By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) Your music is often described as “rock n’ roll,” but is there a way you tend to describe it?
A) I love my music being described as rock n’ roll – that’s definitely what it’s intended to be. If we wanna be specific, Sludge Mother was made to create a new, modern take on grunge. So, I playfully call my genre “nu grunge.”
Q) Who are some bands/music artists that influenced you when you were growing up?
A) Nirvana is the band that I have been listening to for the longest and that has probably shaped me the most as an artist and human. But I would say Alice in Chains and Soundgarden are the two bands that inspire Sludge Mother the most.
Q) Please tell us the story behind your new single “Bloom.”
A) I wrote “Bloom” in the midst of being broke, tired and existentially anxious. The constant bombardment of bad news about the world, paired with struggling to make ends meet made me feel admittedly pessimistic. I started questioning – how am I supposed to thrive when everything feels so heavy? How is anyone supposed to grow? How is anything supposed to bloom? The song became both an existential crisis and a warning about how greed is draining both us and the earth.
Q) It has an Alice In Chains vibe to it. How did their music influence you crafting “Bloom?”
A) I’m always inspired by AIC but Bloom was especially inspired by them. I really wanted to replicate that classic AIC brooding, dark atmosphere for the song.
Q) “Bloom” is a turn to the softer side from your last single “I Don’t Want a Job.” What made you decide to switch things up to be a bit more reflective?
A) I actually feel like the more reflective, poetic landscape is more natural to me. “I Don’t Want A Job” was rather me trying something new and honestly just letting rage take the wheel. [laughs]
Q) When it comes to making music, what is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can start crafting lyrics?
A) For me, lyrics come anywhere, anytime – in the grocery store, in the shower, while on the 405. But for me to fully flesh out a song, I usually like to have at least a chord structure then I can write melody & lyrics around it.
Q) DJay Brawner handled direction for the video. How does the video play into the message behind the music?
A) Djay is an incredible visionary when it comes to visuals. We put our heads together to craft a video that captures that dreamy yet gritty 90’s essence. We didn’t want to do anything too on the nose but rather just create a vibe.
Q) With “Bloom” and “I Don’t Want a Job” out now, is this a prelude to a full album or an EP?
A) Yes, these are both part of an EP and a full length album is currently being written.
Q) You recently toured with The Jins and have some upcoming shows with letlive and A Static Lullaby. Where are some of your favorite places to perform?
A) Our tour with The Jins was our first time on the road and first time playing outside of LA. It was the coolest experience. Both The Jins and Moon Rules Apply were incredible bands to share a stage with. It’s hard to pick a favorite because we’re just getting our feet wet, but Columbus went unexpectedly hard. Any city where the audience is ready to rage, I love.
Q) Who are some artists you have been listening to on repeat lately?
A) Screaming Trees, Die Spitz and Return To Dust.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the music Sludge Mother makes?
A) You guys are the coolest! Thank you for being here in the beginning stages – it genuinely means a lot.