Top 5 Emerging Atlanta Music Artists

1. Sugarland

Catchy name for a band, isn't it? Sugarland, an engergetic country music group comprised of several talented Atlanta musicians, just signed with Mercury Nashville in the fall of 2003 and are working on their first major label debut. They are already getting buzz on CMT, and expect them to be selling out stadiums in the years to come.

2. Michelle Malone

Malone already did the major label thing and pulled out of the mainstream scene so she could stay true to her musical vision. She appears happy to be in the indie music world, but she definitely deserves to be heard by a national audience, regardless of what the major labels might think. She has received praise from diverse national sources, including "Playboy" magazine.

3. The Hiss

The Hiss have generated a lot of buzz with their hit UK release, and have opened for both Oasis and the White Stripes. They spent a lot of time in East Atlanta's thriving underground rock scene before finding success in England. Plans for more exposure in their homeland will no doubt come soon.

4. Clay Cook

Cook coaxed friend John Mayer to move to Atlanta with him, and the two soon were garnering much acclaim and a loyal fan base in Atlanta's music scene, playing often at such respected venues as Eddie's Attic in Decatur. Cook then played in Sugarland, but right before they signed on to a major label, Cook decided it was time for his solo career.

5. Bachelor Red

This Atlanta power pop group has secured a loyal and enthusiastic local following, including catching the attention of local magazines like Jezebel as well as local radio stations. They opened for Tonic, and relished the chance to play a large stadium show. Their radio friendly but well constructed pop music could easily succeed on the national scene.