So here we go again, back in the ATL and looking for the next big act. We have completed the eliminatory round and came out with some great overall acts. Now it''s time for the Semi- Finals and one step closer to the regional final. When you see bands over the course of several months their music begins to grow on you and seeing them move on and the anticipation in their eyes it almost makes perfect sense that I could be witnessing the future of music. What makes this article special to me is to allow you the reader a chance to understand what Atlanta has in store for you. In my last article I mentioned that Atlanta has always been known as the Hip Hop Capitol, well after what I have witnessed here in the Semi Finals I think I might have a Change of mind. Now the talent was definetly there and it sure made it easier that we were having the semi finals at the Earthlink Live Complex. An amazing venue that has housed some of the best entertainment over the last few Years. So everyone knew playing here was a chance of a lifetime. So enough build up, let''s just get to bussiness. Well we start with our first night and write away I could smell the excitement. Bands like Sparechange,3 Alarm Fire, Mighty Big Finger, Arythima and Below Axis came out and showed what they had and proved they could play with the big boys. Now when I say the big boys I mean the hard rock groups Dead Fryday and Fervor. Both electrified the audience and gave them enough votes to advance to the finals. It is always nice to start of the week with amazing talent such as we had. Well could the week get any better, well of course. Bands like Cypher Cell and Sovus Radio came out the following day and took charge and never looked back. But the night was full of amazing talent. Heavy metal band Collisck was impressive to the tee. K willis and the Collection brought the funk and Soul to the mostly heavy metal night. It was refreshing to see. By the 3rd night I just expected the talent to rise above and no disapoinment there. Gbanjah took the top nods with their unique soulfull style of funk/rap and r&b. Anytime you can get the crowd dancing you know something your doing is going good. Of course we had the band Sly Willie Down a mix of hard rock and some southern influences. The always fun and entertaining The Issues came out and entertained the audience with their radio friendly rock. All in all a really fun night. Well let''s get to the weekend and see what was to offer. Well now it?s Saturday and boy was this a wild night. There were a lot of people in the house and boy were they in for a treat. Entropy with their funk like r&b shook things up and got the house stiring. But the night belonged to the powerhouses Echovalve and Xzamen. Echovalve came out with a job to do and didn?t disapoint anyone. These guys were on their game and the audience loved every bit of it. But the big winner Saturday night was a band with the name of Xzamen. The band came out with their unique style of rock that has influences from all over the board. The stage presence was something to see. Tight guitar solos and impressive harmonies throughout was impressive to say the point. But what stood out most was watching the guys have fun on stage and It showed as the large audience raised their hands. These are the nights we look forward too. So the week comes to an end and Sunday will close out the Semi-Finals. So bands like Naranja Tang and Last November had to take top spots and send everyone else home. It was another successful night and a complete success in the ATL. So we now have the best Atlanta has to offer, now what? Oh yah the finals. Well I feel for anyone who will have to compete against all these boys from Atlanta, but I will say this It will be a show I won''t miss.