LINER NOTES is a collaborative partnership between WABE and Immersive Atlanta that focuses on local songwriters and the stories they tell. Created by WABE producer Myke Johns, each episode will feature an on-air interview discussing the origins, ideas, and meanings behind a particular song accompanied by a live performance video shot, produced, and hosted by Immersive.

As frontman for Americana rockers Pony League, songwriter Gus Fernandez has been known to spin a good yarn and the group’s latest single, the driving and anthemic “Harder Than a Rick Ankiel,” is no exception. Using the rocky career of former Atlanta Braves outfielder Rick Ankiel as inspiration, Fernandez weaves a tale of tragedy turned triumph over brooding piano melodies that bring to mind classic American artists like Billy Joel and Craig Finn of the Hold Steady.

The track keys in on Ankiel’s game winning home run in the bottom of the 11th inning of the 2010 NLDS, a triumphant moment made all the more dramatic by the years of heartache and failure that preceded it. For Fernandez, the story of Ankiel’s fall, transformation, and ultimate ascent transcended sports and provided him with motivation to overcome his own fears and continue pursuing his dreams in the face of ongoing adversity.

Recently, we got the opportunity to visit Fernandez in his home and came away with this video of him delivering an intimate performance of the rousing cut. Check it out above and then make sure to visit WABE to hear him tell the remarkable story behind the song.

Pony League will celebrate the release of “Harder Than a Rick Ankiel” tonight at the EARL. Supporting them are fellow locals Blue Blood, New Junk City, and Jeremy Ray. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $8.

More Info
Web: ponyleagueband.com
Bandcamp: ponyleague.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @PonyLeagueBand
Instagram: @ponyleagueband
SoundCloud: @PonyLeague
Tumblr: ponyleague.tumblr.com
Twitter: @ponyleagueband