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‘It’s UATL’ podcast: Are you looking at the future of Atlanta music?

Plus: Magic City, Dominique Dawes’ new gym and lessons learned from Andrew Young.
Storm Ford, a Native American R&B singer, is gearing up to release her proper debut album, titled “The Cost of Feelings.” (Hyosub Shin/AJC)
Storm Ford, a Native American R&B singer, is gearing up to release her proper debut album, titled “The Cost of Feelings.” (Hyosub Shin/AJC)
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4 hours ago

What does the future of music in Atlanta sound like?

How do music critics go about predicting who will break out and when?

Earlier this year, AJC reporter and “It’s UATL” co-host, DeAsia Paige, dropped some hints with her annual artists to watch.

Paige explains why rapper Swavay and R&B singer Storm Ford are two names worth adding to your playlist. The group listens to cuts from both artists and also discusses how women have been running Atlanta’s rap scene of late.

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This week’s episode

Dominique Dawes speaks during the opening day of Dominique Dawes Academy on Friday, March 6, 2026, in Alpharetta. The 1996 Olympics medal winning gymnast has seven gymnastics academies in Maryland and Texas, and has now expanded to metro Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)
Dominique Dawes speaks during the opening day of Dominique Dawes Academy on Friday, March 6, 2026, in Alpharetta. The 1996 Olympics medal winning gymnast has seven gymnastics academies in Maryland and Texas, and has now expanded to metro Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

In light of news that Olympic legend Dominique Dawes opened a gym in metro Atlanta, the hosts talk about their childhood gymnastics dreams and failed cartwheels.

Speaking of acrobatics, there’s also conversation about the NBA ending Magic City’s planned partnership with the Atlanta Hawks.

Plus, the podcast team talks about Andrew Young turning 94 — and what can be learned from his outlook on life.

Related reads from UATL and AJC

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Roll credits

“It’s UATL” comes from DeAsia Paige, Nedra Rhone, Najja Parker, Isabelle Kerby-McGowan, Cara Shillenn, Gavin Godfrey, Shane Beckler, Ron Williams, Matt Gannon, Keith Lovely Jr., Megan Nadolski, Samantha Stamler and Janel Davis.

About the Author

Gavin Godfrey is an editor and Team Lead for UATL, the AJC's Black culture franchise. He's an award-winning writer and editor from Atlanta who's covered everything from OutKast to the water boys. Before joining the AJC, Gavin worked for Capital B Atlanta, CNN, and Creative Loafing.