Works Progress Administration  

This alt-country rock “supergroup” is an expandable collective of popular musicians with a passion for authentic lyrics and tunes.

 

Named after FDR’s 1939 New Deal initiative, this star-studded Americana/folk-rock supergroup formed in the midst of the vibrant Los Angeles musical community in 2007.

WPA includes Glen Phillips, the original frontman of the successful alt-rock group Toad the Wet Sprocket, whose hits included “Walk on the Ocean” and “Something’s Always Wrong.”

Guitarist Sean Watkins, from the Grammy Award-winning progressive bluegrass group Nickel Creek (best known for “When You Come Back Down” and “The Lighthouse’s Tale”), got his start in southern California at the National Flatpicking Championship finals for his talent with the mandolin and guitar at age 16.

Nashville, Tennessee native Luke Bulla performed as a fiddler with Lyle Lovett, the Jerry Douglas Band, Ricky Scaggs, and many other big artists. He joins WPA with a number of fiddle contest awards and grand champion titles to his name.

Sebastian Steinberg was the bassist of the post-grunge era ’90s cult band Soul Coughing, best known for their hits “Super Bon Bon” and “Circles.”

The WPA complete lineup also includes Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Greg Leisz (Joni Mitchell, Wilco, Sheryl Crow, Beck), Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Randy Newman), and Davey Faragher (Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Cracker).