Atlanta has embraced its global connectivity, positioning itself as a cultural asset in the States and the world over. Yet, amid the influx of global sounds and influences, Atlanta’s deep-rooted musical identity remains distinctly its own. With origins in the 1900s Southern Gospel, the city laid the groundwork for a vibrant Blues scene, a groundbreaking Hip Hop prominence and the long welcomed migrating Country music from pioneers in the Appalachian Mountains. Atlanta has become a cradle for new sounds, where tradition meets experimentation, and in doing so, a home for true music lovers embracing all things music.
Whether a newcomer or already a local, here are a few ideas for you to experience the city’s music in its truest form:
1. Once a church, now the Tabernacle Music Venue
In the heart of downtown Atlanta, The Tabernacle stands ready each night to welcome some of the best names in today’s music scene including Guns N’Roses, Eminem, Alice In Chains, Bob Dylan and many more. Housed in a stunning 40,000-square-foot historic building with a capacity of up to 2,600 guests, it was originally built as a church in 1911. Now past and present collide in a space that echoes over a century of the city’s evolving sound. You might want to check out The Tabernacle’s upcoming acts as they will be quite promising.
2. Blind Willie’s Blues bar for the aficionados
One of the most authentic Blues bars you’ll be lucky to stumble upon. It’s less a traditional venue and more a cosy, unpretentious bar where respected musicians take the stage just a few feet away. Blind Willie’s has received names such as Taj Mahal, Lonnie Mack, Chicago Bob Nelson, R.L. Burnside and many, many more.
Since opening in 1986, it’s been awarded the Best Blues Club of the Year by the W.C. Handy Awards – an entity which has been handing out the most prestigious Blues awards since 1980 – and continues to welcome music lovers night after night. This is a no-brainer if you consider yourself to have an old soul. Especially one who takes great pleasure in drinking in the richness of the old sublime sound.
3. The district Little Five Points
For those who like to indulge in a bit of that sweet vinyl crackle, Little Five Points will undoubtedly be on your list. A vibrant and artistically eclectic district which attracts curious people from all walks of life looking to taste a bit of underground culture. The main street sets you in the mood; it offers a choice between three different record shops.
Criminal Records for modern listeners of alternative, electronic, hip hop and pop music. No further than a few metres away you’ll find Wax’n’Facts, for those keen on digging up a variety of jazz, hip hop, rock, soul, electronic and disco. And, quite literally a stone’s throw away you will stumble across Moods Music, granting soul, jazz and hip hop derivatives for all those tender listeners.
4. Start a new page in A Capella Books
We’re aware that the idea of reading a book might not sound immediately appealing to everyone. But hear us out. There’s something uniquely rewarding about flipping through musically-adjacent pages, especially when one connects the sounds they’ve heard and love with the stories behind them.
You might feel tempted to visit A Capella Books, nestled just five minutes away from the Little Five Points district. Here, you can get lost in one of the largest selections of music books around, with titles like It’s About Music The Art and Heart of Improvisaiton by Jean-Michel Pilc, Chronicles by Bob Dylan, Palmer Robert’s Deep Blues, and deeper dives into history like Music Is History by Questlove. The repertoire is endless – a wonder to wander through. A Capella stays true to the joy of holding physical words in your hands, something any vinyl collector can relate to when it comes to sound.
5. Fancy a jam at the Velvet Note?
There’s usually nothing more satisfying than a plush, dark living room, hinting you to lose yourself in the cosiness of live jazz in the evening. This is a bar where you can snuggle into the ambience’s live soulfulness. Once a week, however, The Velvet Note hosts an open mic every Thursday from 20:00 to 23:00. Encouraging you to get on stage where you can manifest your musical talents alongside others. Don’t shy away from the opportunity to form part of the city’s musical confessions. Otherwise, go and enjoy the show.
6. Shaky Knees Festival speaks true to its name
Well, the name practically speaks for itself. It’s a banging music festival. And it makes your knees shake. The annual music event is held in Piedmont Park and hosts around 50.000 attendees. Their inclusive atmosphere stands out, inviting those of all ages and shapes to take part. Founded by Tim Sweetwood in 2013, every September the line up merits the rock scene’s top tier artists and guarantees a spot for those up and coming bands who deserve that little extra push. Past and upcoming performers include names like IDLES, Deftones, David Byrne, Tenacious D, The Black Keys and well, we could go on and on.
7. Attend the enchanting Candlelight experience
Within the flickering lights of romance, Candlelight offers an experience that could only be described as the pinnacle of music à la mystique. There are endless editions, held in timeless locations. Amidst such an intimate setting, they all pay tribute to your favourite artist translated into the silkiness of classical music’s lending hand. Atlanta abides by this experience in its most breathtaking locations, such as The Wimbish House, Magnolia Hall, The Chapel On Sycamore and the Exhibition Hub Atlanta Art Center.
8. We call it Jazz, what do you call it?
On a slightly more explosive note, if you’re more keen on traveling back to New Orleans jazz, look no further. They call it Jazz because the experience captures the unmarred spirit of the genre. The energy is unmistakable and the soulfulness coming from the musicians only seems to get people on their feet. Curated in order to honour the undying Big Easy music featuring songs such as “Ain’t Misbehavin”, “Fly Me To The Moon” or “Stella by Starlight”.