By: Shelby Lum
It’s not everyday a venue celebrates a full decade in the business, and Vinyl is celebrating in style with some of the city’s best acts.
The Quaildogs are among some of the bands playing for the venue’s big bash. The band has played at Vinyl twice, said Lee Berg, vocalist and bassist.
“I think it’s really cool, because our band’s only been around for about a year and a half and Brandon who runs booking there at Vinyl gave us some opportunities,” Berg said. “That really sort of got us to where we are now so it’s fun that we were invited back.”
After 10 years in the business, Vinyl has served as a major stepping stone for small/medium acts and local bands towards bigger shows. While the Center Stage complex has The Loft and Center Stage Theater, the smaller room that is Vinyl has served as a breaking ground for many artists. Vinyl’s intimate room is the perfect place for emerging bands to really get to know their audience and fans.
For the anniversary party, The Quaildogs plan on mixing up its style for the night. “I know we are going to be doing our songs a little differently. We are going to be be playing more acoustically,” Berg said. The band felt the night called for a slightly different style of play, he said.
The quintet is originally from New Orleans until it relocated to Atlanta. “We draw a lot of our energy at our live performances from bands we’ve seen in New Orleans,” Berg said. While New Orleans may be known for it’s wild parties, Atlanta has still taken a firm grip on The Quaildogs. “It’s definitely more of a Georgia sound than New Orleans,” Berg said.
The band has been gaining footing in its new home, and Berg said he believes the city has had a specific influence on the group. “I think Atlanta is going through a cultural revolution,” Berg said. “I think that’s a metaphor for our band.”
Apparently the hot, humid weather isn’t the only thing to rub off on the New Orleans natives.
The band’s debut album Extended Play was released in February of 2012, and was followed by The Fall in September of 2012. Even in the few months between releases, the band’s growth is evident.
“I think our sound has matured and evolved and that’s in The Fall,” Berg said. “It feels more like a complete body of work.”
With two albums in just one year, the band still hasn’t stopped for a break. Berg said the band slowed touring to focus on writing and recording a new album. He said The Quaildogs hoped to release the album in fall of 2013.
That new album may not be ready, but that doesn’t mean fans won’t enjoy new music. Berg said the band plans on playing new songs they have only played live once or twice.
The Quaildogs will be playing at Vinyl’s 10 Year Anniversary Party on Saturday, February 23. Doors open at 9 p.m.
