Whether they like it or not, Fountains of Wayne will always be synonymous with their infamous adolescent anthem, "Stacey's Mom." Rather than moving into a new direction, the band seems to have fully embraced their irony over the years by only growing in their clever indie pop. It's a formula that has proved successful and given them immunity from the one-hit-wonder category. Their latest release, Sky Full of Holes, displays their ability to go darker, sharper and more daring than ever. I caught up with Adam Schlesinger before his show at Anthology on Oct. 11. We discussed their humor and aversion to being grown-ups.
Nada Alic: Sky Full of Holes plays off more adult narratives that deal with more middle-aged doldrums. Was that a deliberate transition? How much of it was gleaned from real life?
Adam Schlesinger: We try to write from our real lives at least indirectly, if not overtly. A lot of names are changed, but the characters in my songs are often composites of real people I know.
NA: Comedic irony has always found it's way onto your records. Do you consider yourselves pretty funny guys?
AS: I'm the Wanda Sykes of men.
NA: Sky Full of Holes is ripe with nostalgia. Do you ever wish you could go back to the post-adolescent years of college, or have you discovered a newfound peace with growing up?
AS: I wish I could go back to college so I could more fully appreciate not having to do anything all day.
NA: Your music has been cited as being for music nerds and rock critics. Are there any other unusual demographics you attract?
AS: We're popular with goth kids. Oh, wait: No, we're not.
NA: "A Road Song" is about a guy on the road missing his lady. Whats the best way to deal with long-distance relationships while on the road?
AS: Don't go on long tours.
NA: Are you working on any other projects?
AS: I just wrote some songs for Emmanuelle Seigner, who is a French singer and actress.
NA: How's your experience been with San Diego? Excited to return on the 11th?
AS: We've always enjoyed playing in San Diego. And, in fact, I lived in La Jolla for several months when we were doing the musical Cry-Baby, so i'm looking forward to returning.
SoundDiego
Music. Community. Culture.
