In the mood to go out on the town with your friends? Well, nothing makes a fun night out better than some good live music. Big Atomic, a jam, funk, rock band from Murray, Kentucky, makes any night memorable. This band brings with it a groovy vibe combination of funk, rock, rhythm and blues, and dance. Big Atomic’s versatile musical style makes them a staple for live music in the western Kentucky area.

The group consists of six vital members: Ryan Gilchrist, Morgan McCall, Matt Robinson, Andrew Stephens, Micah Greene, and the newest addition to the group, Shannon Vetter.

Ryan Gilchrist (vocals/guitar) from Benton, Kentucky, has been playing guitar for over 12 years and has been an active solo and band musician in around the Murray area for several years as well. He’s used to be the front man of a band as he was for Planet Here and The Dirty Habits before coming to Big Atomic. Being the natural singer/songwriter that Ryan his, it’s easy to understand that he is the main songwriter for this group as well.

Morgan McCall (drums) from Madisonville, Kentucky, has been jamming out on drums for over 11 years now, living in the Murray area for about the same amount of time. Morgan’s been a part of several bands before Big Atomic including Planet Here, the well-known Drunken Poets, and The Big Cheese. Morgan’s strong background in percussion makes him the driving force in this group.

Matt Robinson (percussion) has been playing a wide variety of percussion instruments for over 15 years now. Matt originally started on the drums for this group but then switched to percussion with the addition of Morgan McCall. Matt and Morgan have played together for a while now, performing together in The Tree Rollins Band and The Big Cheese, which Matt Robinson founded. Matt’s percussion skills bring something unique that helps this group stand apart from the rest.

Andrew Stephens (bass) is originally from Detroit, Michigan and has been slappin’ the bass for just over six years. Andrew’s been in the Murray area now for over 18 years, actively playing with local musicians of all styles. He’s a perfect fit into the groups percussion and rhythm section with his smooth flowing style. Andrew plays with such a chill, calm demeanor, making his skills seem almost effortless.

Micah Greene (guitar/vocals) is a flat out rockstar! Micah originates from Boston, Massachusetts, but has been living in Murray now for over 15 years. He has such great chemistry with this group, being a founding member of The Big Cheese along with Matt Robinson as well as playing in The Tree Rollins Band with Matt and Morgan McCall. These three have been playing together for most of their musical careers. Micah is in my opinion the best lead guitarist in the western Kentucky area. I guess other people share my same opinion as Micah is constantly performing with other local bands including The Great Gatsby Jazz-Funk Odyssey and the Drunken Poets.

Shannon Vetter (saxophone) from Maysville, Kentucky, is the newest member of this dynamic jam band. Shannon attended the University of Louisville Music School and has been playing saxophone for over 15 years. He’s toured and performed nationally with a variety of bands, playing a variety of instruments. Shannon moved to Paducah in the fall of 2012 where he played in a few other groups before joining Big Atomic. His background in jazz, funk, blues and reggae makes him a perfect fit in this group that will continue to make their music more unique.

Now that you’ve gotten to know the band individually, it’s time to check out their music. Check out their video at the Jam Session here:

You can also look up this band on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thebigatomic/timeline

Or check them out at their website: http://www.big-atomic.com/index.php

After recently winning the Battles of the Bands hosted by WKMS radio this past spring, Big Atomic has proved that they are the best band in the western Kentucky area and are continuing their journey on the rise to becoming a more well-known jam band, giving audiences a great show night in and night out.