Awesome 8 off 8th, Mercy Lounge, Tonight In Nashville

Who has been to an 8 off 8th event?  It is a bunch of bands playing rapid fire, 3-song sets to help you to get to know the up and coming Nashville bands, and what is the best part of it… It’s free!  That’s right, NO COVER CHARGE FOR YOU.  So, if you aren’t into the expansive, bleepy, blurpy sounds of Battles or the soulified pop of Fitz & The Tantrums (you could also peek in during a set break at The Cannery), and you want to support some local live bands… this is the event for you tonight in Nashville.

We have talked about a couple of the acts that are playing tonight already, and a few of them are new to me too.  So, let’s have a look at what tonight’s line up has to offer.

The Kingston Springs had a great set at SoundLand this year, they were part of the free concert with Surfer Blood, The Rosebuds, and Delta Spirit, they were showcased at SXSW this year, and played at this years Lollapalooza festival.  I recently saw them perform in Knoxville with J. Roddy Walston & The Business, and they didn’t disappoint.  They are getting a lot of hype in Nashville these days, and you will surely be hearing more and more about them.  If you haven’t seen them, you should definitely check them out.

We have talked quite a bit about Vinyl Thief around here.  They have been popping up more and more in local venues as the publicity continues to build.  We first discussed them before their set at Exit/In back in August and they just played a set with Lovedrug at 12th and Porter a couple of weeks ago.  You can click on either of those links to check out a bit of their music, including their new single “White Light”.  I think you’ll enjoy what you hear, but, remember, this is a band that sizzles live.

Sol Cat is a relative new comer on the Nashville scene.  I was recently sent a demo from their upcoming debut EP of the track “Hang Glidin'”, and I am intrigued.  It’s an interesting combination of musical formulas with a really fresh sound.  I’m interested to learn more about this five piece Nashville rock and roll band.  You can have a listen to that demo at the link below, check out the music sampler on their website, and garner your own opinions.

Sol Cat – “Hang Glidin’”

I’ve seen the names around for the others on the lineup, but I don’t know a lot about them.  And, I’m sick and don’t have the energy to do my normal level of research.  So, here are some links to music players for the others:  Ravello, Vitek, The Lonely H (ugh, myspace), and Buffalo Clover.  We’ll listen along together today, and you can let me know what you think of them.

This is going to be a great night out, and, remember, it is free.  So, get out there and see some live music!