'The South got something to say': Exploring Atlanta's rich musical heritage

Atlanta, Georgia is a city famed for its world-class restaurants, festive nightlife, thriving hip-hop scene and prominent role in America’s civil rights movement.

It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, thanks in part to its art, film and music industries.

That's why musician Foy Vance added Atlanta to his travel list, as he journeys around the US to experience the best music, food and culture on offer.

His first stop was Big Bethel A.M.E Church. The church is a notable venue in Atlanta for gospel music performances, a style of Christian music that is both inspired and drawn from popular music.

"We sing from the sole of our feet to our abdomen. Here in Atlanta, it's thriving,” said Nate Fisher, minister of music at Big Bethel A.M.E Church.

“We can find that in any genre of music, country, R&B, Mama's kitchen to the backyard. Most artists that we know [..] our favourite artists, they started their beginning here in the church.”

Walking the colourful streets of Atlanta, it is hard not to feel energised by a deeper understanding of the city's musical heritage.

"The civil rights movement, the march, was led by music. [As a] matter of fact, Dr [Martin Luther] King, many of his meetings were in the basement of this church. So it doesn't matter where you go in Atlanta, you're going to find a church that's gonna serve you good music... And it doesn't matter what religion or what denomination it is because if it's from the heart, it is going to reach the heart,” Nate explained.

One of Atlanta's newest experiences is entirely dedicated to its latest musical export: trap music.

The Trap Music Museum is the only one of its kind, and documents "the art, the culture and the music of the trap sound," revealed its manager, CJ