Q&A with Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne; Playing The Loft, February 10

By Al Kaufman

Fountains of Wayne is not your typical success story. The New York-based band came up with the name after driving by a yard art store in Wayne, N.J., then quickly signed with Atlantic Records in 1996. They were subsequently dropped after their first two albums did not sell up to Atlantic’s expectations. After a hiatus, they regrouped and used their own money to put together Welcome Interstate Travelers on S-Curve Records. It spawned the monster hit, “Stacy’s Mom,” which was aided by the video that starred Rachel Hunter in various states of undress. It’s a snarky little tune about an oversexed boy in lust with his girlfriend’s mom. The album earned the band two Grammy nominations in 2003, including (inexplicably), Best New Artist. While subsequent albums have not garnered the same success, the band continues to pen sharp, smart pop songs, including their most recent album, Sky Full of Holes, which offers a more Americana feel. It includes great story songs like “Richie and Ruben,” and sweet ballads, such as “Someone’s Gonna Break Your Heart.”

Adam Schlesinger is the songwriter (with Chris Collingwood) and bassist for Fountains of Wayne. In addition to his work with the band, he writes and plays bass for Ivy and Tinted Windows, (a sort of supergroup consisting of Schlesinger, ex-Smashing Pumpkin James Iha, ex-Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos, and Hanson’s Taylor Hanson) co-owns the record label Scratchie Records (with Iha and another ex-Pumpkin D’arcy Wretzky) and the recording studio Stratosphere Sound (with Iha and Ivy mate Andy Chase). He penned the disgustingly catchy title track to the Tom Hanks movie That Thing You Do, and, with David Javerbaum, wrote the Steven Colbert and Elvis Costello Christmas carol duet, “There Are Much Worse Things to Believe In,” which was shown on Colbert’s Christmas special. He’s written tons of music for movies and TV, has produced everyone from Verve Pipe to Fastball to They Might Be Giants, and rumor has it that he occasionally sleeps. Atlanta Music Guide caught up with Schlesinger during Fountains of Wayne’s latest tour that comes to Atlanta on Friday, February 10, at The Loft at Center Stage.

It was almost four years between your last album, Traffic and Weather, and Sky Full of Holes. What did you do during that time?

When Fountains of Wayne wasn’t touring, I worked on a bunch of other projects – TV stuff, a Broadway show, and a bunch of other people’s records. I put out a record with Tinted Windows. And I worked on the new Ivy record, All Hours, which also just came out.

Sky Full of Holes has a rootsier, gentler sound than your past albums. Is this the Fountains of Wayne have grown up album?

Actually, this record is probably the closest to what we sounded like when Chris and I first started making music together, when we were around 20 years old. … Continue Reading

Live Review and Q&A: Carnivores at the High Museum of Art, January 28

Review and photos by Stephanie Roman

From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. last Saturday night, a line of young artists and muses snaked to the entrance of the High Museum. For only $7, college students could gain access to the museum’s permanent collection, two bands, one DJ, two art workshops, and the museum’s featured exhibition, Picasso to Warhol: 14 Modern Masters. To fuel up for all of this, I grabbed a cup of coffee at the Warhol-themed Max’s Kansas City. Next, I took a peek inside two rooms where students could create jewelry inspired by Alexander Calder, and modern drip paintings like Pollock. The event continued until midnight, and must have hosted hundreds of students. I even spotted the Museum’s Director, Michael Shapiro, stopping by to check out the music.

Atlanta’s own modern masters, Carnivores, took the stage around 9pm. Pablo Gnecco provided original light projection artwork behind the band for an authentic 1960s vibe. Carnivores sound different every time I see them, but tonight’s set included energetic garage and psychedelic rock. The band closed with a cover of (what else?) “Pablo Picasso,” originally released by The Modern Lovers and notably recorded by David Bowie in 2003. After their set, DJ Santiago Paramo warmed up the dance floor with Latin-inspired grooves echoing throughout the atrium of the Stent Wing. The entire night was a true delight, and I hope the High Museum continues to provide this type of opportunity for young people to flirt with fashion, art, and music.

We snagged Carnivores drummer Ross Politi at The Factory for a few questions too:

If Carnivores were a Campbell’s Soup flavor, which would you be?

They would be the one that sparkles in the night sky. Filled with Noodle Rainbows and Twirling Seaweed Comets, crashing upon the canned goods isle at every Kroger and Whole Foods in the Southeast. … Continue Reading

Q&A with Dirty Guv’nahs; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar Tonight 1/27

By Amanda Miles

The Dirty Guv’nahs from Knoxville, Tennessee have been described as “a passionate, jubilant slice of rock meets Americana.” Their gritty roots sound brings crowds to their knees and awakens a funk vibe that has long been missing from the rock scene in the south. Interestingly, The Guv’nahs were born from academia, members coming together while pursuing their respective master’s degrees. The buzz for the band grew and soon the University of Tennessee grads were throwing caution to the wind, choosing the life of a rolling stone over a corporate 9-5 gig. I would say their decision is paying off in spades. James Trimble, lead singer of Dirty Guv’nahs spoke with AMG before they take the stage at Smith’s Olde Bar.

Some fans said on music blogs they had driven from all over the southeast to see the Guvs play.  Do you often hear fan stories like this?

I love it! It is happening more and more. It is really crazy. We had some fans come to Chattanooga on New Year’s Eve who drove from Philadelphia, Nashville, Memphis, from Atlanta…..just coming to see us! Tailgating before the show, we love it. It kind of caught us off guard this year but in a good way.

You are recording the new album right now, why did you decide to stay independent?

It was really the only way we know how to do it and it makes the most sense for us and for our fans. It is doing it our way and it works.

What has been your favorite gig you played thus far in your career?

The first time we sold out a show in New York City was probably my favorite. We played NYC a couple of times and the next visit we played the Mercury Lounge. Sold it out the first time we played there. It was such a cool thing, it was crazy. 10 hours from home and selling out a show in New York City. It felt really amazing. Another one of my favorites was when we moved from the bars to the theater for the first time in Knoxville and sold it out. It was just surreal. We are a band that plays a lot of bar room songs and our sound had been progressing….it felt like we were growing from the bars and then on to the theaters and other venues. It’s great because it allows us to expand our sound.

Southern Ground artist Levi Lowrey once said “Rock and Roll is alive and well with the Dirty Guv’nahs.” What made you fall in love with rock and roll?

That makes me more than happy! I love that guy. Love his songs and as a person, he is so cool. As far as rock and roll, we started this band as a onetime experiment in college. We wanted to play music we liked and the original songs we would write were connected to the artists we loved like The Rolling Stones, The Band. They are our influences in so many ways.

I think something not everyone knows about the band is you have some “brainiac” guys in this group. Nuclear engineering degrees, masters in public administration… why did you choose music as your career path?

(laughing). Yeah, we have five masters degrees in our band. Our youngest wanted to go to law school and we told him, “man, this band thing is working!” So he held off on going. The band started while the majority of us were in graduate school. It became something where we would play on the weekend, make some money to get us by until the next week, a side project. Then we graduated and had to make hard decisions on taking a full time job or a part time job so we could tour. We all just said “let’s go for it.” It’s crazy but we have all been able to make this our full time career. It is working and we are very honored.

See James and the rest of the Dirty Guv’nahs tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar. 

Q&A with Drake White; Playing Smith’s Olde Bar Tonight 1/25

By Amanda Miles

There is no simple way to describe Drake White. Raised in Hokes Bluff, Alabama, Drake is reminiscent of an era bygone, filled with soulful cowboys and storytelling troubadours. Drake is no overnight success story, tirelessly playing the bar scene in Nashville for years before a fateful meeting with producer/songwriter Jeremy Stover that catapulted his career into a new stratosphere.  Drake joined Willie Nelson on tour in 2011 as part of the Country Music Throwdown and was recently announced as a guest on Eric Church’s Blood, Sweat and Beers Tour. Drake spoke to AMG in anticipation of his show tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar.

Are you working on your debut album for Universal Music?

Yes, we are putting the final touches on it. I’m very excited about this kick ass album. We’ve put a lot of work into it and we are almost finished.

Do you have a song from the new album you cannot wait to share?

It is hard to narrow it down to just one song. I worked really hard to make an album that was whole. I always try to make my songs say exactly what I am feeling. I grew up listening to CCR and Bob Seger, those influences still carry through to today.

You are not an overnight success; this is something you have been working towards for years. Tell us your story. 

People throw around the words “overnight success” a good bit when that is not the case. There is always a story in everyone’s career. I have been playing for 10 years, playing acoustic and sometimes playing by myself. I’ve played a lot of venues, a lot of bars, lots of places. I ended up being in the right place at the right time, much like everything in life. I had a guy come in and listen to me at a bar in Nashville and it went from there. We are just really grateful to be where we are right now. We’ve got a long way to go. We’re going to meet lots of people and play lots of shows, just hope that folks respond to the music. We hope folks get a good feeling from it, or a bad feeling, as long as they feel something. If you dig it, cool.

You were asked to join Eric Church & Brantley Gilbert on tour and last year you joined Willie Nelson for the summer. 

Yes, we are excited for the Church tour. We’re all different but they’re both killer guys and the tour will be a great experience for us. I have done a lot of stuff with Willie outside of the tour. It was great to hang out with singer/songwriters Randy Houser, Lee Brice and others. There was so much camaraderie. Playing with Willie was such an honor but he is so normal.

When did you decide to pursue music as a career?

I’ll be honest. I was doing it and there was just nothing was going to stop me from playing music. Even if I had to work a local 9-5 gig, I was always going to be playing. I never really made a decision, it has just always been in me. I believe that if you do what you want and love what you do, you only live one time. If you put your head down to the grind, I am a firm believer that things will work out for you. Music has always been something that I was going to do. Whether I play in front of 10,000 people or just by myself, it’s what I was meant to do.

See Drake tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar.

He’s My Brother She’s My Sister Return To The Earl Jan. 16th

By Eileen Tilson / @tktalt_tn

Known for their jovial live performances, folk musicianship, and yes, their tap dancing, He’s My Brother She’s My Sister have shared the stage with Fitz and the Tantrums, The Devil Makes Three, Spindrift, Miranda Lee Richards, The Knitters, The Growlers, Local Natives, Frank Fairfield, Alexander Ebert, and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zero’s. Brother and sister Robert Kolar and Rachel Kolar split vocal duties, with Robert on guitar and kick drum and Rachel on tambourine. Their voices range from boisterous to introspective, from breezy to emotive. Lauren Brown adds full-body percussion with her fluid tap-dancing. Oliver Newell adds stand up bass with joyous flair. Aaron Robinson plays lead guitar on a lap slide, veering from nuanced psychedelica to American roots riffs. And Satya Bhabha adds unconventional cello playing which is at times sweeping, and at other times bellows like a husky fiddle. See them at The Earl on Jan. 16th

New Video from Fun. and Janelle Monae for ” We Are Young”

She might only have a small role to play, but it’s still exciting to see our lovely Janelle doing some new songs. And Fun. aren’t too shabby either. We’ll be excited to see the band when they return to Center Stage on March 9.  Fingers crossed for a special appearance by our favorite tuxedoed girl!

Spend New Years Eve Among The Stars; Constellations Play Smith’s Olde Bar – Q&A with Cousin Dan

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

Yes I suppose you could be with the tons of people who will be at some sort of big bash, getting shoved around by the smelly guy next to you…or you could be in Smith’s Olde Bar having their annual wildest New Year’s Eve party ever! Back by popular demand, Atlanta’s own, The Constellations, will be headlining the craziest dance party in the city. Joining them are another Atlanta fave, Cousin Dan, who chatted with us about just what they are looking forward to in the new year.

What has been your favorite thing about 2011?

My favorite thing about 2011 was quitting my job to pursue music full time!

 What was your biggest regret of 2011?

My biggest regret probably was selling my motorcycle, it was a babe magnet.

 What is your new year’s resolution?

Make enough money to get another motorcycle, buy more guns, and to get a shoe deal (preferably with nike) Oh! and I also want a “Cousin Dan” action figure, just think of all the accessories it would come with!! Also a national and or European tour would be sweet!

 What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Im looking forward to elevating my music to some “next level shit.”

 According to the Mayan calendar, this is the last year of the world? If true, what is the one thing you want to accomplish most?

Im gonna go ahead and say world peace because that would just be the illest shit ever!!! I know its a pretty worn out cliche’ but if you think real about it John Lennon style and “imagine” it as a real possibility, you might just blow your own mind!

This show WILL SELL OUT, buy your tickets in Advance.

Whatta Yer Thankful Fer? O Brother & Harrison Hudson; Playing The Stuffing, Nov. 23

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

OB: I will be spending the first half of the day at my fiance’s grandparents house and then the second half will be at the O’bro house where we have a tradition of cooking and eating Thanksgiving dinner in our PJs.

HH:  I am having Thanksgiving with my mom before we play the stuffing. So I’m gonna have a mild dusting of a coma before our set. The next day will be football and thanksgiving at my dad. My buddy Ping and the band will be tagging along for mom’s then they head back after the show to spend Thanksgiving in Nashville.

Describe your perfect Thanksgiving meal.

OB: 2 turkeys, one cooked in the oven and the other deep fried (I’ve never had a deep fried turkey before), a honey baked ham, sweet potato casserole packed full of candied pecans and marshmellow, green bean casserole (I guess we need at least one green thing in there), an ungodly amount of super chunky smashed potatoes, home made biscuits, and all of that doused in sriracha.

HH: Well my brother John smokes a turkey for my mom’s, and my dad fries one. so I get the best of both worlds. My mom’s is a lot more intimate and chill. My dad’s usually has some rando guests which always makes it interesting.  I’m really bummed this year because we won’t be having my uncle jeff’s famous giblet gravy. Only true southerners know the wonder and amazement of giblet gravy. mmmmm. So basically THANKSGIVING IS RUINED!!!!!

What’s your most memorable Thanksgiving?

OB: I never remember any of them because I usually black out due to food coma before dessert time.

HH:  One year my family spent thanksgiving in Destin on the beach and my uncle jeff took me fishing. We didn’t catch anything, but he passed along some wisdom and it felt like one of those moments. I like those moments. It was fun.

What are you the most thankful for?

OB:  I am thankful for all the loved ones that I have in my life and I am thankful for being able to do what I love most… eating.

HH:  Tim Tebow. (Just kidding i hate Gator football) I’m most thankful for a healthy family. Some of my friends have lost relatives that were too young this year. Death seems unnatural at any age, but I’m selfishly thankful that my family will be with me this year.

Whatya Ya Thankful Fer? The Dear Hunter, Kevin Devine, & Big Jesus; Playing The Stuffing, Nov. 23

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

DH: Spending it with the band and Andy Hull and his family.

KD: Well, first I’m coming to Atlanta and playing at The Stuffing.  Then, I fly home the following morning to have Thanksgiving dinner at my brother’s house in Jersey.  We’ll end up in Boston on Friday at my girlfriend’s mom’s for a kind of 2nd dinner.  Busy bees.

BJ: Playing a big ass show and then getting on a big ass plane that will take me north.

Describe your perfect Thanksgiving meal.

DH: I don’t like turkey… So usually mashed potatoes with some peas, salad, and some cornbread and cranberry sauce.

KD: Well, I’m vegetarian so, though I love the taste and have an abiding respect for tradition, it’d most be meat-free and heavy on the sides. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, yams, creamed peas, biscuits, mad pies, etc.  Thanksgiving food is “too dope” (TM).

BJ: A big ass ham, turkey, mashed taters, loads of gravy. Fugg the green stuff.

What’s your most memorable Thanksgiving?

DH: When my vegetarian mother thought tofurkey would be a good idea. My father was not pleased.

KD:  Maybe 2003, after my dad had passed.  It was the first big holiday after his death, my just-born nephew was sick, my brother said a really beautiful and intense grace before the meal.  That is the first one that leaps to mind.

BJ:  The one from last year, nothing happened, I just don’t really remember any past that.

What are you the most thankful for?

DH:  My family, my wife, my band, and mike Marquis

KD:  The people in my life.  Feel very lucky for them.

BJ: To not have to have a real job right now and of course the big ass jesus.

Whatta Ya Thankful Fer? Death On Two Wheels; Playing The Stuffing, Nov. 23

By Eileen Tilson/ @tktalt_tn

What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving? Is it the food, family, and the ever so pleasant effects of tryptophan after filling your belly with turkey? Well for us it is The Stuffing, and i don’t mean the squishy bready stuff. Next wednesday, November 23, our favorite boys Manchester Orchestra & Favorite Gentlemen Recordings are excited to announce their 2nd annual thanksgiving celebration – THE STUFFING! Hosted at the Center Stage Complex, tickets are only $25 and that gets you access to all three venues (Vinyl, The Loft, Center Stage). This year’s lineup is pretty stellar and includes: Manchester Orchestra, Cage The Elephant, The Dear Hunter, Kevin Devine,  O’Brother, All Get Out, Death On Two Wheels, Harrison Hudson, Right Away, Great Captain!, Gobotron, A: The Color, Big Jesus,  and Junior Astronomers. Leading up to the show Atlanta Music Guide will be asking all the bands just what they are thankful this year. First up, our dear friend Trae Vedder from Death On Two Wheels.

What are you doing for Thanksgiving?

First, we slay The Stuffing with all of our FG brethrens. Soon thereafter, I board a plane to NYC first thing in the morn to spend Thanksgiving with my ladyfriend. She, a veggie-lover, myself, a southern bread traditional sort, but we’re all good, our combined menu serves us both well. It’s our first time cooking an entire holiday meal all on our own, should be interesting, wish us luck!

Describe your perfect Thanksgiving meal.

Fried turkey by my Pops, chicken pie by my Ma, dressing from my Grandma, chocolate cake by my Granny … deviled eggs by somebody, and a bucket of KFC extra crispy from the laziest aunt/uncle/cousin in the room … throw in some kind of casserole, some macaroni, black eyed peas, mash pototoes, and turnip greens … and maybe some homemade ice cream and/or carrot cake. Seconds? Yes, please!

What’s your most memorable Thanksgiving?

We were on tour and homeless on the west coast for Thanksgiving a few years back. We actually slept in the van and on the beach (armed with pocket knives) in Santa Monica on Thanksgiving Eve. We were recording with our pals Ned and Taylor from Rooney at the time. They headed out of town for the holiday weekend, but before doing so, offered us full and free reign over their home. A genuine gesture that will never be forgotten, and a classic case of friends becoming family, forever thankful Browers! Alas, we wanted some vegetables for Thanksgiving, but had no budget for a real deal meal, but Papa John’s was open and the rest won’t do it…PIZZA FOR THANKSGIVING, BOOM!

What are you the most thankful for?

I’m thankful for an extremely loving and supportive family. That sounds like a generic answer, but it’s simply the truth. They are always there for me, and stand by me, through each and every one of the ups, downs, and in-betweens. I can’t imagine having a better family to call my own, and I love them from the bottom of my heart. I’m also incredibly thankful for each of my fellow band members, thank you for being you Paul, Greg, J., and Dan!

Q&A with Mastodon’s Bill Kelliher; Playing The Tabernacle, December 2

By Ellen Eldridge; photo by Cindy Frey

Atlanta-based band, Mastodon, recently released its fifth full-length, The Hunter. While less progressive than Crack the Skye, it shows a return to riff-based writing that both fans and the boys in the band can enjoy live. The finale of the current tour takes place at Atlanta’s Tabernacle on December 2, and guitarist Bill Kelliher took the time to speak with Atlanta Music Guide about the tour-closing show, what he took the most pride in on the recent release, the artwork and concept behind the videos for the two released singles, and some of the history that newer fans may not have learned about Mastodon yet.

Do you have anything special planned for your final, hometown show in Atlanta this December 2?

We’re putting on a kind of extravaganza. We’ve got a bunch of bands playing; our drummer Brann’s wife’s band is playing. They’re called Tiger Tiger. We’ve got MonstrO, which is Troy’s [bassist] brother’s band. The Black Lips, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Red Fang are also playing. We’re calling it “The Missing Link.” We did one in California a year and a half ago. It came together because we were on tour and our paths crossed. All the bands were together in the same town at the same time so we wanted to throw it all together and have a huge show. We adopted it as something we could market like an OzzFest or something; it’s in the beginning stages. By the time we get to Atlanta and hook up with these bands it should be a well-oiled machine. … Continue Reading

Q&A with Girl In A Coma’s Jenn Alva; Playing Masquerade, November 7

By Ellen Eldridge

I’ll be honest; with a name borrowed from a Smith’s song and a history of hooking up in Junior High School, Girl In A Coma instantly recalled my first attempts at starting a girl group. My basement band never found fruition because my best friend and I couldn’t come up with a decent enough guitarist. It seems not only have the ladies of Girl In A Coma found a threesome worthy enough to tour in sisters Nina Diaz (who joined last) and Phanie Diaz, and Jenn Alva. The hard work and ability to stay true to their ideas led them to the forthcoming release of their fourth studio album, Exits & All the Rest, on Black Heart Records, Joan Jett’s label.

Exits & All the Rest does a fine job of showcasing the girls’ ability to write a good song with a catchy melody and introspective lyric line. Fans who discovered Girl in a Coma because of the 2010 release, Adventures in Coverland, can now find original songs like “Adjust” with a Joan Jett influence and “Control” with a David Bowie vibe, without actually covering songs fans love. Don’t get me wrong though, covering a great song like the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” instantly shows fans from where a newer band’s inspiration comes and showcases the raw talent as well as the ability to make a classic song their own. With the release of Exits, Girl in a Coma breaks free from its roots and starts making its own name.

Jenn Alva took the time to speak with Atlanta Music Guide about the new album and tour.

AMG: Your name comes from the Smiths’ song “Girlfriend in a Coma” – does that song have any special meaning or was it just a favorite at the time? Do you ever cover it?

Jenn Alva: It was one of our favorite songs at the time, and it’s funny because over time favorites change. If I thought about it now a new favorite would be “Wonderful Woman;” it’s such a beautiful song. Morrissey’s song “Ordinary Boys” could have fit us, possibly, if we were Ordinary Girls instead. As far as playing “Girlfriend in a Coma” live – it’s forbidden. I have joked around – only at practice – by playing the bass line though. … Continue Reading

Q&A with Walk the Moon; Playing Center Stage, October 29

By: Catrina Maxwell

These four guys from Cincinatti, Ohio have burst onto the scene and seem to be making their mark in the music world. Their independently-released album “i want! i want!” has hit the airwaves and fans seem to really like the “poppy art-rock quartet” as described by SPIN Magazine. Currently, they are working on their follow-up album that will be released on RCA Records. Nicholas Petricca, lead singer for the band took some time to answer a few questions for Atlanta Music Guide.

What sparked the band name Walk the Moon?

The band name came up partly out of a love for the Police and the vibe of their lyrics and music, sort of mysterious and playful.

How was the band formed?

I formed the band a few years ago in college, and this final line-up came together early this year when we really started touring a lot.

Who does most of the lyric writing in the band and what inspires the music and lyrics the most?

The lyrics are mostly mine and the writing is inspired in large part by other artists who have really affected me. I try to learn from them.  A lyricist like Justin Vernon for instance tells stories that are so vivid and seem so viscerally personal, so I try to recreate images from my own memories in hopes that listeners will piece together my stories in a way that is personal to them. … Continue Reading

Q & A With Will Hoge; Playing Vinyl 9/30

By Amanda Miles

Nashville roots-rocker Will Hoge has a knack for illustrating tales of sorrow, joy and triumph in his music. His latest album, Number Seven, is no exception. A follow up to 2009’s powerful The Wreckage, Number Seven examines the human conditions of love, loss, betrayal and grief. It seems seven just may be Will’s lucky number. Named in honor of his seventh studio album, the first single is garnering interest on a national stage. The debut single, “When I Get My Wings”, was inspired by an obituary Will stumbled across detailing a beautiful fifty year marriage. The heart wrenching Memphis-soul inspired video is receiving regular rotation on CMT. Will was excited to discuss his latest project with Atlanta Music Guide.

Tell me about the writing and recording of Number Seven. 

I write constantly so that just is a never ending process. The record really started as a series of demos, we had about four songs we wanted to try. We start recording at my house, in the basement. We started with that and literally, that weekend, we found out the studio across town opened up and a friend of mine who had engineered the last few records was available to come work with us in the studio. The next thing you know, we are back in the studio working on songs. It sort of fell together.

Seriously, how does a white guy from Nashville, TN end up with so much soul?

(Laughter) Maybe we should ask my mom if there is a story there.

Growing up, who would you say has influenced you musically?

My old man was a musician in a post Beatles invasion era, where everyone started a band. He still has this incredible record collection. I spent my formative years when everyone was listening to Poison and Motley Crue on a steady vinyl diet of the Temptations, James Brown, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Otis Redding…that sort of era of classic rock/vinyl is what I go back to a lot of times. It’s what I grew up on.

Do you have a song from Number Seven you are most connected to?

There’s a few. The song “Trying To Be A Man” is one that I always come back to. It was a scratch vocal take that we did just as a demo. Something about it just was right. We tried three of four other times to record it and make it quote “better” but it just never had that same effect.

We brought Vince Gill in to play guitar. He brought a whole new element of emotion to the song. He has been an inspiration and a hero to me musically so that was one that is very special.

Speaking of Vince, he introduced you and played with you on your debut at the Grand Ole Opry. What was that experience like?

It was really….I know magical is an overused term but it really was magical. Having grown up in and around Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry is seen as almost mythical. So many heroes of mine have stood on that stage and played that show. I listened to it so many times on the radio and watched it on TV over the years. To get the invitation was really flattering and of course we jumped at the chance. The day before we found out Vince would be hosting the segment and we asked if he would play, he said yes. He then asked us to come out and do an encore, a song for him and Amy. It went really went from being an incredible evening to an incredibly surreal experience I truly will never forget.

Will Hoge will play Vinyl on Friday, 9/30/2011. Number Seven will debut 9/27/2011. 

Q&A with Curt Kirkwood Of The Meat Puppets; Playing The Earl 9/24

By Eileen Tilson

The Meat Puppets are just one of those bands you pledge your allegiance to. With fellow dedicated pledgees like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and countless other iconic bands, you are in very great company. We chatted with the legendary Curt Kirkwood as he was feeding his birds, and the conversation is filled with new words including, “band-amateur.” The band plays The Earl this Saturday as part of the Little Five Points Fest.

The Meat Puppets are referenced as influencing some of the most well respected bands in rock, what do you think of the current music scene? Are there any bands you see as being influential?

Man, I am not much of a critic! The only thing I recently heard was Maroon 5 with Christina Aguilera, doing a song about Mick Jagger. The thing is I never thought we were cool. MTV was making people look really good, and we were there just doing our thing. Musicians want the young people to like them. Things like American Idol and the charts, those are just scrambling to make more money. I just believe that it is about finding your audience and playing towards them. There are so many people playing right now, I swear Hell is full of Band-amateurs.

What is the main difference you see between the MP’s circa 1995 and the band as it is today?

Well in the 80′s the hope of a band was not to get signed, cause no one was signing! People were just playing to whoever would come out to a show. A band toured….a lot, with the thought that maybe with each record “this one would be the one to make it.”  I just think maybe now we spend a little more time going through our songs. We don’t have any misguided ambitions anymore.

What inspires you?

Music inspires me. Well in its purist sense where it remains fun. I never want to become the goose that lays the golden egg, and then hopes it doesn’t sour. I have been really into model building lately, kind of becoming my hobby.

We do a series called 5 GB, would you be a part of it?

Sure!

First gig you ever went to?

Cheech & Chong! My mom took us, and it was like being in the Black Market. My second concert and first rock concert was David Bowie, when I was like 14-15. It is was back in the Diamond Dogs days, and all I kept thinking, is here is what you are not. You gotta remember I never wanted to be a musician. I moved to the back country of Ontario when I was 17, fully intending to be a Park Ranger, or something like that. I clearly didn’t make the cut, and came back home looking for something else cool to do. Music just sort of happened.

Best show you’ve ever performed at?

These last few shows with Soundgarden and Queens of the Stone Age have been awesome. It got me back on stage with that feeling of surfing. They got me into that other worldly space inside my head.

Best show you’ve ever been to?

George Jones is great. Wide range of emotions that man inspires. Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Lots of Grateful Dead shows, but haven’t seen them since Garcia died.

Gig you would most like to play?

Playing with Soundgardern is always great. I would love to get all my friends together on one stage. The festivals would be nice…honestly, as long as there is a show, I’ll be there.

Dream Lineup for a gig?

Hank Williams and Led Zeppelin. And you gotta throw some Jimi Hendrix on there. Let’s just put all the greats on one stage!

The Meat Puppets play The Earl, Saturday 9/24