The poignant lyrics, smart songcraft, and evocative voice of Tonic frontman Emerson Hart have been fixtures of modern rock radio for well over a decade, and he's been drawing the spotlight to himself since the release of his solo album "Cigarettes & Gasoline" on the EMI label a few years ago. Emerson has charisma to burn, but as he's moved from L.A. to Nashville he's increasingly been putting the focus on his original songs. He earned an ASCAP songwriting award on his own for "Generations," the theme for television's "American Dreams," and of "Cigarettes & Gasoline" Jo-Ann Greene of the All Music Guide wrote that "memorable, introspective lyrics are this album's defining glory." Check out a songwriter who was making the transition from alternative rock to songwriting well ahead of the curve!