Sunday, September 14, 2008
Quick, A+E, Q&A
Going to Atlantis with Leslie Fram
A Quick Q&A
ATLANTIS MUSIC CONFERENCE & FESTIVAL 2008
Sept. 17-20
Various locations
www.atlantismusic.com
When Atlanta radio station 99X, once one of the premier alternative rock stations in the country, shuttered its terrestrial operations earlier this year (the station remains active online and on HD radio), longtime program director and morning personality Leslie Fram found herself without an on-air home for the first time since joining 99X’s predecessor, Power 99, in 1990. Earlier this summer, Fram signed on as program director for WXRP-FM, a rock and AAA (Adult Album Alternative) station in New York, but her work with Atlanta’s music scene hasn’t changed. On Friday, Sept. 19, she hosts Fram Jam, a local artist showcase, as part of the 2008 Atlantis Music Conference. The Sunday Paper recently caught up with Fram, who also co-owns two Atlanta clothing boutiques, Luxe and 1*FIVE*0, to learn more about her involvement in Atlantis and her new job.—Kevin Forest Moreau
Q What is it about Atlantis that compels you to stay involved with it and even host your own special showcase, on top of everything else in your life right now?
A It's an amazing resource for unsigned acts, like [the annual] CMJ [music conference] in New York. 99X sponsored Atlantis since its inception, so it's near and dear to my heart, as is fostering the local music scene. [Atlantis founder] Mark Willis, Kathy Stringer and Rich Levy pour their heart and soul into this event every year. I'm just honored to be a part of the ’08 conference. When you’re part of a music scene for as long as I was in Atlanta, you can't just walk away. These people are my family and a major part of my life and history in Atlanta. That's why I will continue to come back every year.
Tell us a little bit about the purpose of Fram Jam.
I'm a huge fan of the Americana genre, and one day Mark Willis and I were discussing this, and he mentioned that they had received more entries this year for Americana since the beginning of the 2000s. After that, I simply asked if I could put on my own showcase. There are several artists that I am passionate about and wanted to make sure they had a platform during Atlantis. He sent over all the entries, and one day a bunch of us got together at my house and listened to tapes all day and narrowed it down to the bands that are now playing the Fram Jam. I have to thank my husband Lanny West and Glen Pridgen for doing all the preliminary work, from the Web site to the CD sampler we sent out to all the A&R folks.
One of the artists at Fram Jam is Sonia Leigh, whom you’ve taken a particular interest in.
Sonia not only has an amazing voice but is a truly gifted songwriter. Lanny and I met Sonia several years ago at a 99X event and immediately fell in love with her music. Last year we were talking with Sonia about her career path and soon after we all agreed that we wanted to work together, so Lanny and I are now the management team.
Lastly, how are you adjusting to the new job in New York? How hard has it been so far, juggling that with running your stores 1*FIVE*0 and Luxe?
The first month was challenging, because I was spending 18 hours every day at the radio station and then going to a corporate apartment to sleep! After I moved into our apartment, everything changed. I love the energy of the city and feel really blessed to find another opportunity where I can really make a difference. Lanny runs the day-to-day business of our boutiques with our partners Jen Ripley and Carole Davenport. Carole and I are the Accessory Buyers, so now when we do accessory shows in New York, we don't have to pay $500 a night for a hotel room!
The night after Fram Jam I'll be co-hosting the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame induction ceremonies with Monica Pearson at the Georgia World Congress Center. My love for Atlanta and the music scene will never change. SP