One of the central players in the Tower Of Song scene, Johnny Fountain plays host to the events, including Saturday’s festival, using his apartment as the venue from which the music is amplified throughout the streets of Portland. Along with his band, The Manes, Fountain lands in the penultimate slot on the festival, playing at 6pm.

Photos by Bryan Bruchman, interviews by Will Ethridge.

What was the most unusual place you’ve ever played music in?
My head, alone at home, with an emphasis on unusual.

Have you ever written a song inspired by a dream? What was the song about?
I have a whole rock opera based around one madhat dream involving the end of the world. We’re talking plane crashes, tornadoes, some huge guy made out of clouds. Look for a full-scale theatrical production this fall. I’m serious.

What do you think happens when you get too far from your house?
Bills go unpaid, plants thirst and love sours. On the other hand, hair grows long, cares are freed and who you were in high school becomes gloriously irrelevant.

For more info on the Tower Of Song Festival on Saturday, May 23 in Congress Square, visit their info page.