BMI presents 8 off 8th

Sponsored by Yuengling & New Belgium

Whether it's launching fledging acts fresh out of the garage or showcasing the latest buzz bands, 8 off 8th's rapid-fire three-song sets satisfy audiences chasing the next big thing. Every Monday night at Mercy Lounge, come enjoy $1 off all Yuengling and New Belgium products while you soak in the sounds of Nashville's finest musical offerings.

Free, 9 pm, 21+.

Grass Root Kids started with a desire to do something genuine and in November of 2011, Kyle Hassenfratz and Chris Pottinger formed the foundation of what would become Grass Root Kids in that same spirit. After one jam session with Kyle, Chris brought in friends and fellow musicians Jared Cooper and Mark Summarell. Having recently moved to Nashville, Joska Borbely was invited to come out as well. After 3 months of writing, rehearsing and bonding they played their debut show at Nashville’s Limelight to a room of 60 people. Shortly after that, Grass Root Kids expanded their lineup with talented vocalist and violinist Grace McCaw. 

Since then, Grass Root Kids have made their debut in cities across the Southeastern United States. They have garnered attention from “The Deli Magazine” being selected as their “Band of the Month” for September of 2012. In that same month, Grass Root Kids headlined their first festival stage at Clarksville’s Riverfest. In November of 2012 they they played the very exclusive East Nashville Underground Festival. Word of their live show is spreading through Indie blogs with comparisons to the likes of Manchester Orchestra and Arcade Fire. One fan at a time, people are starting to take notice.

On July 13th, the friends, family and fans of Grass Root Kids successfully funded the Kickstarter project for GRK’s debut EP “Loose Change”. Together, they raised 20% over their goal!

On October 1st, 2012, Grass Root Kids released their debut EP “Loose Change” on Itunes and Spotify, followed by their physical EP Release show at The High Watt on Oct. 19th, 2012. Up until then, everything accomplished by Grass Root Kids was done on the strength of one demo, their drive and the fans that took heed and supported them.

If Grass Root Kids can do all of this in one year and with one song, what can they do over the next year with 5 songs?

Roots of a Rebellion’s music offers elements of reggae, rock, dub and soul while putting emphasis on tight horn sections, catchy melodies, and conscious lyrics. This wholeheartedly authentic and powerful combination creates a sound that is both physically and mentally captivating. Hailing from various corners of the United States, each member brings past musical experiences and passions to this project attempting to break down musical barriers.

While continuing to grow and be blessed as a band, they desire to put just as much emphasis on community and global unity as they do the music. While they see their music as a tool for change, they also can be found off the stage playing their part to better our world. ROAR will continue marching on representing this truth and love through music.

Raised in the south, Billy's music is a unique blend of soul, acoustic-pop and rock with elements of ambient, trip-hop and psychedelia. He's been writing and recording since the age of 14 and is releasing his new CD this July. Billy's performances are dynamic, from intimate Otis-inspired gospel harmonies to alt-pop acoustic songcraft to foot-stomping Stones meets Stooges barn burners. Billy's current band lineup features musicians from past projects as well as top talent from the Nashville scene.

Passion for music runs deep in Billy's veins. His cousin Roderick Falconer / Rod Taylor was a prolific rock singer/songwriter on Geffen Records who produced seven albums before launching his film career. Intent on carrying on the family tradition, Billy's journey continues.

We write songs. We play music. We have beards. It might get rowdy.

“Jesse Hall left the city he loves and a promising pop-punk band to follow a girl to Austin. All he got was a broken heart, a long trip back and the seed for one of the best albums to come out of Pittsburgh in 2010,”(Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). Most of the debut record from Bear Cub was written on that 2,000-mile car ride back home, which chronicles the singer-songwriter's ill-fated romantic venture south. Jesse’s style of writing is in a league of its own, with a copious flow of raw emotion, beautifully crafted phrasing, and incredible imagery. Digging through the dirt and grit, he discovers these true gems. Through friends of friends around Pittsburgh, the band members found each other, and an ‘aggressive folk’ formula that works masterfully. By now, the Bear Cub boys have dug their heels in Nashville and are making their voices heard loud and clear around town. They are currently working on new material and winning fans over the old fashioned way – letting the music speak for itself and putting on a phenomenal live show. Bear Cub has been touted as “a hardcore indie rock band from Tennessee”, by Black Vinyl Magazine, “because the energy that comes from these bears - between the gut-spillin' lyrics to the full force instrument handling, pretty much gives folk a new identity."