Return of the Mic

Open Mic Madness kicks off its fifth run Mon., Aug. 21. The six-day festival features hundreds of bands playing in front of a packed house at Smith's Olde Bar.

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"Honestly, it really is madness. Every industry person is out during our week. So many press people, radio, PR, lawyers, performing rights organizations ... everyone is there during our event," says event founder (and Whigs manager) Josh Rifkind. "You can literally launch your career in six days with this exposure."

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How does it work? The first few nights feature 48 bands performing one song each. Half of each night's artists move on to the next round. "The tournament advances through the entire week, so people get eliminated as the week goes on," says Rifkind. Since so many industry folk attend and sit on the judges' panel, disqualified musicians often stick around to network and hang out. "Everyone in the business is out there that week. It really is a great opportunity," he says.

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Past winners of Open Mic Madness include Bain Mattox (2002), the Whigs (2003), Avenge Vegas (2004) and Sovus Radio (2005). This year's prizes include a berth on popular music festival/cruise Rock Boat in January 2007, studio time with producer Don McCollister (Indigo Girls, Shawn Mullins) at Nickel and Dime Studios, and a 500-CD package from Media Go Round.

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If you're hearing about Open Mic Madness for the first time, then it's not too late to get in on the action. Rifkind says he processes applications all the way up to opening night and contacts every band that qualifies for the event personally. You can apply at www.openmicmadness.com. Good luck.

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GO DJ: Last month ATL's favorite DJ crew the Aphilliates signed a label deal with Asylum Records. The first release on the newly formed Aphilliates Music Group will be Grand Rapids, Mich., rapper Willie the Kid and his album, tentatively titled Crown Prince. Other acts on the imprint include Mr. Powell and the Replacementz.

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Before that happens, however, Aphilliates member DJ Drama plans to finish his Gangsta Grillz project for Atlantic Records. (Both Atlantic and Asylum are owned by Warner Bros.) That compilation should hit stores by early next year.

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BACK IN BLACK: Do you remember Avulsion? The death metal band made some noise several years ago before breaking up in early 2003. After three years apart, the quintet is exploring the idea of reuniting again. "We missed working together," says guitarist Alex Cox, who also co-owns the group's label, Deathgasm Records and plays in another band, Amoebic Dysentery. "So when somebody asked us to play another show, it was fairly easy to take time to do that."

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Avulsion plans to play a series of reunion shows, starting with a Fri., Aug. 11, gig at Swayzes Venue. Depending on how well the performances go, it may then record a follow-up to its 2004 album Indoctrination into the Cult of Death.

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RANDOM NEWS: Southern rock group the Redbelly Band changed its name to Dead Confederate. Please make note of it. ... R&B singer Lloyd signed with superstar producer Jazze Pha's Sho'Nuff Records. ... Boulevard is one of nine finalists in the Zig-Zag Live Club Tour contest. The winner receives $1,000 and a performance slot at the 2006 CMJ Music Marathon. You can show your support for Boulevard by voting at www.zigzaglive.com. Polls close Aug. 20.

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CD RELEASES AND ANNIVERSARIES: Club Legacy, a new venue in Stone Mountain, opens its doors Fri., Aug. 11. DJ Clue and Lil' Wayne will make guest appearances. ... Buckhead bar the Pool Hall celebrates its 60th anniversary with a Sat., Aug. 12, block party. Live performers include John Pringle, Hellbound Orchestra, Second Shift, and Doublewide. ... Local ska band the Dog's Bollocks plays its last show Sun., Aug. 13, at Swayzes Venue. Hoboken, Skaladdin and Eat the Rich open.