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Soundcheck

Tuesday, July 11, 2006
  • My Brightest Diamond
    My Brightest Diamond (Asthmatic Kitty Records)

    Atlanta: The Next Hotbed of Indie Music?

    Atlanta became known as "Hotlanta" in the '90s when it became associated with the "Dirty South," hip-hop movement. Atlanta-based rap firms and performers are estimated to contribute more than $300 million to the city's economy. But now the city is home to a growing indie rock scene. Today, Atlanta's Lauren Aparicio, A.K.A. DJ L, talks about the sound of Atlanta music and tells us who to look and listen for. Also, Harlem-born pianist Roy Eaton joins us to talk about championing the work of ragtime great Scott Joplin. Finally, a live performance by singer/songwriter Shara Worden, who performs under the moniker My Brightest Diamond and who was recently signed to the Asthmatic Kitty label.

Is "Hotlanta" Still Hot?

Atlanta native Lauren Aparicio, A.K.A. DJ L talks about the growing variety of indie musicians who come from Atlanta.
» More about Lauren Aparicio's Radio Show

My Brightest Diamond

Singer/songwriter Shara Worden, who records as My Brightest Diamond, joins us for a live performance.
» My Brightest Diamond's Web site

Joplin Reconsidered / Syd Barrett Obituary

Pianist Roy Eaton talks about championing the work of ragtime pianist Scott Joplin.

Also, Pink Floyd co-founder Syd Barrett died last Friday. Below are two previous interviews from Soundcheck that look at the singer and guitarist's life and music.

»John Edginton, who produced and directed the Syd Barrett documentary "Crazy Diamond" for the BBC's Omnibus series, talks about the musician's life and music. (Aired Aug. 11, 2005)

» The links between mental illness and creativity are explored in relation to the career of Syd Barrett.

Noteworthy New York

Soundcheck

We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.

Your "Democracy Song"

Soundcheck

As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.

Buying Music: A Smackdown Series

Soundcheck

Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune

Atmosphere

Soundcheck

With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.

Tin Pan Alley

Soundcheck

A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.

I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!

Soundcheck

Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Soundcheck

Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.

Tina Dico

Soundcheck

Singer-songwriter Tina Dico tops the charts in her native Denmark. She joins us to share songs from her latest full-length album, "Count to Ten," as well as a trilogy of EPs.