Seasonal Weather in Atlanta: A Drummer's Guide to Not Ruining Your Kit
okay, so atlanta. lemme tell ya, as a touring drummer, humidity is my nemesis. seriously. it’s like playing a swamp monster. i’ve seen cymbals rust mid-set. anyway, people always ask what it’s like here year-round, so i’m just gonna…dump my notes. it’s not pretty, but it’s real.
right now? it’s that weird shoulder season thing. like, 70 degrees one day, threatening hail the next. it’s the kind of weather that makes you question all your life choices, especially if those choices involve owning a drum kit. you could be in the *mountains getting actual fall vibes - a quick three-hour drive to North Georgia - or you could be sweating through your shirt just walking to the van. it’s a gamble.
spring (march-may) is…aggressive. it rains. a lot. like, biblical levels of rain. and then it’s humid. and then it’s 80 degrees. it’s a mess. good for the trees, i guess. but bad for drumheads. i swear, i go through a set every tour. you’ll see everyone suddenly emerge from their houses, pretending they always loved being outside. it’s a whole thing. check out Piedmont Park, but bring an umbrella and a healthy dose of skepticism. TripAdvisor link to Piedmont Park.
summer (june-august) is just…oppressive. it’s hot. it’s sticky. it’s the kind of heat that makes you forget your own name. you’ll see people trying to be all “atlanta summers are the best!” and you’ll just nod and slowly back away. seriously, invest in a good fan. and maybe a personal AC unit. i’ve heard Little Five Points has some cool vintage shops, but honestly, i mostly just order takeout and hide in my hotel room. Little Five Points Yelp.
pro-tip: if you’re bringing drums, get a good moisture control case. seriously. don’t learn the hard way.
fall (september-november) is the sweet spot. it’s actually pleasant. the humidity drops (slightly), the leaves change (eventually), and you can actually enjoy being outside without feeling like you’re melting. it’s also festival season, which means more gigs, which means more opportunities to ruin my drums in slightly more scenic locations. i’ve been to Shaky Knees, it’s alright. crowded, but alright. Shaky Knees Festival Website.
gear list for fall gigs:
moisture control case (duh)
extra drumheads (duh x2)
a light jacket (for when it randomly gets cold)
earplugs (because screaming fans)
winter (december-february) is…weird. it rarely snows, but when it does, the entire city shuts down. like, completely. it’s kinda charming, but also incredibly inconvenient. it’s usually just cold and gray, which is fine. good for practicing, i guess. i’ve heard the restaurants in Decatur are pretty solid, but i haven’t had a chance to check them out yet. i’m always on the road.
okay, let’s talk about the practical stuff. rent is…insane. like, seriously. i’ve seen studios going for $1800 a month. and don’t even get me started on the traffic. it’s a nightmare. i’ve spent hours stuck on 75, questioning my life choices again. the job market is okay, i guess. a lot of film and music stuff, but it’s competitive. i overheard someone at a bar saying the cost of living is rising faster than the temperature in July. Reddit Atlanta Cost of Living.
drunk advice from a bartender: “don’t move here expecting it to be cheap. and learn to drive defensively.”
something a local warned me about: “the humidity will destroy your hair. and your instruments.”
overheard gossip: “apparently, there’s a secret underground music scene in the abandoned subway tunnels.” (i’m looking into this).
so yeah, that’s atlanta. it’s a mess, but it’s my* mess. and honestly, where else can you get good barbecue and almost-but-not-quite-snow in the same week?
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