Practical predictions from BLANK’s resident soothsayer
By Madame Weezy
For such a scruffy little city, Knoxville is overflowing with some big talent, and that is no better evidenced than in our local music scene. Being able to hear live music pretty much any night of the week is a cool perk of living in these parts, so if you haven’t yet ventured out to hear our performers play, what are you waiting for? Don’t know where to start? What might grab your ears? Madame Weezy is here to guide you in the right direction, consulting the stars in the sky to point you to the stars on our local stages.
Aquarius: Water-bearers are quirky, intelligent and unapologetically individualistic. They are also so clever that it sometimes can be difficult to tell when they’re being tongue-in-cheek, which can be kind of obnoxious, as no one can make another person feel quite as dumb as an Aquarian. Pilot Light staple Brad Fowler is talented at shrouding his wit and poignancy with noise and over-the-top theatrics with his solo project The Criswell Collective – and laughing internally during every minute of it. Observing this dynamic is an added layer of entertainment unto itself. Aquarians are guaranteed to enjoy what is just as much performance art as it is music.
Pisces: Those born under this sign are soulful, likable and super-duper chill. The same can be said about everyone’s buddy, Mic Harrison. With a knack for heartfelt and empathetic songwriting under the guise of some nasty rock riffs, Harrison (and by proxy his music) is just as approachable and engaging as our fishy friends. Just the way he lives life appears effortless, and since Pisces don’t dig having to do more than the minimum, Harrison is a perfect performer to introduce what the local scene has to offer.
Aries: Rams are full of energy and passion … and also can be a little naughty. They need a band that’ll grab them by the throat and swing them around the room, preferably in a sexy way. Luckily, Knoxville’s biggest freaks Teenage Love 13 are happy to oblige. They’ve been dishing out some of the raunchiest ruckus for decades and show no signs of ever slowing down. If you’re into debauchery – and any Aries most definitely is – don’t miss the opportunity to watch Rus Harper and crew melt faces and steal souls.
Taurus: Bulls are smart, nurturing and drawn to music that makes them feel at home. They’re also unwavering in their convictions and thus prefer artists who stand for what they believe in, no matter what. Our favorite nonbinary pansexual country artist has been making a name for themself nationally, but Adeem the Artist is 100 percent Knoxvillian. Their incredibly thoughtful, brutally honest and at times totally hilarious brand of songwriting is completely authentic, and their aesthetic is fun and flashy while also being warm and magnetic. They never shy away from using their stage as a platform to spur change, which is something bulls can really buy into as well.
Gemini: The twins dig many things, but two of their favorites are folks who are multifaceted and being seen with (other) cool people. What happens when popular, uber-talented musicians get together and just have some fun jamming along to some beloved classic country? You get The New Market Trainwrecks, the hands-down best way to hear stuff like old Statler Brothers tracks while not ceding any cool points. Each member has been in countless bands, ranging from garage rock to punk to metal, and they even feature one of the best fiddle players around. Each member is just so good on their own, but together they make up one of Weezy’s favorite acts in town.
Cancer: You are all about big feelings, so your favorite band will be one that has devastatingly emotional songwriting. What will draw you in more is when those words are sung by someone who can make you feel every note in your soul. While they’ve never been accused of being too upbeat, Thrift Store Cowboys make some of the most brutal yet beautiful music around. Knoxville adopted this incredibly talented Lubbock, Texas, outfit about a decade or so ago, and our city has been enjoying the deeply expressive Dan Fluitt and company ever since. If you want to get up and dance, well, there are actually a few numbers you can wiggle to, but you’ll be best saving those dancing shoes for later. This is one of those shows that’ll have you hanging on to your chair, trying to stay upright as you become entranced by some of the most profound storytelling you’ve ever heard.
Leo: You are wild, you are fun and you’re the center of every party. You want a show that’s full of bright colors and thumping beats. One that lets you act a fool, dress a fool and move in a way where eyes stay focused on you. Knoxville’s eight-piece funk explosion Temp Job meets all your needs and then some. You won’t be able to keep still as frontwomen Mia Lucas and Ty Murray strut across the stage chanting along with an incredible rhythm section and jazzy saxophones. This group, a patchwork of accomplished musicians from other local outfits, have learned how to weave together an incredible party tapestry that sounds like nothing else around.
Virgo: You are sensible and classy, but you have a little wild streak. You appreciate a performer that can embrace the cultural and academic nuance of the music they produce. Our own Matt Morelock is sophisticated, incredibly talented and, honestly, has just enough whimsy about him to be fun without being obnoxious. The WDVX alum, overalls enthusiast and old-timey extraordinaire has an innate talent for making music that is both technically impeccable and emotionally mesmerizing. The dude hits all the buttons is all I’m saying, and he has to be the fanciest fella to ever carry a banjo.
Libra: You don’t want music that you have to do homework to appreciate, and you’re drawn to those that are pleasing to the eye. Basically, you want your music easy and pretty. While she is miles beyond simple, our ukulele-toting Kelle Jolly is the loveliest human inside and out and has a voice that is just as beautiful. The woman is an amazing storyteller, can sing better than pretty much anyone else around and is an absolute sight to behold, but she makes her audience feel so welcome and comfortable that even those that don’t have the urge to dig (but you should because she’s so darn smart) can be drawn into her performances. Bring one of your more introspective friends along, and you’ll both leave with a satisfied smile.
Scorpio: Though this town has plenty of artful souls busting with emotion, which you may dig in private, your live-band wish includes music that’s hard, raw and oozing with sex appeal. We have plenty of those, too, but the one that’ll really get your motor running is Mercy Lights. This band is pure rock in its most primal form. Unapologetically loud, in your face and magnetic, they remind us all how to let loose with swinging hair and fists a pumpin’. You try not to emote in public, but there’s no way you’ll make it through a set by these folks without letting out a guttural scream of excitement. Thankfully, you’ll likely be surrounded by those that rock just as hard and know not to make eye contact in the daylight.
Sagittarius: You are a leader, effortlessly cool and love to let loose and wiggle all over the place. A band you can dance to isn’t the only prerequisite, though. You’re drawn to those that beat their own path and give no cares what anyone else thinks. Good Guy Collective’s J.Bu$h is the kind of artist you can respect. He tells amazing stories of triumph over struggle, brushing off negativity and forging ahead with swagger and confidence. He doesn’t pretend the bad times don’t happen, but he highlights and celebrates the good times. His shows will let you let loose without being silly and let you leave feeling like you did something worth doing.
Capricorn: Though folks might think you don’t know how to let loose, you do have your moments. You need some straight up rock ‘n’ roll you can sing along to with your pals – dancing optional. Luckily for us, we have national headliners The Dirty Guv’nahs walking amongst us here in town, looking just like everyone else, perhaps just a little cooler. This Southern-rock outfit is always a good time to take in, either together or broken off on their various side projects. They also have those super soft T-shirts available at their shows, so make room in your budget for the merch table, too.
