $1,000 ad in Magnet," he says. "If you've got two or three records, you could stretch the cost out among all of them. It seems like we could get more accomplished by working together."

He hopes there will also be artistic benefits by bringing a number of Knoxville musicians together.

Lee's record is almost done, and Leslie began recording hers this week. Their target date for the Woods release is next February. "I'd like to release several of them at the same time and have a big push," Woods says. "We could bring it all together after the first of the year and release several records."

Local Review

Nug Jug
The Jug Giveth (More Than You Deserve)

Nug Jug's songs are funny, but this is no joke band. Their catchy, quick-as-a-flash tunes have twang (care of Tom Pryor's pedal steel and banjo), but they're not country. And their lyrics regale drinking to excess, girls with tattoos and Kentucky-style family relations, but these guys are more than your run-of-the-mill rednecks. Well, even if they aren't, they're a helluva lot of fun.

It's been three years since the band's self-titled debut disc, but they sound as fresh as ever, retaining their sense of humor. Recorded in Jim Rivers' KATP studios, the 10-track collection has the same energy of their recent CD release show at the ThInQ Tank. Guitarists Chuck Watt and Steve Smith trade off vocal duties (one or both of whom have perfected the Beatles-style scream), with Pryor on harmony, leaving Bill Ardison to play bass and Jason White and Jason Ratliff on drums. That these guys with full-time day jobs are having a blast playing these songs shines through every note.

Described by one astute listener as "a rock band with a Grateful Dead button," Nug Jug keeps the East Tennessee in their music, concocting an infectious and endearing rock/country/jamgrass hybrid. Plus, their live show is a hoot and a half.

Over in the Mountains

Hotoberfest is alive and well. The annual festival drew a crowd of 334 despite cold weather and a location change from Hot Springs, N.C. to the French Broad Outpost in Del Rio, Tenn. The line-up included regular performers Todd Steed, Scull Soup and the always great, but creepily enthusiastic Trent Summar. By many accounts, the festival was a success in an achingly beautiful spot.

"The vibe was the best I have experienced at any Hotoberfest and many people have already emailed and called and said the music was the best yet," festival organizer Curt Boegeman says. Perhaps the festival's most poignant moment came from an uncharacteristically sober Scott Miller. His rendition of "Going Home," which includes the line "Carry me back to East Tennessee" in its chorus, served as an appropriate welcome home to Hotoberfest and its faithful attendees.

Media Conspiracy

West 105.3 just added Little Steven Van Zandt's syndicated "Little Steven's Underground Garage." The E Street Band guitarist and Sopranos star spins—you guessed it—garage music from the '60s to today. The show airs every Wednesday from 10 p.m. until midnight.

Go.

Thursday: Lydia Lunch is a legend. Go see & hear her caustic spoken word at the Pilot Light.

Friday: Charlie Thomas is a swell guy running for council. Even if you're voting for his opponent (and please, vote!), you can enjoy great tunes by R.B., Todd Steed, and Jodie Manross at this Preservation Pub benefit for him.

Saturday: The Fairfield Four is a legendary gospel group at the Laurel Theater. What's with all these legends coming to Knoxville?

Sunday: You be the rock star at Barley's open mike.

Monday: The trumpet scatters its awful sound over the graves of all lands/ Summoning all before the throne/ Death and mankind shall be stunned/ When nature arises to give account before the judge.

Tuesday: The first of an ambitious three-part concert by Wesley Baldwin and David Northington playing all of Beethoven's works for piano and cello begins tonight at the UT Music Hall. Parts two and three will be in November and January.

Wednesday: Succumb to the charm of The Rockwells at the ThInQ Tank.

—Joe Tarr, Paige M. Travis, Clint Casey