s electronic And hip-hop outfit two fresh hAs, According to shuffle, the Most populAr
AhA AVl Video on the MAgAzine’s website. AVL bands. Parker says that “the strongest voice in the selection process” was the magzine’s, though Moog Music's team also added a few of its own picks. (And, while the bands have been invite-only so far, Parker is interested in hearing from others who might like to perform.) There's a good deal of crossover between who plays the Moog stage and who lands on Shuffle's pages. “Our first Ahleuchatistas write up was in our second issue, almost five years ago,” says Cullinan. “They played a Shuffle release party for us recently in Columbia and we're all big fans. Naked Gods played one of our first shows at The Milestone in Charlotte and recently penned a scene piece we did on Boone, so we go back a long way with them, as well.” Alligator Indian appeared in Shuffle's 2012 summer issue just after the duo's May AHA AVL set (disclosure: I wrote that story). As far as the partnership goes, Cullinan says, “Anything that benefits a music scene in the Carolinas ultimately benefits Shuffle and our readers,” and Lawrence points out that “you can't go wrong associating yourself with the Moog brand.” Lawrence also says that he's excited about the opportunity for the bands who take part: “It's like a double seal of approval from Shuffle and Moog.” And, even with early start time (7 p.m. for most shows), Parker says they've been well-
attended, with only two pulling in audiences of fewer than 100. “The rowdiest turnout was definitely for the Critters,” she says. “The cameras were shaking the entire time because the crowd was jumping around so much.” The current AHA AVL series runs through February 2013, with Razor and Blade and Curtains still on deck for late summer, and upcoming acts to be announced. Parker says that while no decisions have been made to change the local-only format, “Maybe we'll switch it up and bring bands from the eastern part of North Carolina to Asheville to play. We're really lucky to live in the Carolinas where there is so much rich musical talent.” Lawrence is on the same page: “At some point, I wouldn't be opposed to expanding the reach a little bit, maybe roping in Carolina bands that tour through Asheville frequently,” he says. And, he would like a heavier act like US Christmas take the stage because “it'd be really something to see them augment their heft with some Moog hardware.” For now, Parker is focused on marketing efforts to highlight the AHA AVL bands. She says the series is “really a labor of love by Moog's marketing department. It's just about giving back to Asheville and putting our city on a bigger platform.” X Alli Marshall can be reached at amarshall@ mountainx.com.
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