From Ludacris and Babyface, to Outkast and T.I., Georgia’s capital city boasts a long list of hip-hop natives, both past and present. But, recently, it’s Atlanta’s burgeoning rock scene that’s put the southern metropolis back on the map—with Deerhunter, Black Lips and Snowden leading the pack.

The latter (an Atlanta-based foursome that borrow their collective moniker from a character in Joseph Heller’s classic Catch 22) scored rave reviews for their punk-infused debut LP, Anti Anti, back in 2006. But since achieving the “most-blogged about” band status, Snowden has spent less time in the spotlight and more time in their Atlanta stomping grounds. With the band currently at work on their next album (tentatively slated for release later this summer or fall), we caught up with lead singer Jordan Jeffares to ask about his hometown haunts and why exactly there are so many photos of Scientology centers on his MySpace page. In his own words:

How would you describe Atlanta’s energy/vibe to someone who’s never been?
Tiny pockets of cool amidst suburban sprawl.

You mentioned disliking Atlanta’s sterility in a past interview. Are there any spots that offer relief?
The tiny pockets of cool keep me sane, but the sterility is as much in my head as it is on the ground I suppose. We've got a couple of great bars/clubs that are the places to be for a certain style.

You’ve visited quite a lot of Scientologists centers in your day. In your opinion, scientologists: friend or foe?
Cults are funny. I can always use more funny friends.

Have you seen the Tom Cruise video?
I have seen it, and he's right. We've got to get these 'spectators' into the playing field or out of the arena. Buahahahahaa!

What’s the first place you want to go whenever you make it back to Athens?
There was this greasy spoon called "The Grit" that was an icon for UGA students. I remember being waited on by the girl from Jucifer when I would go up to visit my brother when I was 13. The food is unremarkable but the memories just flood over me when I go in there.

Favorite Atlanta-based celebrity?
Andre 3000.

What is Atlanta’s most important cultural institution?
I think the Martin Luther King Center is the most significant.

Any local culinary specialties you can’t find anywhere else?
My brother says there's some pretty rockin' BBQ.

Where does you spend the majority of its free time when in Atlanta?
Loca Luna, a restaurant. Other than that I'm really big on cafes: Carroll St, Inman Perk Coffee, Apres. Clubs/bars are MJQ/Drunken Unicorn, The Earl, Azul, The Local.

It’s Friday night and you’re out with a girl you’d like to impress. Where do you take her?
First, we go to Green's Package Store to pick up some Mr. Pibb and some Red Vines. Then it's dusk golf and consumption at Candler Park. We close off the night off getting matching lower-back tattoos.

Best place to catch up-and-coming bands?
Drunken Unicorn.

Best late night grease trap for after the show?
Unfortunately, there's only one to choose from…The Majestic.

Favorite bookstore?
Nah, public library on Ponce.

Favorite blog?
Kiss Atlanta.

Best thing about Atlanta in the winter?
It rarely gets below 55 degrees.

Do you still drive the ‘92 Honda motorcycle?
As long as it's above 45 degrees I'm on it.

~Alisa Gould-Simon

Go There:
Azul, 141 Sycamore St, Decatur. (404) 377-3311
The Local, 758 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta. (404) 873-5002
Green's Package Store, 737 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta. (404) 872 1109
The Majestic, 1031 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta. (404) 875-0276