Wayne White, a visual artist and puppeteer, is not your typical musician, and he embraces that uniqueness. Although his name might not be widely recognized, his work certainly is. White has contributed as a production designer to TV shows like “Shining Time Station,” “Riders in the Sky,” “The Weird Al Show,” and “Beakman’s World.” He is best known for his Emmy Award-winning design on “Pee Wee’s Playhouse” and his art direction for Peter Gabriel’s “Big Time” music video in 1986. He also crafted the sets for the Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight” music video in 1996 and was behind the Snapple commercials in the early 2000s.
Recently, White has been focusing on fine art, creating word paintings, sculptures, and large installations made from cardboard, wood, and Styrofoam. His work has been featured in a comprehensive monograph and a documentary titled Beauty is Embarrassing. Now, White is exploring music once more.
“I’m a visual artist, and there’s a close relationship between visual arts and music,” White explains. “I believe musicians should draw, and artists should play music. My word paintings are like poems, just a step away from songs. I’ve always expanded short poems into paintings, and now I’m transforming them into songs.”
Currently in Chattanooga, Tennessee, White is rehearsing with his band, Username Password, which includes drummer Bob Stagner, guitarist Jim Tate, and multi-instrumentalist Bryan Dyer. White, the lead songwriter, plays a three-stringed cigar box guitar gifted by a fan. They practice in Tate’s garage in Hixson, a suburb near downtown Chattanooga.
White describes playing his guitar as liberating. “I’m not compared to other guitarists. It’s a simple way to express myself and get a good sound,” he says. Despite lacking formal musical knowledge, White values the pure creativity of their project, free from industry constraints.
In March, Username Password performed at Knoxville’s Big Ears Festival and released their debut album. The self-titled record features 50 short audio sketches, each under two minutes, with titles like “REO Speedwagon Poster” and “Spaghetti Western.”
“I didn’t want to write conventional love songs,” White explains. “I wanted to explore history and unique themes. Inspired by Guided by Voices, I enjoy the stream of consciousness approach to songwriting.”
The album’s track “I’m From the South” begins with soft keyboards and acoustic guitar, as White sings with a Southern accent. The band’s sound blends various genres, described by White as “Appalachian soul stew,” incorporating blues, bluegrass, bossa nova, and more.
Username Password formed over several years. White met Stagner in 2008 while promoting his book in Chattanooga. Stagner, along with his late friend Dennis Palmer, co-founded the Shaking Ray Levis. Dyer, a carpenter and designer, later joined to help build White’s art installation, Wayne-O-Rama.
Tate, a longtime friend of Stagner, joined as guitarist and producer. During the pandemic, the band continued collaborating virtually. White sent video ideas, and Tate worked on arranging the tracks cohesively.
Despite challenges, the band successfully completed the album. “It’s a beautiful thing, and it’s needed right now,” Stagner reflects.
Username Password performed at White’s art exhibition “Wayne White: Like You Know” in Nashville and will kick off the 2026 Big Ears Festival. During performances, they wear large masks designed by White, reminiscent of Peter Gabriel’s Genesis era.
White acknowledges Gabriel’s influence on his performance style. “I admired the spectacle and how he combined visuals and music. He was the nicest rockstar I’ve met,” White says, reflecting on his experience.
