Mercer Music at Capricorn Sound Studios will be a hotbed for Georgia’s up-and-coming musicians while preserving an iconic piece of the state’s musical past
December 2019: Famed as the birthplace of ‘Southern Rock’ and known for its connections to music icons The Allman Brothers, the doors to the historic Mercer Music at Capricorn reopened in Macon, Georgia on 3 December 2019.
As well as acting as a music incubator where musicians can rehearse, collaborate and grow, the newly renovated 20,000 square foot studio complex also houses state-of-the-art commercial studios, creative co-working spaces and ‘The Museum at Capricorn’. Opening on 2 January 2020, the museum will connect visitors with artefacts, murals and interactive digital exhibits that bring Capricorn’s musical story to life.
Founded in 1969 by brothers Phil and Alan Walden, Capricorn Sound Studios cultivated a roster of new talent that began to redefine American music and create a new musical genre: Southern Rock. Today, Mercer Music at Capricorn will work to continue its legacy of fostering talent and telling the story of Capricorn’s impact on American culture.
Georgia has a wide-ranging musical heritage that spans as many genres as it does decades. Artists such as Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Trisha Yearwood, Alan Jackson, the B-52s, and more, all hail from the Peach State.
Here are some of Georgia’s top musical destinations:
- Known as the birthplace of some of rock and roll’s biggest names, including R.E.M. and the B-52s, Athens has a vibe and energy that continues to attract music fans from across the globe. During a visit to Athens, be sure to catch a live show at the iconic music venue The 40 Watt Club, buy a record at the legendary Wuxtry Records and dive into the Athens music scene on the Athens Music History Walking tour. The Athens Music Walk of Fame is in development and will be completed in June 2020.
- Godfather of Soul Exhibit at Augusta Museum of History. Augusta is the hometown of world-famous soul singer James Brown, so it’s only fitting that it’s also the home to the first and most comprehensive major exhibition dedicated to him. Listen to some of his all-time hits, and learn about his life, legacy and contribution to music. Highlights of the exhibit include ever-changing costumes and other personal artefacts owned and worn by Brown, family photos, original vinyl albums, and other unique memorabilia.
- Explore the new Macon Music Trail. Macon’s music scene is overflowing with history and new experiences. From the earliest sounds of sacred rhythms to the groundbreaking rhythm and blues that would later set the stage for Southern Rock, here you will find avenues of exploration that include historic spaces, public spaces, cemeteries, museums, street signs and monuments that mean something to the songbook of legendary Macon music.
- Savannah Music Festival: Savannah Music Festival is Georgia’s largest musical arts event and one of the most distinctive cross-genre music festivals in the world. The festival is dedicated to presenting world-class celebrations of the musical arts by creating timeless and adventurous productions that stimulate arts education, foster economic growth, and unite artists and audiences in Savannah. The festival will be held on 26 March – 11 April 2020.
To find out more about Georgia’s music landmarks and more, visit ExploreGeorgia.org/Music
Note to Editors – Images: https://bit.ly/2RC0zCO – Photo Credit: Mercer Music at Capricorn