Atlanta Mess-Around festival to celebrate DIY, rock 'n roll

Oh, Atlanta. Here, any reason serves as an excuse to throw a music festival, and any two-day event can be called a festival. In this proud tradition, The Earl will host the Atlanta Mess-Around Nov. 14 and 15. Presented by Triple D's, Rob's House Records, Douchemaster Records and Die Slaughterhaus Records, it'll showcase the best in ATL DIY, featuring performances by The Spits, Carbonas, All Night Drug Prowling Wolves, Cheap Time, Wax Museums and Gaye Blades the first night, and Gentleman Jesse & His Men, Nobunny, Hex Dispensers, Baby Shakes, Black & Whites and Lover! the second night. Whew!

For more on the event and its inspiration, Paste:Local Atlanta talked to the heads of the three labels throwing the party. We asked them all the same five questions. Here are their answers:

Paste: Why do the Atlanta Mess-Around? 
Trey Lindsay of Rob's House Records: Each of the labels have been around for several years and have yet to stage an event on this scale to celebrate our output. We tried doing something of the sort at SXSW last year but the original three-day showcase was cut back to one day by the venue. While it would have been great to have done something more substantial at SXSW, it really makes more sense to have it set in Atlanta. By planning this thing on our own, we've got more time, energy and local experience to make it a really special event. But at the end of the day, it's really just a big party that we invited all our friends (the bands) to and a way to share them with the rest of Atlanta.
Bryan Rackley of Douchemaster Records: Travis [Flagel] and I were talking at the Star Bar one night, and we began discussing how much work has gone into these record labels and how supportive Atlanta has been. We thought it was time to reward everyone involved by throwing a party. It's absolutely for fun.
Mark Naumann of Die Slaughterhaus: For fun.

Paste: Why call it that?
Lindsay: The labels and bands are all in it to have fun. We worked hard to organize this and when the day of the Mess-Around comes around, that's what we'll be doing.
Rackley: Default. We couldn't think of anything that wasn't cringe worthy, and I had been listening to Ray Charles in the car. "Mess Around" had been on and it stuck. It's silly but playful and we thought that it would accurately reflect the kind of attitude we want during these two shows. 
Naumann: I wanted to call it "The Shutdown."

Paste: What brings these three labels together?
Lindsay: So many things have brought us together over the last few years...I couldnt imagine doing something like this without involving the other labels. It'd be like not inviting your brother to your birthday party.
Rackley: We're friends and have been for a long time. All three labels started out with different intentions, but our fundamental goal is essentially the same now, and that's to release records we think are cool. It's never been about bottom lines or popular reviews. We release records we know we'll be proud of.
Naumann: Brotherhood.

Paste: How do you pick bands as a label?
Lindsay: Travis and I pick each pick bands and we each have our own means and methods. He has spent a lot of time on the road with touring bands, so often he's picking bands that he's crossed paths with on the road. I handle all the promotion, online sales and mailorders so most of my picks are found through internet research and/or bands that contact me directly.
Rackley: We've never had a format for that. Sometimes we go to them. Sometimes they come to us. Most of the time they are already in our network. Obviously we do tend to gravitate towards simple stuff.
Naumann: We have knife fights like in the Michael Jackson "I'm Bad" video. . . or was it "Beat It"? Winner gets the record.

Paste: Why should people go to the Mess-Around?
Lindsay: They should go because it'll be the last chance (until we do it again next year) to see such a solid lineup of great bands.
Rackley: You mean aside from the twelve reasons that are listed on the flier? Because it's gonna be more fun than New Years and without all the fucking cops.
Naumann: Why should people not go to the Mess-Around?

Two-day passes for the Atlanta Mess-Around are now available at TicketAlternative.com for $20. Individual door tickets will be $12.

Related links:
News: The Black and Whites tour, Mess Around
Feature: Artist of the Week: Gentleman Jesse
Paste:Local Atlanta: Live Photos: Fringe Binge @ Star Bar 8/108-8/2/08