Rockinwood

originally published October 18, 2006

Rockinwood isn't just a street in Athens; it's also where members of the band by the same name reside. Rockinwood consists of vocalist Owen Hunt and guitarist Mike "Wally" Walliser of The Leavers, and drummer Nick Lacis, bassist Whit Hawkins and guitarist Danny Coulter.

What started out as a couple of friends playing covers of dirty songs at parties grew into the well-polished sound that is now Rockinwood. Running the gamut of everything from hip hop to country, these kids refuse to be pigeon-holed into a single genre. However, even with their forays into rap and punk, the blues-tinged Southern rock sound is still distinctly pervasive at the core of Rockinwood.

But this isn't just music to swig your whiskey to. Sure, Rockinwood makes really relatable music about drinking, life, drinking again, women, more drinking and having your face rocked off, but it's all done in a manner without taking any of it too seriously.

That's all apparent during the band's live performance, replete with kazoos, cowbells and an infamous ode to nailing Oprah. Tomfoolery aside, Flagpole sat down with the boys of Rockinwood for a little heart-to-heart on some serious subjects.

Flagpole

MySpace: friend or foe?

Rockinwood

It used to be a foe, but, thanks to Georgia's Governor's quick response regarding our additions to the Sonny-Do List, it's becoming a friend as Sonny hunts down those pesky online predators.

Flagpole

What other Athens bands are you digging right now?

Rockinwood

Brown Frown, Producto, The Leavers, We Versus the Shark, Liquid Sundrop and Betsy Franck & the Bare Knuckle Band.

Flagpole

Where does the inspiration for your songs come from?

Rockinwood

Wally's pants and lots of booze. That's it. Not much of a mystery.

Flagpole

Who would you say your musical influences are?

Rockinwood

Tenacious D, Ween, the Flaming Lips and AC/DC.

Flagpole

What are your aspirations for the band?

Rockinwood

To encourage people to kick back and have a good time, every time out. We would all love to quit our day jobs as well.

Flagpole

So is there an EP or CD in the works?

Rockinwood

YES. There are about a dozen musicians who will collaborate in many variations on a project called the Ivywood Collective. Each project within the collective has its own distinct voice and an album featuring all of these is due in January.

Flagpole

Did you see Snakes on a Plane?

Rockinwood

None of us saw motherfuckin' Snakes on a motherfuckin' Plane, but we all look forward to the motherfuckin' sequel.

Charley Lee

Spotlight is a biweekly feature looking at newer or emerging local acts. Next up: Freeze Tag. Is there a band you'd like to see covered? Email music editor Chris Hassiotis at music@flagpole.com.