Band that formed in Athens comes back to play at Union

The electronic rock band, Papadosio, returns to Athens Sunday night for a stop on their Awake Inside Tour. They'll be playing at the Union.

Papadosio, a five-piece band that formed in Athens, has come a long way from the college band they once were.

"We're very proud about the show that we are bringing," said Anthony Thogmartin of Papadosio. "And we are convinced that our artistic ideas are finally being represented well, and this show could really have an impact on people."

This is the first tour in which they will be able to incorporate conceptual art, something that band members say is very important to the group.

The newest addition to the group, Jason Takahasi, will be adding live video projections and themes to complement the music.

"We really just want to inspire people to make art because the aspect of being an artist changes a person," said Thogmartin.

The inspiration for the tour came to the group when they went down to Madre De Dios, Peru in March 2011.

"We studied under a shaman for a week and got some really cool messages from a time long past; knowledge that has survived over the years that isn't really the status quo knowledge," he said.

Papadosio said they're using this knowledge to expand their message of transcendence, unity and universal understanding.

According to Thogmartin, the tour has been a success thus far. The first three shows sold out and had about 1,000 people in attendance each night.

The crowd's reaction is the best part of the show, Thogmartin said. 

"People aren't just going to a rock show, buying drinks and taking someone home," he said. "They're talking to us about the show, and they are excited about what we have to say, and it's as rewarding as it could possibly be."

Although the band has typically played at Jackie O's Pub and Brewery in the past, Sunday's performance will be at The Union.

"Our stage setup is just too large [for Jackie O's] so we're going to make it happen at The Union, and we're really excited about that," said Thogmartin.

Concert-goers can expect a more loaded message this time around, and Papadosio said they're confident in their message.

The band is also anticipating the release of their upcoming double album.

According to Thogmartin, this album will be entirely developed; it will be longer and much more patient.

Returning to Athens always means a good time for the group.

"We have so many friends in Athens and musicians that we respect," said Thogmartin. "It's always like a homecoming for us."

Papadosio will be joined on the duration of the tour by PHactor, a Colorado-based rock fusion trio, and by Sassafrazz in Athens.

Doors open at 8 p.m., the show starts at 9 p.m., and all ages are welcome.