Brad Downs and the Poor Bastard Souls, featuring a former religion professor as the frontman, performs tonight at 9 at the 40 Watt. PHOTO BY LILY PRICE

Brad Downs is a lot of things — bar manager, former University religion professor and now rock star, although he seems almost shocked by that last one.

Now the frontman for local band Brad Downs and the Poor Bastard Souls, Downs’ musical journey was a bit unorthodox.

As far as his musical influences go, Downs doesn’t list musicians; he is inspired by authors.

Downs cited authors such as James Joyce, Herman Hesse and poet Russell Ettison as his biggest sources of inspiration when it comes to songwriting.

“Lyrically, my influences are really authors more than other songwriters,” Downs said. “I pick up books and look through my favorite authors for that right phrase.”

This may come as no surprise considering his past.

Downs was once a professor in the religion department at the University, which also plays a part in his music. Because of this, he says many of his songs are philosophical in nature.

“The music is like story-driven, existential rock’n’roll,” Downs said.

But translating complex issues — such as religion and existentialism — into chords and guitar riffs can be quite daunting for someone who is not an expert at music composition.

“They’re all [Downs’] tunes,” Downs’ mentor and fellow musician Paul “Crumpy” Edwards said. “The musical part is just how [the band] interprets his writing.”

Downs said the band only came together thanks to his friendship with Edwards, who guided him through the process.

“We started playing music together casually,” Downs said “Next thing I knew [Edwards] said we should start trying to record.”

Downs credits Edwards with his entire involvement in the Athens music scene.

“Making music — and making it with the intent of making any money — came about because of Crumpy,” he said.

The first album came together with the help of many prominent Athens musicians, such as William Tonks, Danny Hutchens, JoJo Hermann, John Neff, Adam Payne, Randy Durham, Bill Beery and Edwards.

“When we decided to record, I just asked friends who recorded with me in the past to play.” Edwards said.

As for the name, there should be no question where the “Brad Downs” part came from, although, Downs insists it wasn’t his idea.

“Crumpy — being who he was — insisted my name be at the front of it,” Downs said.

As for “Poor Bastard Souls,” it would seem a small group of University students are to thank.

“I had a list of 15 or 20 names that I posted to one of my classes,” Downs said “Overwhelmingly, they chose ‘Poor Bastard Souls’ but I actually wanted to call it ‘North.’”

The album itself was recorded before Downs even knew it.

“We actually booked time at Chase Park before we ever played a gig,” Downs said “Me and these guys started recording in the summer of ’09 and just recently put [the album] out.”

Downs — who was the only member of the band without a long music résumé — felt humbled next to what he believes to be an amazing array of musicians who all came together to make his dream come true.

“It’s kind of an Athens super group,” Downs said. “The only way I am good enough to be in this band is because it’s my band. I had to make a band to be able to play with these guys.”