If you've never heard the name Will Hoge (pronounced "Hoag"), chances are you don't live in the southeastern portion of the United States. While virtually unknown around much of the Northeast, the soulful singer/songwriter, guitarist and front man of the band that bears his name has developed a dedicated fan base across the South. Hoge also spread his all-American rock 'n' roll to new audiences with a recent stint at the massive Bonnaroo festival.Hoge's Northeastern fans were out in full force last Saturday night at Boston's Paradise Lounge, enduring the frigid conditions outside and squeezing into the cozy bar to see the popular Nashville native. JustArts sat down with Hoge on his well-traveled tour bus prior to Saturday night's performance in front of the teeming crowd.

When asked about the difference in his fan base up North and back in the South, Hoge seemed content with his current standing, yet encouraged and motivated by his success thus far in his career. "It's just the reality of where we are," Hoge said. "I guess there are some times [when] it is frustrating."

"Obviously, we've spent more time in the Southeast, but we don't want to be a Southeast band. There are bands that just do that and just tour the Southeast, and they're huge and don't really go anywhere else. That doesn't really interest me."

Hoge and his bandmates share the goal of reaching a point at which they can continue to play together for the rest of their careers. "Longevity is the biggest part of it," Hoge said, taking a drink. "I just want to also be able to continue to challenge myself and the band musically and be able to try to do some different things and play different places." Hoge spends an enormous amount of his time on the road, but he also has two studio releases under his belt (2001's independent release Carousel and 2003's Blackbird on a Lonely Wire, released on Atlantic Records) with a new one on the way this year.

Hoge describes his music as pure rock 'n' roll. "I've tried to come up with more creative ways to put it or fit it into some other envelope, but that's what it always comes back to," he said.

He and his bandmates have quite an affinity for whiskey, particularly Jack Daniels. Hoge proudly holds up his torn jeans with a Jack Daniels logo belt buckle. At one point during the show, he invited any willing participants to buy the band a drink.

Hoge is a true gentleman and an even better performer. Saturday night's show featured a soulful rendition of Bill Withers' classic "Ain't No Sunshine," as well as a revved-up version of The Beatles "Helter Skelter." Hoge's original tunes, however, were the fan favorites of the night. Though the show was full of energy from start to finish, Hoge treated the crowd to a few intermittent ballads such as "Woman Be Strong." The audience thoroughly enjoyed "Ms. Williams," an upbeat yet jaded tale of a failed romance and a wild woman.

Hoge proved himself to the friendly Boston crowd Saturday night, winning them over with his mix of Southern charm and untainted rock and roll.