National Grain Announces CD Release Party

Atlanta, GA (March 22, 2006) — Atlanta-based Americana band National Grain will release their self-titled CD at The EARL in East Atlanta. Also on the bill are local band The Sundogs, and The Little Country Giants, from Rome, GA.

In the mid-‘90s, Atlanta had a thriving alternative-country music scene known as the “Redneck Underground.” Bands such as Slim Chance and the Convicts played regularly, usually at the Star Bar, and sometimes at lesser-known spots such as the long-defunct Austin Avenue Buffet. That scene has all but disappeared, but National Grain is making efforts to bring the twang back to the Atlanta music scene.

“Over the past several years, we’ve seen the number of country and Americana bands really dwindle,” said Jeff Moore, singer and guitarist. “We have hoped that the alternative-country scene would make a comeback, but not much has happened until now. We finally decided that it would be in our best interest to do something about it.” The band has recently taken an active role in choosing the bands that it plays with, in hopes of establishing a camaraderie between local bands, as well as making audiences more aware of the country music scene in Atlanta. “There are so many great Americana and alt-country bands in Atlanta now, and it’s a shame that more people don’t know about them. Acts such as No River City, Little Country Giants and The Chasers from Athens are all making fantastic music right now. We want to expose this music to a wider audience, and create a scene similar to the ‘Redneck Underground,’” Moore says.

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In an effort to bring more exposure to the local Americana music scene, the band has recently started a record label called Old Wheat Records. The label’s first release is National Grain’s CD, but the band is interested in signing other local, like-minded bands to the label. “We’ve discussed the label with folks in other bands around town, and they’re very excited and open to the idea. While none of us has operated a record label before, we think that our enthusiasm and passion will go a long way toward the project’s success,” said singer and bassist Ben McAllister.

For the band’s CD release show, National Grain will also have several local musicians sit in with them during their set. “We really want to raise people’s awareness of the country music scene in Atlanta – make them realize that we’re still here and making good music,” said guitarist Shane Joiner. “What better way to do that than have some of these folks come up on stage with us and play a few songs? Not only are the people in the other Americana bands around town great musicians, but they’re also great friends, and we’re looking forward to playing with them.”

About National Grain
National Grain keeps an emphasis on the traits that defined country music decades ago, paired with some more eclectic influences. In National Grain’s new CD, you can hear echoes of everything from George Jones to The Replacements, Uncle Tupelo to Merle Haggard. National Grain has made a name for themselves on the Atlanta Americana scene with their tight, high-energy shows, recently sharing stages with acclaimed musicians such as Alejandro Escovedo and Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers. Paste Magazine says:

“These sweeping, echo-y, steel guitar-blanketed slow dance tunes and country-rock stompers come highly recommended for fans of Gram Parsons and Commander Cody.”

MP3s are available at the band’s website, www.nationalgrain.net .

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What: National Grain CD release show
with
The Sundogs
The Little Country Giants
www.nationalgrain.net
www.sundogs.net
www.littlecountrygiants.com

Where: The EARL
488 Flat Shoals Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30316
404.522.3950
www.badearl.com

Cost: $7.00