Every band or artist has a lens through which they are seen and over the years, descriptions of Atomic Junkshot's  fusion of country, classic rock and blues has been varied — equal parts flattering and condemning. From "southern rockers" to "outlaw country rebels," from "the worst band ever" to the “honkytonk love child of David Allan Coe and Blues Traveler," from "cowpunk pricks" to "hillbilly rockers" — the band has heard it all.

Tracing influences to artists including Coe, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Steve Earle, Billy Joe Shaver, Tom Petty and Jerry Jeff Walker among others — Atomic Junkshot's  story was born in St. Louis by frontman Lon Magenta, who wanted to pair a lyrical edge with southern rock sensibilities.

“Topics like love and hate, drinking, heartbreak — we try to tell stories about our own dysfunctional American realities and write songs about the music that both inspires and pisses us off,” said Magenta. 

Noted for workmanlike shows and offbeat humor, as well as a disdain for pop-country music — Atomic Junkshot has built a sturdy reputation in music circles across the U.S., Canada, Europe and even Delaware. The band’s lineup features Hal Edwards on lead guitar, drummer Joey Mack, Jamie Lynn on backing vocals, bassist Clay Mudd, Manny Jordan on banjo and cello; and Magenta on vocals and rhythm guitar.

After years of playing only in honkytonks and adult entertainment venues, more recently the band has been appearing at venues ranging from festivals to clubs, presidential inaugurals, Grey Cups and bar mitzvahs; while avoiding high school graduations due to the "Kentucky incident" of 1994.