Other Sound Festival kicks off tomorrow night, avoids "trendiness" for fourth year running

This year's Other Sound Festival takes place over three days in three venues, and promises to be an exploration of the city's truly independent music, featuring the best bands in Atlanta and beyond. Local labels, publicity firms and non-profits have their hands in the mix, including Containment Theory Records, Eskimo Kiss Records, Industrial Strength Promotions, Sopo Bicycle Co-op and more.

We've got the full schedule of events, plus a Q&A with festival organizer Kat Colohan of Containment Theory Records, to start the fest off right.

Paste: What inspired you to start this festival?
Colohan: Kim Ware of Eskimo Kiss Records actually started this festival 4 years ago in North Carolina. She created it as an alternative to the corporate heavy music festival that were popping up everywhere at the time. Other Sound moved to Atlanta three years ago with Kim. Last year my label, Containment Theory Records, got involved and helped promote and organize. This year Kim was insanely busy with school and married life so I stepped up with the organizing along with Justin Sias of SoundLab 84, Batata Doce & Missile Command. So the festival is Kim's baby, really. But we're really happy to be a part of it.

Paste: How has it changed from year to year?
Colohan: It changes year to year by the labels that are involved, and the bands. It is all local and independent record labels that give us support. The bands come from the labels involved or local acts that want to be a part of it. Kim initiated a rule (which was so smart) that bands cannot play two years in a row. This rules out any "trendy" bands getting too much of the spotlight and allows for newer bands a chance to share the stage with more better known acts.

Paste: Why should everyone drop what they're doing and go to these shows?
Colohan: The lineup for this year's Other Sound is the best we've had so far. There are 18 bands that are all gaining in strength and popularity in Atlanta. It's three nights at three different venues, so you get a nice change of scenery, and the variety of music is vast this year. There is defintely something for every musical taste. And how often can you go to a three-day festival for only $12? Our three-day passes are $12; if you paid the door price every night you'd be spending $20, which isn't even that bad. It's a really a great deal for the amount of entertainment.

Paste: What's your favorite story from a previous Other Sound?
Colohan: Last year one of the bands, Club Awesome, brought their "pool parties" to Lenny's. They set up a kiddie pool in the middle of the bar & filled it up. Everyone got in & danced. It was hilarious!

The full Other Sound Festival lineup:

Thursday, 9/11/08
Chopper, Thy Mighty Contract, 13 Day Mission, Nomen Novum, North Elementary @ WonderRoot -- 8 p.m., $5 at the door

Friday, 9/12/08
Pink Police, Attractive Eighties Women, The Preakness, Warm In The Wake, Icecaps, Grand Prize Winners and Calabi Yau @ Star Bar -- 9 p.m., $5 (before 9 p.m.), $7 (after 9 p.m.)

Saturday, 9/13/08
Dropsonic, The Booze, Missile Command, A Fight To The Death, Rev Rebel & The Sound Supreme, Yardwork @ The Earl -- 8 p.m., $8 at the door

Related links:
The Other Sound Festival on MySpace
Good Day Atlanta at the Paste Office - High Gravity
Dan Deacon to headline Corndogorama's meaty lineup