Welcome to Paste:Local Atlanta!

[Above: Judi Chicago performs at Lenny's Bar on July 26, 2008.]

At Paste, we dedicate ourselves to searching out "signs of life in music, film and culture." Until now, that search has been on a national (and international) scale, culling art from all over for people to absorb, wherever they are. But it's time for a reversal! Instead of looking everywhere, Paste:Local lets us focus inward and apply that same discerning eye to what's great about some of the best cities in the U.S., Atlanta included. Myopia has never been so fun!

So why is Atlanta deserving of such attention? Won't it get self-conscious and start blushing and fidgeting if we look too closely? No! Atlanta's got tons to offer. For a sampling, check out my top five favorite things about the city.

In the coming weeks, we'll be throwing at you lots and lots of live reviews, reviews of local record releases, Q&As with bands and local cultural figures, art show write-ups, community projects, book events, and more.

Look forward to live reviews of the Judi Chicago, Noot d' Noot, She & Him, Thee Crucials, Can Can, Gentleman Jesse & His Men, Howlies and many more, straight from famed venues like The Earl, the Star Bar and the Drunken Unicorn. We'll catch up with Noot d' Noot, one of the newest Atlanta bands to share members with other groups, weaving a tightly-knit network of labels and performers that makes any music community feel like home. And we'll let you know about upcoming shows and events so you can go out and soak up what makes the city great. Stick with us!