Sitting down with Jameson Tankersley, lead singer and guitarist of high-energy rock band Jameson Tank and host of the “Jameson on the Rocks” music podcast, to discuss the success and future of his band, there was one question that felt particularly pressing: What’s the deal with the kick?
“The kick is a weird thing,” laughs Tankersley. “I noticed a theme of things in our whole career… I mean, very little thought went into it. Then the next thing you know, our logo is me doing the kick. I’ll see somebody in a bar practicing, and they won’t even say anything to me. I’ll just see them over there doing it and looking at me. I’m like, ‘Oh God. So what have we done here?’”
Tankersley’s passion to make a career out of music and his entrepreneurial spirit have been driving Jameson Tank forward since its inception in 2019. Likewise, as a University of Georgia graduate, his approach to college—which he refers to as a “good gig”—as a means of getting to Athens and auxiliary to forming a sustainable, long-term band seems to have helped avoid a post-graduation breakup, the fate of many local college bands that have made waves. However, Jameson Tank is far from a solo show now in its third fully formed year. Jokingly yet truthfully referring to it as a “Craigslist band,” fellow members Conner Ankerich (drums), Javier Solorzano (bass, vocals) and Bryce Burnette (lead guitar, vocals) joined in 2020.
Growing up in the small town of Gibson, Tankersley put out a solo EP as Jameson Tank with the intention of moving to Athens for college with some leverage to get a band started. Despite the name, it was never intended to be a solo project or directly tied to Tankersley, other than as a brand he could claim if other members decided not to stick with it. Luckily, he found three likeminded college students who have helped to mold the band and invest in its identity.
Jameson Tank is known for playing a mix of covers and originals with a strong influence of ‘80s rock, including prioritizing a “larger-than-life” live performance—minus the leather pants, spandex and makeup. Forming as a modern party-rock band, Tankersley explains that what drew him to that era of classic rock was it felt like it was more about having fun and having an energetic stage presence, which feedback from fans has proven to still be desired. Thus far, creating a captivating show and keeping the calendar booked with tour dates has been the band’s main priority.
“We really had to get good at playing together. Playing 50-plus shows a year really forces you to get better and better each night,” says Ankerich. “Also getting used to touring has been a big change in each of our lives. None of us had any experience with touring going into this band, so we have all really just been learning as we go.”
The band recently completed a 50-date tour run and has another close to 50 dates coming up for the end of the year. Selling out the Georgia Theatre twice and other venues in both Georgia and South Carolina, Tankersley says that a focus has always been on being able to sell tickets, and touring so extensively has helped them gain solid out-of-state fanbases. However, the members also just prefer to be playing on stage instead of hunkered down in a studio. When asked about their most memorable performance, Solorzano and Burnette both bring up the time they were playing in Charlotte, NC and Burnette played a guitar solo while crowd surfing.
“The craziest part was that he played in time the whole time while being tossed mid-air,” says Solorzano.
Even though their hearts remain on the stage, Tankersley says that they’re currently working in the studio to tighten and establish the sound they want Jameson Tank to be known for when the debut album finally comes out next year. Having accumulated a steady and growing audience, it’s time to deliver a product to enjoy from anywhere. In the meantime, there are singles slated to be released this month and next before a six-track EP comes out in October that is said to be more cohesive than the previously released EPs.
While the band has been in the studio in between rigorous touring schedules, Tankersley has also taken a three-month hiatus from his music podcast “Jameson on the Rocks” to build on its success by releasing episodes with bigger artists and longer intervals in between. It started in 2020, right before the band was fully formed but after UGA closed campus due to COVID-19. After a few episodes discussing favorite albums with a friend, Tankersley invited Cannon Rogers of local rock band CannonandtheBoxes on to talk about his musical journey and successes. From there it became an outlet to spotlight bands, especially those that didn’t have many other opportunities.
Over the last two years, the podcast has seen a large number of musicians and bands, some newly formed and others veterans, as well as both touring and popular acts. As an unexpected result, Tankersley says that he’s been recognized at out-of-state gigs specifically for the podcast from interviews he’s done with bands from those areas. However, the band occupies Tankersley as his full-time job, and both it and the podcast must remain sustainable, which has prompted the new business model moving forward of fewer, but bigger, episodes.
“I’m kind of stoked about this new era of the show that’s about to come up, which is going to be very well produced adventures with established bands,” says Tankersley.
But as for its own adventures, Jameson Tank has established a sizable base that it promises to expand on by delivering a better understanding of its identity on record outside of the high-energy kickin’ live stage performances.
Tune In To Local Podcasts
Athens is home to many podcasters covering local topics ranging from music and culture to history and crime. During the COVID pandemic, there was a bubble of podcasts, and although quite a few are no longer active, many have stood the test of time (and boredom). Here is a list of some of the active podcasts in Athens we recommend to get a better understanding of the city and its people:
“Athcast” hosted by Matt Pulver
Get insight into local news, politics, music and culture, including special topic episodes.
“Athens 441” hosted by Joe Silva
Georgia Public Broadcasting’s indie music show discusses the scope of modern music.
“ATHistory Podcast” hosted by the ACC Inclusion Office
This program features the stories of residents from diverse backgrounds and interests.
“Classic City Business Podcast” hosted by John Gluck
The host talks with the people behind local businesses from a range of industries.
“Classic City Crime” hosted by Cameron Jay
Dive into local true crime cases spanning decades, many of which remain unsolved.
“Classic City Vibes” hosted by Athens Regional Library System
Enjoy conversations with musicians, artists, creatives and others working in the community.
“Hot Corner” hosted by Alexander Stephens and Broderick Flanigan
This limited series audio documentary documents the history of Hot Corner.
“Jameson on the Rocks” hosted by Jameson Tankersley
This passion project spotlights musicians who share their stories and perspectives.
“The Saturday In Athens Podcast” hosted by Seth and Boss
Your stop to hear about all things Georgia Bulldogs, the “Church of Tailgate.”
“The Sweaty Palms Podcast” hosted by Zoë
Hear from a variety of people in the music industry, from photographers to booking agents.
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