The Atlantis Music Conference is upon us. Lu Frew has been keeping track of who all these bands are, and sent us this missive with her own personal recommendations... click here!

James Mathus Knockdown Society will play at the Echo Lounge on August 7th in support of their recently released Stop and Let the Devil Ride (Fast Horse). Described as "juke-joint electric blues," the album features a guest appearance from Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars. Clarksdale-based Mathus was a founding member of the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

If you're that way inclined, click on this link to hear some rare tracks that appear on the upcoming Freddy vs Jason soundtrack from the likes of Spineshank, Ill Nino, Chimaira, Type O Negative, and Killswitch Engage. Personally, I'd rather drown in a vat of bat guano.

Caitlin Cary has added more East Coast tour dates to promote the excellent I'm Staying Out (Yep Roc), and will play Chastain Park on August 2nd. Let's hope people shut up and listen to her.

A benefit for the Atlanta Harm Reduction Center (which helps drug users and HIV victims) will take place at the Red Light Café on August 24th, presented by local label Daemon Records. Kevn Kinney of Drivin' N' Cryin', Michelle Malone, and Kristen Hall will perform, and so will Daemon's head honcho Amy Ray. The event will include a silent auction of music memorabilia and a chance to sing on stage with Ray.

Singer and producer Vaneese Thomas is set to release a CD called A Woman's Love (Segue) on August 26th. Thomas is the daughter of Stax legend Rufus Thomas and the sister of the very soulful Carla Thomas, so this should be one hot record.

The Atlantis Music Conference is mere days away, and here are some of the more recognizable names participating: Indie.Arie, Ed Roland of Collective Soul, Chris and Simon from Trapt and Glen Phillips from Toad the Wed Sprocket. More names and full details of this veritable extravaganza can be obtained here.

Danielle Howle is playing a slew of Southeastern gigs in the coming weeks. Go here for dates and so forth.

Punk rockers the Bouncing Souls are playing hither and yon to plug their sixth CD, Anchors Aweigh (Epitaph) which comes out on August 26th. The tour hits the Masquerade on October 24th.

Much, much harder, and also on Epitaph, F-Minus brings us songs from the delightfully titled Wake Up Screaming, and will play at some place called Neutron Bomb on August 15th.

Popular ivory tinkler and songsmith Ben Folds has just launched an EP series that you can only get on the internet. Each EP will be available just three weeks after recording. On another, more frightening note, Folds is working on an album project with William Shatner. Those of you who remember what Shatner once did to a Beatles tune should be quaking in your boots by now.

So Damn Happy is the title of Loudon Wainwright's new live CD on Sanctuary Records, featuring guests Richard Thompson and Van Dyke Parks. Release date is August 19th.

Athens-based Left Front Tire will play at the Atlantis Music Conference on July 31st and will headline at the Cotton Club on August 9th. Their album is called 42 Ways to Lose a Friend (RedEye) and it's pretty damn good.

Dont believe everything you read! According to The Rising's official website on Maverick.com, former Film lead singer Mike Lee says about the song 'So Alive', 'is a moving confession about the struggle to maintain faith in the face of adversity that is nothing short of inspirational'. Too bad the song was written by Film 2 years before he joined the band and is actually called 'Q'! The first single from the full-length Future Unknown is called "Cradle".

The Hiss will debut their first video for the UK single Clever Kicks at a special screening at the Eastside Lounge in East Atlanta at midnight on July 21st. The video was directed by Charles Mehling who's work also includes videos for BRMC, The Music and Haven. There will be single giveaways and someone will win a copy of the video.