by Andrew Leahey & Erik HageWith his muscular, straightforward American rock, Nashville artist Will Hoge has garnered frequent comparisons to such heartland giants as Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. The singer/songwriter was raised in Franklin, TN, a rural Nashville suburb, and eventually left town to study history at Western Kentucky University. Music drew him back home, however, and he relocated to Nashville to assemble a band that included former Georgia Satellite Dan Baird on guitar. Hoge then cut his teeth on the Southern bar circuit and issued a live release, 1999's All Night Long, before inking a deal with Atlantic Records. With the label's backing, he entered Memphis' famed Ardent Studios and recorded his official debut, Carousel, alongside engineer John Hampton (the Replacements, Gin Blossoms). The album was released in 2000, and Blackbird on a Lonely Wire followed in 2003 (albeit without Baird, who left due to the band's demanding tour schedule). Unfortunately, record sales were slim, and Hoge found himself receiving minimal attention from his label. Requesting release from his contract, Hoge was made a free agent. Following his departure from the Atlantic roster, Hoge augmented a relentless tour schedule with a number of independent releases, from live albums and brief EPs to a full-fledged studio effort (2006's The Man Who Killed Love). Rykodisc took note of Hoge's consistent work -- particularly his 200-plus shows per year -- and signed the artist. Draw the Curtains, Hoge's fourth studio album and first disc for Rykodisc, was released in October 2006, followed by -- what else? -- an aggressive fall tour.