ATTENTION SYSTEM
Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 1:55PM
- Radio Silence by Attention System
- Siren's City by Attention System
Brian Fisher grew up in St. Louis. His resume includes the St. Louis-based 13 After and Caffeine, Creve Coeur, and Atlanta favorites Slow Motion Crash. He plays M-Audio hardware and uses Macintosh software.
Joshua Broughton grew up in Georgia. His resume includes Echo 7, Linkdead, and Atlanta favorites Slow Motion Crash. He plays Gibson guitars, uses Orange amplification, uses a variety of pedals, and uses PC-based software.
Jason Curtis grew up in Georgia. His resume includes the Athens-based Villains and Atlanta favorites Slow Motion Crash. He plays DW drums, and uses PC-based software.
Jonathan Davis grew up in Georgia. His resume includes the Athens-based Villains. He plays Gibson guitars, uses Vox amplification, uses a variety of pedals, and uses PC-based software.
Chris Edmunds grew up in New Orleans. His resume includes Siberia My Sweet and Leechmilk. He plays Rickenbacker basses, uses Gallen Kreuger amplification, and uses a variety of pedals.
Bio from myspace: It would be fair to say that ATTENTION SYSTEM happened by accident. The first time these Atlanta musicians sat down together with their instruments in the summer of 2008, they had one common goal in mind: to write music that would make people dance. It was a simple endeavor – years of playing in every imaginable venue from damp basements to trendy clubs had taught them not to expect too much. But the chemistry among these seasoned musicians on that day was undeniable – and by the end of that first rehearsal, expectations had changed.
With darkwave and punk at their core, Brian Fisher (vocals, keys), Joshua Broughton (guitar, vocals), Jonathan Davis (guitar), Chris Edmonds (bass) and Jason Curtis (drums) were ready for something new. Dabbling in the world of electronics, they've managed to fuse '80s synth pop with their darker undertones – and they've created what they only half-jokingly like to call "a rock band who's mugged an electronica band and is digging through a stolen, dirty pair of pants for extra synth lines."
Their lyrics paint a picture of dystopian futurism – but these guys don't ever take the world's demise too seriously. Themes of paranoia, hi-tech system failures and an inevitable robotic annihilation never seem to spoil the mood. They've been compared to The Faint, The Presets and She Wants Revenge – and while the band certainly counts these among their influences, their music is infused with a brightness that stands out among its darker subtext.
"When we went to see shows, it always seemed like something was missing," says singer Brian Fisher. "People weren't having fun anymore ... everyone just looked a little bored with it all. What we set out to do is entertain, bring back the energy, and show people that it's OK to get out, dance and have a good time again."
Although ATTENTION SYSTEM is a relative newcomer to the Atlanta music scene, they've already made their presence felt. In less than a year, they've gone from just another unknown local band to headlining packed weekend shows in Atlanta's notorious underground rock and dance venues. Their live shows have generated citywide buzz, landing them opening slots for visiting national acts. Local and regional radio airplay, plus a nationally televised commercial for the DIY Network, speaks to a promising future.
So while ATTENTION SYSTEM's sound may have come together by accident – it's certainly an accident that has been waiting to happen.
beatlanta interview from May 09......
Attention System – beatlanta made it out to the see Attention System this past Saturday at Vinyl. They played right before The Drownout and after fellow Atlanta band Satellite District and two Nashville bands, Halo Stereo and November. Now before I get to Attention System I just want to throw out something about the other bands. I made it too late to Satellite District but heard their show is amazing. We talked to the guys from the band after the show and they are pretty cool dudes. We asked some fans in the crowd as well as the guys from Attention System and the Drownout and everyone agrees, Satellite District is a sound to see. Check them at Satellite District’s myspace page. I did make it for November and Halo Stereo. Both out of Nashville you can tell why they play together; and they are a perfect fit. Both bands pump out dancy and powerful music that really gets the crowd going. Its not often I will bring up acts from out of the Atlanta area but I really recommend you check out both Halo Stereo and November if you like to dance and have an awesome time.
Now to Attention System; Wow, Attention System. Attention System. ATTENTION SYSTEM…hands down the best Atlanta show I have attended since putting together this little site. Not only did they exceed my expectations of a live show for a local band, they put on a big venue experience including just being awesome fucking dudes. I had a video interview with the band that I am still working on bringing to everyone (I had some major difficulties with my editing program and may have corrupted the file) but in the meantime I’ll have to just pass it on in writing. These guys formed just 8 months ago and it just does not show. Why? Because you would look at these guys, hear their music, see their live show and assume that they have been at this for years.
Not only did they have an awesome light/laser show on stage, they had the energy to match it. Taking the stage like like monsters they move into complete dark…and then an electronic voice prepares you for the onslaught the crowd is about to receive….check out this opener from the band at the show…
…and it just continues from there. Attention System is Brian Fisher (vocals, keys, sequencing); Joshua Broughton (guitar, vocals, sequencing); Jonathan Davis
(guitar, sequencing); Chris Bass (bass); Jason Curtis (drums, sequencing). Mixing powerful and dancy keys with in your face guitar, fast paced and light drums and a sort of punk styled vocals, these guys are sure to make a record label proud in the months and years to come. The keys are used very cleverly adding just the right amount of “make ya wanna dance” as the guitar, in contrast, is sometimes very heavy and dense…creating a dynamic and unique electro sound. Brian Fisher works in insightful and passionate lyrics, sometime punk styled, sometimes just twisty and melodic. The bass line flows naturally mixing perfectly and undivided within the guitar. They create a stunning experience. 
You can probably attribute their excellent sound due to the fact that they all come out of disbanded Atlanta bands including Slow Motion Crash and Creve Coeur. That said, they have spent years being active in the Atlanta music scene, earning fans and networking with other bands (The Drownout used to play shows with Slow Motion Crash). Attention System is also in the Medusa Collection - a group of five bands beatlanta has reported on the past consisting of Attention System, Promise December, Siberia My Sweet, Feeding Fingers and Entertainment. They use each other to book shows with one another so they can work together to bring their like minded sounds more exposure. 
This was Attention System’s first time playing Vinyl and they loved the experience. They enjoy playing at Lenny’s and the Star Bar and want to play the Masquerade’s purgatory. Beatlanta is going to try and help the guys hook that up so be looking out for that show. Hit us up if you think you’d be a good addition to the lineup. Attention System recommends fellow Atlanta bands Slow Earth, Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun, Satellite District and of course the bands from the Medusa Collection. Check out another video from the show...
Attention System has one EP out that they give away for free at every show. All of their merch is free and they are huge fans of file sharing saying, “steal our shit.” They agree with beatlanta’s stance that file sharing and technology is a huge asset to young bands trying to get their sound out there in today’s world. Chris from the band added that “record companies have to realize that going forward, their only job is promotions, that’s fucking it.” A very good point meaning that the artists now have the power. They have full creative control and full rights to their album. No more shitty contracts that basically exploit a young band’s talent. Attention System is heading into the studio very shortly to record their first full length album. They do not have a title yet and are still writing songs. They plan on heading up to Ledbelly Sound Studio just outside of Atlanta. So be looking out for their album towards the end of the year or early next year. It is sure to be an amazing album.
All this said…go see Attention System, you will not be disappointed. You can catch them at the Drunken Unicorn on Saturday, June 20th with the Paper Chase and This Piano Plays Itself. See more videos from the show at beatlanta's youtube channel and view more pics of the band at beatlanta's more pics section above. Go catch them so you can say you saw before they were big. --ak ......and as always.....SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC.
ak |
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