Fountains of Wayne - Anchored by the singer/songwriter duo of Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood, Fountains of Wayne was founded in 1996 and released its self-titled debut on Atlantic Records the same year. Schlesinger penned the Grammy-nominated title theme for the Tom Hanks’ rock ‘n’ roll film “That Thing You Do!” and co-wrote several songs for the “Josie and the Pussycats” soundtrack in addition to producing albums for the Verve Pipe, David Mead and They Might Be Giants. The band’s first Top 40 song, “Stacy’s Mom” from 2003's “Welcome Interstate Managers,” oddly enough, earned them two Grammy nominations, including “Best New Artist.” Schlesinger and David Javerbaum, executive producer of “The Daily Show,” co-wrote holiday-themed songs for "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift Of All," a one-hour musical special on Comedy Central. Javerbaum and Schlesinger also collaborated on the Broadway musical “Cry-Baby” which received four Tony nominations including “Best Musical” and “Best Score.” The band’s current CD, “Sky Full Of Holes,” is its first release since 2007's "Traffic And Weather."

Marc Broussard - The son of Boogie Kings guitarist Ted Broussard, singer/songwriter Marc Broussard released his debut, “Momentary Setback,” in 2002 when he was 20. Hailing from Lafayette, LA, his music mixed R&B with the Cajun influences of the gulf region. After signing with Island Def Jam, Broussard appeared on a Bruce Springsteen tribute album, Light of Day, with "Back in Your Arms." In 2008 he released “Keep Coming Back” and toured as support for acts ranging from Maroon 5 and the Dave Matthews Band to Willie Nelson, O.A.R., and Bonnie Raitt. His current release is a self-titled effort produced by Nashville producer Jamie Kenney.

Ben Lee - At age 16 Ben Lee he was touring Australia and the U.S. supporting his first solo release. Since then, he has had releases on the Beastie Boys' Grand Royal label and Thurston Moore’s Ecstatic Peace! imprint.  As a producer, he’s worked with comedienne Margaret Cho, Mozella, Tim Myers, The Silver Lake Chorus and Appleonia. Prior to the release of his latest CD, “Deeper Into Dream,” Lee was the band director and leader for Barry Sobel and Fred Willard's Internet chat show, “3 Minute Talk Show,” which was produced by Tom Hanks. An 8-years-in-the-making feature length documentary on Lee’s life, “Catch My Disease,” by director Amiel Courtin-Wilson, premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival last August. 

Amanda Shires – Young Texas fiddler/singer/songwriter Amanda Shires has already amassed an impressive resume. At 15, she played onstage with Bob Wills’ former band The Texas Playboys and was soon teaching at Playboys’ singer Tommy Allsup’s summer music camp. She was tapped to be the fiddler behind Gwyneth Paltrow in the film “Country Strong” and has played on recent releases by Justin Townes Earle and Jason Isbell. While in college, Shires joined Lubbock’s perennial “Thrift Store Cowboys” and released her 2005 debut, “Being Brave.” The following year, her CD “West Cross Timbers” was listed as one of “No Depression” magazine’s “50 Best Releases of the Year.” “Americana UK” said of Shires: “In her more conventional moments, Shires sounds like the weird young niece of Dolly Parton.” Her current release, “Carrying Lightning,” was co-produced by Rod Picott and David Henry.

Grace Weber - At age 22, singer/songwriter Grace Weber has appeared on Harlem’s famed “Showtime at the Apollo,” at the Kennedy Center, The Ella Awards, and on “The Today Show.” Last year, Weber was picked by Oprah Winfrey - from hundreds of thousands of entrants - to perform on her program. Now living in Brooklyn, the Milwaukee native joined the Inner City Youth Gospel Choir when she was 10, and regularly performed at churches and revivals around the city. Over time, she’s melded those early roots in soul and gospel with a modern pop sensibility, taking a cue from the likes of Adele and Norah Jones. Set to release “Hope & Heart,” her first solo album, Weber has already toured the U.S. twice.

 

-30- 

This episode is scheduled for distribution on April 27th, 2012. For more information, including hi-res photos,  please contact Adam Harris, 304.556.4900.