Atlanta Indie Music Scene: Recess Party

By Lauren Sabia

Last Updated May 15, 2026

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At a Glance:

• Recess Party evolved from a college project in Athens into a rising Atlanta indie rock band after relocating in 2023.
• The group blends indie rock, funk and ‘90s grunge, showcased on its latest EP, “This Must Be.”
• The band credits venues like The Masquerade and Atlanta’s DIY scene for helping foster its development.
• Known for energetic shows, Recess Party recently toured across the Southeast and is preparing for a Northeast run this summer.
• Between touring and recording, the band is working on its second album.

Recess Party first forged its chemistry in Athens, a self-described incubator for indie rock. But the move to Atlanta in 2023 reshaped the band’s identity and sound, transforming it from a “happenstance college band” into a force. 

Recess Party lead singer and guitarist Riley Stillwagon first crossed paths with guitarist Christian Pullen at an open mic at University of Georgia in 2018. They formed a band soon after, an important learning experience for both of them. When the COVID pandemic killed that project, the duo created something new, Recess Party, which began to take shape as live music returned. 

Bassist Sam Smith soon joined, as well as drummer Meghan Stewart. They released their debut single in the summer of 2022 and continued rocking out around Athens. More recently, Matteo Delurgio assumed percussion duties. 

The band honed its sound playing covers of the bands like The Strokes and experimenting with different tastes in music, tapping into indie rock with a bit of funkiness, Smith explained. 

When listening to the band’s latest EP, “This Must Be,” listeners may hear a heavier, more grunge-leaning sound, nspired by the alternative movement of the ‘90s. 

The title track on that EP is one of Stillwagon’s favorites, as it marked a transitional time for the band and a hopeful step toward the future as they worked to find their footing in Atlanta. 

Now immersed in a completely different scene, with far less free time than they had in college, the band has worked hard to build connections in the music community and to be intentional about how members create together and finding time to rehearse and record. 

While the transition has been a whirlwind, Smith said it’s also pushed them to reevaluate their habits, experiment more freely and embrace their own sound within the city’s diverse musical landscape. 

“You end up seeing so many different styles of bands that challenge you and push you,” Stillwagon said. “To see what others are doing, it really expands your horizons and makes you want to be better at what you do.” 

Pullen said Atlanta’s indie music scene is thriving, thanks to the artists making the music and the community it fosters. From hard-core fans to local venues and DIY spaces consistently putting on great shows, such support keeps a steady pulse for emerging talent. 

The scene is further energized by publications like Kapoorhouse, which covers up-and-coming artists and new releases, and by photographers capturing concerts. Pullen noted that cult-classic spots, like Criminal Records in Little 5 Points, also play a vital role, acting as a bridge between the growing scene and what it used to be.

In Atlanta, the band finds itself surrounded by an essence of professionalism that reassures them they’re right where they need to be. This feeling is especially clear when the band is playing at The Masquerade in downtown Atlanta. Stillwagon joked that at this venue, everyone’s wearing Docs, a sure sign they mean business. 

“I really like the legacy of some of the rooms that we’ve played,” Smith said. “We’ve played a couple of different stages at The Masquerade, and in the green room, all these bands have signed their name on the walls. That’s really cool to see what other bands have shared the stage that we’re playing on.”

While Recess Party is “where their souls are called,” each member has hands on other creative projects as well. This includes Hallpass, the popular Athens-based band and the Atlanta indie staple, Lunar Vacation. 

The band is no stranger to touring around the region. This spring, they brought high-energy performances across North Georgia and the Carolinas, packing in five shows in just five days. 

“If you come to a Recess Party show, you should come ready to shake your you know what,” Pullen said, grinning. 

They will be live on June 26 at Terminal West in the Westside. Then, in August, the band is heading up the coast to tour around the Northeast. 

Between touring and live performances, Recess Party is at work on a second album. Stream the music on all platforms and follow them on Instagram (@recess.party) to keep up with future show dates and new releases. 

Lauren Sabia is a writer and digital creator born and raised in Metro Atlanta. She’s passionate about telling the stories of the people who shape the city, amplifying community voices, and striking up conversations that turn strangers into friends. Outside of work, you can find her on the Beltline or exploring Atlanta’s many vibrant neighborhoods.

Originally Published May 13, 2026