High-Octane Hoedown

With most bands in the area stuck playing both kinds of music - country AND western - one might be forgiven for thinking Flyin’ Atoms rock n’ roll roots would make them an unlikely standout on their home turf. On the contrary, their creative mix of C&W and rock n’ soul - dubbed ‘Fonky Tonk’ - harkens back to a golden age of live music, community, and entertainment. With setlists carefully crafted based on what audiences like to dance and sing along to, the Atoms make a twofold statement: they know what they’re good at, and they’re offering something just a bit different from the local scene.

Slaus - Guitar

For over two decades, Slaus Brown-Paul has been crafting both melodies and instruments on the music scene throughout the rugged landscapes of NW Montana. While his fingers first danced across fretboards in smoky rock clubs, Slaus’ musical journey has taken him through a kaleidoscope of genres. He’s shredded in rock bands, fingerpicked in folk ensembles, twanged in country groups, and even dabbled in experimental noise collectives.

What sets Slaus apart is his passion for building the very axes he wields on stage. Each guitar that graces his hands is a testament to his craftsmanship, born from wood and wire in his own workshop. Now, as the six-string slinger for Flyin’ Atoms, Slaus’ master-built guitars sing and scream, putting the sizzle in your eardrums, the rhythm in your feet, and the electricity in your soul.

Mark - Drums

For as far back as he can remember, Mark Brookman has been the rhythmic backbone for bands across every dive bar, festival stage, and concert hall from sea to shining sea. Now keeping time in the heart of NW Montana, Mark’s drumsticks have tapped out rhythms for just about every genre under the sun. Mark’s versatility is matched only by his unwavering dedication to the craft. Now, as the bedrock of Flyin’ Atoms, Mark’s relentless grooves are the engine that keeps the dance floor moving, the beat that keeps heads nodding, and the pulse that keeps the party going till the wee hours of the morning.

Lee - Bass

For the past twenty five years, Lee Whalen has built a successful recording and performing career on the music scene on both coasts, and now in NW Montana. Although originally trained as a jazz musician, throughout the years he has played in theater orchestras, rock bands, R&B and blues groups, straight-ahead jazz and fusion ensembles, country and country-western bands, Cajun/Zydeco bands, and even Klezmer and gypsy-jazz ensembles. Now holding down the low-end with Flyin’ Atoms, Lee is having a great time putting the scoot in your boot, the glide in your stride, and the grind in your behind.