With its deep and forthright tone, the voice of Will Stockwell is a definitive instrument of country music.

The Indianapolis native is happy to be labeled an "outlaw" of the genre, which is a nod to buck-the-system heroes such as Waylon Jennings.

Stockwell respects country's original outlaw, Hank Williams, so much that he's played tribute shows honoring Williams in his hometown of Georgiana, Ala.

On local stages, Stockwell fronts a quartet known as Stockwell Road -- which features Thom Woodard on guitar, Terry Scanland on bass and Kevin Kouts on drums. The band will perform Sunday at Sam's Saloon, 1640 E. Prospect St.

Stockwell plans to release a CD titled "Will Stockwell" later this year. Punkin Holler Boys vocalist Ralph Jeffers wrote all eight songs on the recording.

And Stockwell's authentic twang aside, his music's crossover appeal earned Stockwell Road a 2005 Punk Rock Night award. The category? "Band Least Likely to Win a Punk Rock Night Award."

Stockwell, set to perform Sunday at Sam's Saloon, recently talked to Indy.com about his voice, his influences and his hometown:

On his "classic" country voice: "It's been this way since it dropped when I was about 10 years old," he says. "I think I developed my volume when I was young. I used to lie in bed and listen to records with headphones on. I noticed that I could hear myself singing over the music and over the headphones."

On his upcoming debut release: "It's a long time coming, but it's all about timing. I finally got the right music. Actually, the process started in 2000. A good friend of mine, Frank Dean, wanted to put a CD together for me. He put a 'songs wanted' notice in the paper. Fortunately, Ralph Jeffers saw it, and he sent a 24-song CD. We have 16 more fantastic songs to do."

On connecting with listeners: "There's a lot of people who come in to see us that say, 'You know, I don't like country music, but I really like you guys.' It's a hell of a compliment."

On his influences: "I love Waylon Jennings," Stockwell says. "I think he has the most powerful voice. There's something about Merle Haggard. He can be so smooth, but he still has a rough edge. It's all that passion that's built up in Merle."

On '70s "outlaw" country: "It was because of the music, and how they were recording it and what they were writing," he says. "If you stay 'out of the box,' you can consider yourself an outlaw. You're doing your own thing and you're creating something different."

On Hank Williams: "Don't ever get me started on a boxed set of his, because I can't listen to anything else. My favorite Hank song is 'May You Never Be Alone Like Me.' It's kind of obscure, but it will rip your heart out. 'Cold, Cold Heart' is awesome, and 'Lovesick Blues' is great."

On Indianapolis: "It's home," Stockwell says. "I was born in Fountain Square. The people are great. I wish we had more places like Sam's Saloon, Melody Inn and Locals Only where we play this music."