Atlanta is world-renowned as a hip-hop mecca, but an underground rock scene has been thriving here for decades. The hub of that world is the city’s record stores. From decades-old institutions to shops that existed just long enough to leave an impact, this rock-centric take on a hip-hop town unfurls the secret history of music underdogs—outsiders living among outsiders—in their native tongue. From Jarboe of SWANS to William DuVall of Alice in Chains and Neon Christ to Kelly Hogan and those surly guys behind the counter at Wuxtry, all were drawn by the irresistible lure of vinyl records—all found their communities and their own identities, leaving an indelible mark on the culture of Atlanta. Join author Chad Radford on a spin through ATL music as witnessed through the lens of Criminal Records, Fantasyland, Wax’n’Facts and more.
Chad Radford is an Atlanta-based music journalist with twenty years of experience in writing, editing and podcasting. Punk, hardcore, jazz, noise, post-punk, hip-hop, metal, modern composition, drone music and all points in between are where his interests lie. He is an avid nature lover, and he buys too many records.