We recently connected with MUDD and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, MUDD thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Up until recently, we would’ve said our first EP, “DESCEND”, was most meaningful to us. It was a huge moment for us releasing our first music, the feedback we received was great, and it helped us become established as a band. As huge as it was for us, our recent single, “Laughing Gas”, definitely edges it out.

The song was born one fateful day at MUDD practice when Steve and Vince decided to switch instruments. Taking hold of Steve’s bass, Vince wrote the bass line with a feel slightly reminiscent of Gorillaz’ “Feel Good Inc.”, which became a bit of an inside joke as we gave the song the working title “Feel Bad LLC.” The verses developed playing off that vibe, and then Steve, in classic Steve fashion, infused the tune with a heavier grunge-influenced riff for the chorus. The two energies mixed perfectly, and the song was born.

The first time we played it live the crowd really loved it. After the show several people were asking us about it – what it was called, when it would be out, etc. We knew we had to get to work recording it so we could get it released. Not having a title yet, we decided to call back to the original Feel Good Inc. influence and name the song “Laughing Gas”, the first words of a verse in the song.

We released the single on September 27th, and it almost instantly became our most popular song. We got tons of great feedback from friends and fans, and the fact that the song has a fun history makes it even better for us. It definitely gave us the confidence and momentum to push forward into new projects. We are working on finishing a few singles right now, and plan to begin work on an album early next year.

MUDD, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

We are MUDD, an indie rock band from Columbus, Ohio, and curators of the MUDDverse (more on that later). Indie rock is a very wide umbrella, but it feels accurate to describe us because our sound does cover a wide range – from the softer, more psychedelic sonic journeys; to the funky, more poppy tunes you can dance to in your room; to the harder garage rock bangers that will lift you out of your seat and off your feet. Founded in the early summer of 2022, we came together as four musicians eager to contribute to something bigger than ourselves, and quickly discovered a palpable personal connection and musical chemistry. Since that moment, we have been working tirelessly to build a name for ourselves in the Columbus music scene (which is blossoming as we speak) and beyond.

In the short time we have been together, we have all felt ourselves growing immensely as musicians individually, and as a cohesive unit bringing an experience to the listener that will resonate with them. This has been most evident at our live shows, where it really shines through that we are four best friends playing music together, rather than just bandmates. Our personal connection makes it so much easier to flow musically and read each other.

We like to say MUDD is more of a concept than a band because it seems to be ever-evolving, even in ways surprising to us. This is what gave rise to the MUDDverse. The MUDDverse is the realm in which all things connected to MUDD live. It is a happy place where everyone is welcome. In the MUDDverse live muddlings, small goblin-like creatures who rise out of mud puddles and commit various acts of debauchery when you aren’t looking. These little guys represent our nefarious nature, and the spread of MUDD. As we grow as a band, the MUDDverse expands and the muddlings multiply. We are MUDD, you are MUDD, everything is, or will soon be, MUDD.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

We want to create something sensational; something truly unique, inspiring, and even revolutionary. We want people to feel what we feel – that you don’t have to take the traditional route; the only thing you need to listen to is your gut. Life is all a big game, and you can choose how you play it. Allow yourself to do crazy things. The only thing that is constant is change, and change is hard. Embrace it and watch yourself bloom. To us, MUDD means the opportunity to live life how it’s meant to be lived. It’s the chance for something more. We hope as people find us they resonate with that message and join us for the ride.

Like any musician, we want this to be our livelihood more than anything. Being able to quit our jobs and do this full-time is something we’ve had our sights set on since day one. However, I think it’s evolved into something even deeper than that. In a sense, it has already become our life. We live together, we work together every day; pretty much every second outside of our major responsibilities is spent contributing to MUDD. At times, it feels like our real jobs are the side gig. We all want to prove to ourselves that these dreams we have, which may seem far-fetched to some, are actually attainable and right in front of us.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

By far, the most rewarding thing to come from this experience has been the connections we’ve made with people in the music scene. Being on stage, feeling the energy from the crowd and feeding off of it; it’s euphoric. It’s like a drug. Music has the uncanny ability to bring strangers together in harmony unlike anything else, and to be the catalyst for that is so special to us. We recognize how much of a gift that is. On top of that, knowing we can release music and people anywhere in the world can listen, and maybe even relate to it or get some benefit from it, is an awesome feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mudd.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muddofficial/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@muddverse
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@muddofficial

Image Credits
Rachel Becker Dan Mitchell Chad Huffman