Interview with Russ Hallauer, October 29, 2015

Partial Transcript: Today is October 29th, 2015 we are in Watkinsville Georgia, and today we will be conducting an oral history with Russ Hallauer

Segment Synopsis: Hallauer discusses his first experiences with Athens and its music scene in the 1990's. He also discusses his initial involvement with AthFest. Later, he briefly discusses his own music career.

Keywords: 40 Watt Club; Athens music community; Chapel Hill; Clemson University; Flag Pole Magazine; Jared Bailey; Sunbrain; UGA; University of GA; University of Georgia; compilation CDs

Partial Transcript: I'm curious, so right now on the website for AthFest it says you're a vice chair.

Segment Synopsis: Hallauer discusses the hierarchy of AthFest. He talks briefly about the financial problems that come with AthFest.

Keywords: Alcohol Permits; Alicia Nickels; Ath-Fest Board of Directors; AthFest Educates; Athens Downtown Development Authority; Flag Pole Magazine; Jill Helme; nonprofit

Partial Transcript: So we're going back a little now, and I know you have Ghostmeat records, correct?

Segment Synopsis: Hallauer talks about his record company, Ghostmeat Records, and the CD compilations they create for AthFest. He also discusses the growth and changes AthFest has undergone.

Keywords: 20th Anniversary; Clarke County; David Barbe; Jared Bailey; MTV; Terry College; UGA; UGA Music Business program; University of GA; University of Georgia; compilation CD

Partial Transcript: I want to touch on the AthHalf.

Segment Synopsis: Hallauer talks about the half marathon used to raise money for AthFest. He also talks about the culture of AthFest and what the future holds for the festival.

Keywords: Athens half marathon; Bonnaroo; Troy Aubrey; Woodstock; downtown Athens; fundraising; music festivals; roadside galleries; visual art

Partial Transcript: One thing I did notice in that is that there isn't much rap or hip-hop.

Segment Synopsis: Hallauer discusses the presence of rap and hip-hop music communities in Athens and at Ath-Fest.

Keywords: AthFest; Athens music venues; Atlanta; musical diversity; racial diversity; underground music scene

Partial Transcript: One of things with Jared Bailey is that--he just said no to an oral history

Segment Synopsis: Hallauer discusses Jared Bailey's role in founding AthFest and other organizations. He also talks about AthFest's transition into a nonprofit organization.

Keywords: 40 Watt Club; AthFest Educates; Flagpole Magazine; Jill Helm

Partial Transcript: I noticed that you worked for Flagpole and Athens Banner-Herald, is that correct?

Segment Synopsis: Hallauer discusses his work for Flagpole and the Athens Banner-Herald, two Athens publications. Later, Hallauer discusses the future of AthFest Educates.

Keywords: Athens music culture; Athens political culture; Athens politics; arts education; journalism; local publications; music education

Partial Transcript: What's been you're proudest achievement with AthFest?

Segment Synopsis: Hallauer talks about his pride in the AthFest compilation CD. He also discusses the changes that resulted from turning the selection process over to UGA students.

Keywords: Athens music scene; Music Business program; R. E. M.; R.E.M.; REM; Terry College of Business; University of GA; University of Georgia

Partial Transcript: How important is profit?

Segment Synopsis: Hallauer discusses the future for AthFest Educates, focusing on more development of the nonprofit aspect. He also gives advice for future members of the AthFest board of directors. Later, he talks briefly about his background in music.

Keywords: AthFest vice-chair; Athens-Clarke County; marketing; music education grants; nonprofit development