Artist Spotlight - Mud Letter Pie
MUD LETTER PIE
Based in: Bairnsdale, VIC, Australia
Music Genre: Punky Rocky pop music, with a hint of sarcasm.. Grunge, I suppose.
Story behind the name: “I like the sound of them three words together. I have a thing for words that sound swell together but don’t necessarily make any sense. Originally the nameMud Letter Pie was influenced by Todd Trainer’s (Shellac) solo project Brick Layer Cake, who I was heavily influenced by at the time. It was more of a joke the project, Mud Letter Pie… it was basically an excuse to learn how to play the guitar. The name grew on me, and I think it quite suits the sound I am persuing. It’s simple and silly.”
Tinuola Victoria: What is the grunge scene like where you are?
Mud Letter Pie: There is no grunge scene here in Bairnsdale. There is the odd cookie that may listen to Mudhoney, but there are very few. I am particularly fond of being one of the only people that call the Melvins their favourite band. Of course that handicaps me from playing with people with similar music interests.The town I am residing in is over-flowing with Emo/Hardcore/Metal bands and a shit load of cover bands that thrive on playing at the local pub.
TV: Is it the “cover bands”, the “shit-load”, or the “local pub” thing that particularly annoys you?
MLP: All three combined. It makes a terrible combination.
TV: What kind of guitar do you play?
MLP: LaGrange Ranger Plus from Texas. I call her the ‘LaGrunge’. It was a cheap guitar [that] I bought off of eBay. It does the job. It’s light and nifty. I don’t know much about guitars; I am more of a drummer boy. As long as it works, I really can’t complain.
TV:Favourite guitar player?
MLP: Umm, there are a few.. But definitely Buzz Osborne (Melvins). His guitar playing revolves around the band. It’s mean, but quirky. The stupider you play, the better the outcome. Of course Dale Crover (drummer) makes the band. If they had a different Drummer the band wouldn’t be as good, in my opinion.And Sven Ramone, out of Kaspar, he is amazing at playing the guitar. Total inspiration.
TV: Gibson or Fender?
MLP: Fender
TV: Why?
MLP: ’cause they are easy to handle - like a tamed horse. I feel awkward playing a Gibson guitar. They feel chunky and they look funny on me…
TV: Mud Letter Pie is a solo thing, but you’re in a band as well, true?
MLP: Yes that is true. I am currently playing drums in Impotent with Alex Eynstone (Chumpy Steve), and in Kaspar on drums with Sven Ramone, which is a virtual collaboration.
TV: Let’s talk about some of the many collaborations you’ve done Jesse.
MLP: Oh boy.
I thrive on playing with others. Music is a learning experience and it should be shared. If you have the skill, why not share it? I get a lot out of playing with other fellow musicians. You scratch my back, I scratch yours.I had the pleasure of [lending] drums to the likes of Lizzy Stone, Bardo, Avataria (we are currently working on her EP), The Goatskins (Also, slowly working on an EP), Sarah Rocks, Oh-Dae-Su, Swarm, and my proudest moment - a collaboration with Michael W. Dean (Bomb, Baby Opaque, Beef People) on a 20 year old song that Michael did with East Bay Ray (Dead Kennedys).I had a bit of contact with Michael W. Dean, just emailing each other. He found this song “I’m Not Restless” that he did with East bay ray in the 80’s, and he asked me if I would like to contribute drums to it. I was doing back-flips I was so excited.
TV: Is it important for you to musically respect those that you collaborate with?
MLP: Yes. When I collaborate with the likes of The Goatskins, I gotta respect the sound that they are achieving; which is very laid back - almost Doors-ey. So I can’t send them a drum track that is similar to a typewriter falling downstairs, I gotta consider their sound.I make drum tracks that will suit each band’s own personal style.
TV: Do you think there’s still space for grunge in music today?
MLP: Well it certainly has influenced a whole bunch of people. I very much fancy the grunge movement. It was what it was, but I think it would be wrong trying to ‘re-invent’ it. If it does re-invent itself, I think it will be different.
There is so much you can do with music - the sounds are endless. Let’s not make it hard for ourselves and tie ourselves down to one particular genre.But if it happens, I’ll happily tag along.. haha.
TV: Tell me about your new Album entitled Tantrums- I want to know everything.
MLP: Tantrums has been on hold for quite some time now. I was planning on releasing it in late 2009. Due to financial issues and lack of motivation, I couldn’t properly release it. And now, I am sick of the songs on there. So at the moment I am re-recording most of the songs on there and adding some new ones. I have about 6 songs recorded which are: Moist Sand, My Runny Nose, Mental Misfit, Sentimental Cow, Lurking Stalking and Circumsized. And I am aiming for at least 12. If it all goes to plan, it will be out maybe late 2010. All the songs are home recorded on a Digital 4 track, Boss BR 532, and mixed on Audacity. It’s a fun [process], being able to do everything yourself. Total control.Total Freedom. and Free! I am [also] already jumping ahead of myself and working on a new album, which will be just groovy, laid back Rock tunes. I have been listening to a lot of Brant Bjork lately.
TV: Really? Me too. It’s in total contrast to Mud Letter Pie however. Your music is quite heavy. What other adjectives would you use to describe it?
MLP: I like heavy music, but I am very picky about it. It has to be real and not ‘Alpha-male-tised..’ I would have to say Rock.
I think my music has a lil pop sensation in each song, just hidden beneath the noise.Songs like “Sentimental Cow” and “Daisy Amazing” aren’t heavy.
TV: Yes, that’s very true. Daisy Amazing is a real laid-back, groovy, driving tune. Is the essence of MLP the ability to be able to flip through the genres?
MLP: I like to explore my boundaries - see what I can do. I like the freedom of being able to play anything I want. I don’t want to corner myself into one genre. I have songs that are plain old silly, quirky pop songs. [I have a] cupboard full of acoustic stuff and mountains of experimental nonsense. It is fun trying out different things. Like a fresh pair of underwear. It brings a smile to your face.
TV: And your fans – who are they?
MLP: People that I dont know.. haha. My mum likes it.
TV: Most important thing to know about Mud Letter Pie is:
MLP: Don’t take Mud Letter Pie to serious. You’ll only get dissapointed.I am having fun, and if people see that, I am happy. Mud Letter Pie will rip off your band.. Haha.
Myspace:www.myspace.com/letterpie
Listen to: Moist Sand, Daisy Amazing, My Runny Nose
For fans of: Nirvana, Melvins, Them Crooked Vultures
Tagged as: artist spotlight. mud letter pie. myspace band. myspace. australia. interview. music. tinuola victoria. burn the borders.
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