East Tennessee Dirt: What's happening in the local music scene
By Steve Wildsmithof The Daily Times Staff
Originally published: October 29. 2009 1:25PM
Last modified: October 29. 2009 2:53PM
So long, Facelock; hello, Psychosystem
Word from Christopher "Syn" Wright, frontman for the Blount County-based metal band Facelock, is that the group is no more.
Dust. Done. Committed to the ground. But don't panic -- from that dirt rises another band with the same lineup -- Psychosystem.
"Our original idea was to come out as the new band (by surprise) at the Halloween show as well as play Facelock's last show," Wright told us this week, referring to a now-canceled all-ages Halloween show that was going to be held at Alnwick Gym in Maryville. A new rate to rent the gym, he said, meant the plug had to be pulled on the show.
Psychosystem is slated to go into the studio Nov. 9, he added.
Pre-order 'Smashed Hits'
Remember our cover story on local honky-tonk heroes The Drunk Uncles from back in August? Well, the boys -- three of whom call Blount County home -- finally have a new CD, "Smashed Hits," ready for public consumption. (No word if it comes with a warning sticker.) Here's more from "Uncle" Jeff Barbra: "Howdy all. Here's the special: If you are one of the first 100 people to pre-order 'Smashed Hits,' here's what you get -- a special $12 price, FREE SHIPPING, The Drunk Uncles autograph it for you and you get your name in the credits on the CD. Remember folks, these make GREAT stocking stuffers for Christmas, too!" If you're interested, contact him at jeff@jeffbarbra.com.
Venue changes
On the heels of the abrupt closing of Club Catalyst in Knoxville's Old City (125 E. Jackson Ave., where Blue Cats was once located) two weeks ago, another live music venue is shaking things up.
The Speakeasy Bar and Venue, located at 5712 Kingston Pike and opened back in early summer, is already changing hands. It's been sold, according to our sources, and will be under new management and a new name -- The Sugar Shack Bar -- starting Nov 1. Shows will continue to be booked, but live shows will be on hold until later on in November/early December. "New show dates will be posted as they are confirmed," so keep checking the current Myspace page (www.myspace.com/speakeasyknoxville) for more info. Fortunately for bands scheduled to play Club Catalyst, most shows -- including the subject of our cover story this week, Hank III -- have been relocated, most to Southbound Bar and Grill, 106 S. Central St. in the Old City.
That's good news for fans of electronic-rock outfit The Crystal Method -- the show that was originally scheduled for Club Catalyst on Halloween night has been relocated. It's still on Saturday night; still at 9 p.m.; still limited to those 18 and older; and admission is still $20. But the new venue is Sobu Lounge, 6213 Kingston Pike in Knoxville.
Attention, local bands and musicians! We want YOUR information. Send it to us via e-mail to: steve.wildsmith@thedailytimes.com, or call us at 981-1144.
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