Jonny Fritz‘s sardonic, clever country rock has just landed him a record deal—signed in gravy at a local soul-food restaurant, natch—and his ATO Records debut, Dad Country, featuring backing from the boys in Dawes, has just hit shelves. He’s also trying to finish up paintings and leatherwork for a list of clients that reads like a who’s-who of the Music City hipsterati. Oh, and he got married to a woman he met at Mardi Gras. “I like to make the impulsive moves,” says Fritz, who used to go by the moniker Jonny Corndawg. Fritz will also be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our brand new feature on him.
Jonny: I got really sick of not having a 24-hour security guard on duty, so I built this loft in my sprinter. The last thing you want to do after driving all day, unloading the van, playing a show, loading up the van and finding a place to sleep is unloading the van again because you’re staying with someone in a questionable neighborhood. I’ve had enough, so now instead of looking for a safe place to park I just find the flattest, most level spot on the street, no matter how sketchy the neighborhood. I’m sure I’ll be singing a different song if someone breaks in while I’m sleeping, but until then, I’ll be in the van. I’m my own bus driver, roadie, tour manager and security guard.
