Freshman 15 Sizing Up Columbus

March 2, 2009 by Brooke Weirick

The phrase "freshman fifteen" is no longer feared by many college students throughout the U.S. thanks to an awesome band from Georgia.  Davey Fortner, Breck Blanchard, Jeremy Smith and Bj Formella are the heart and soul of the up and  coming pop-punk band, Freshman 15.

Signed to Standby Records, Freshman 15 has amazing talent, heart, dedication and the energy of the Energizer Bunny.  Vocalist and Guitarist, Davey Fortner gave me some insight on the band's background and future plans.

Q. How did Freshman 15 get started?
A.  There was a high school talent show and I gathered three dudes together and we played "All the Small Things" by Blink 182 and "Right Now" by SR-71... and we won!

Q. What made you join the band?
A. I started it.

Q. Which has been your favorite show and why?
A. The CD release show we just had in our home state of Georgia on February 17 for "Throw Up Your Hands for One Night Stands." There were so many people there and everyone sang along.

Q. What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you at a show?

A. My button broke on my pants when I was jumping so i just took them off and played in my boxers...

Q. What do you do outside of the band?
A. I play a lot of video games, Resident Evil mostly.. it's so badass! Other than that, most of my time is spent promoting the band on myspace... its like a job.

Q. What is your favorite band to listen to right now?
A. A Day to Remember  [Victory Records]

Q. When is the next Freshman 15 show in Columbus?
A.  April. Keep an eye on the myspace for an exact date.

Q. What have you accomplished within the past six months?

A. A lot! Our CD recently came out in stores... our shirts come out in hot topic soon... we've toured... and signed to Standby Records!

Q. How does it feel to be on the road, touring?

A. I freaking love it! I hate being home... I love being on the road... even touring in a van with no heat... freezing my butt off...we meet cool people.

Q. What are some of the inspirations for your songs?

A. Girls. Every song is written based on a personal experience. 

Q. How can a fan help support Freshman 15?

A. Buy a CD, buy a t-shirt, come to shows, spread the word any way you can... 

Q. What is the best thing about being a musician?

A. Having people sing your words back to you...it's the coolest thing ever... seriously!

Q. What advice would you give to young aspiring musicians that look up to you and the rest of Freshman 15?

A. That as sucky as it is, you have to have good recordings... and adding friends on MySpace is so important.

Freshman 15 consists of Davey Fortner (Vocals/Guitar), Jeremy Smith (Guitar/Background Vocals), Breck Blanchard (Drums) and Bj Formella (Bass/Background Vocals) [Contact Tour manager Marc Stampfli for booking]. Make sure you check out their myspace (http://www.myspace.com/freshman15rock) and show them some love and support. Freshman 15 is one of the sweetest, most entertaining bands on and off the stage that you will ever find. Their new CD, titled "Throw Up Your Hands for One Night Stands," is in stores now.