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.

Is it a conscious decision about how much snark and how much sweetness appears on each album?

I don’t think we consider ourselves to be snarky at all. We certainly don’t set out with that as a goal. There’s humor in a lot of our songs, but ideally there’s a wide range of emotions too.

You had the major label signing, only to find success later after getting dropped. What do you think about the current state of the record industry and where is it going?

I don’t have any idea where the business is going. It seems like the days of exclusive major label rule is pretty much over. But there’s also way too much music being released these days – sometimes I think you should have to pass a test first, like driving a car.

You’ve had more than your share of songs performed on TV shows and commercials and in movies. Is this pretty much a necessity now for a band to survive?

I don’t know if it’s a necessity but it’s certainly helpful, especially if your music doesn’t get played on the radio a lot.

After a hit like “Stacy’s Mom,” is it hard to get thoughts out of your head such as “How can I re-create that success?” or do you go the other way and think, “That was a novelty hit. I hope we are remembered for more than that”?

We certainly would like to be known for more than that song,  because we’ve written hundreds of other songs too. But we don’t worry too much about hit singles in general – we just try to write songs we like.

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.

If Carnivores could provide the soundtrack to Warhol’s film “Chelsea Girls,” what song would you include in the opening scene where Nico trims her bangs for 15 minutes?

We would feature all of our songs played at the same time in that scene. I think that movie needs more of a shrilling soundtrack anyway. Maybe even do some mash-ups with Huey Lewis and Faust songs. I think Andy Warhol would really appreciate that. Yeah.

Who is your favorite artist of the 14 Modern Masters from this exhibition?

My favorite artist of the 14 Modern Masters is probably Mondrian because of his absence of green. I think this came from a traumatizing childhood of being force fed Hi-C Ecto Cooler from one of those things hamsters drink from.

The High Museum hosts several student art events throughout the year including College Night and Culture Shock. Come out, have fun, and support the arts in Atlanta!

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. 

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!