Jody of Fountains of Wayne: Band, Tours, Life & Fun Facts

Having formed in New York City back in 1996, Fountains of Wayne slid into the spotlight with their mix of heart-on-sleeve ballads and whip-smart power pop. Whether you know them for the aching nostalgia of “All Kinds of Time” or the inescapable hook of “Stacy’s Mom“, chances are they’ve played some part in the soundtrack of your life. Or at the very least, your last pub karaoke night.

” Fountains of Wayne’s song “Hey Julie” and “Madison Square Garden shows and losing 2 Grammys.” Quoted by Jody Porter,

But beyond the radio staples and film features lies a story of four bandmates with an ear for melody, a knack for storytelling, and apparently—an unshakable sense of humour. I had the absolute thrill of catching up with guitarist Jody Porter, whose dry wit and candid reflections painted a vivid picture of life inside Fountains of Wayne.

“Lots of tomfoolery in the early days. More refined now,” Jody says, describing tour life with the band. “Same four guys, same four jokes for the last decade and a half. Good times.”

Sounds chaotic? Try touring Japan.

“Too much to mention… Japan tours are completely insane,” he grins. “Old friends on a tour bus or flying around the globe—what could go wrong?”

From College Bands to Grammy Nightmares

The band’s origin story isn’t born out of a label-engineered supergroup or studio fantasy. It’s all much more organic.

“Adam was in my band after we left the UK,” Jody recalls. “He and Chris had a band in college. We all just drifted together. Similar influences. It gelled musically most of the time.”

Their third album, Welcome Interstate Managers, dropped in 2003 and brought with it a slew of fan favourites, including “Mexican Wine” and “Hey Julie.” But it was “Stacy’s Mom” that catapulted them into global infamy.

“I think we were surprised,” Jody says of the single’s success. “But we knew it had potential to be a hit.”

They were nominated for two Grammys—and lost both. A moment Jody remembers with more bemusement than bitterness.

“Madison Square Garden shows and losing two Grammys. Not bad.”

From Power Pop to Primal Scream

Jody’s love for music isn’t limited to his own band. Ask him what’s spinning in his car stereo right now?

“Primal Scream,” he replies without hesitation.

And if he hadn’t become a musician?

“Taxidermist,” he deadpans.
Why? “Because the historic preservation society wasn’t hiring.”

Of course.

Music That Moves and Moments That Matter

You don’t survive years on the road, losing sleep and time zones, unless the music still hits home.

“Usually whatever we’re working on,” Jody says when asked about his favourite Fountains of Wayne song. “It changes from show to show. But in the studio, I get excited by what’s being created.”

Has a song ever made him cry?

“Happy Birthday and In My Life,” he admits.

It’s that balance—between cheek and charm, silliness and sincerity—that made Fountains of Wayne so beloved.

Studio Work vs. The Road Grind

Recording a song with the band is a surprisingly smooth process.

“Depends,” Jody explains. “We usually have it ironed out before tracking. Recording’s quick, it’s the mixing, mastering, and manufacturing that takes the most time.”

Touring, on the other hand, isn’t always as romantic as fans might think.

“Exhausting at times. Mostly the travelling. Being on a bus for months can become redundant.”

Still, he wouldn’t trade it. From early DIY gigs to playing massive venues, there’s a clear affection in how he talks about the band’s journey.

Life After Wayne

These days, Jody is keeping his creative spark burning with a solo project.

“Month of Mondays” is his upcoming solo EP—something fans should definitely keep an eye (and an ear) out for.

And while we might always associate him with one of the most iconic songs of the early 2000s, there’s far more to Jody Porter than “Stacy’s Mom.”

That said…
Yeah, I’ll still be playing it on repeat today. You should too.