CONTEST: Mushy Callahan prize pack which includes 2 show passes for Saturday’s gig in Toronto , a signed t-shirt, and a Mushy CD!! Email us at contests (at) tmakworld (dot) com with Mushy on the subject line.
Sep 27 2013 – Very few things are as exciting as finding something new you love. Much like archeologists that dig to find hidden treasures, we here at T-Mak World really enjoy trying to find new bands that we love. Once we find such bands, we approach our favorites to request interviews for our Emerging Artist Spotlight series. Today we set our focus on a band from Alberta named Mushy Callahan. All bands we talked to are asked similar questions to each other so we can get to know them better. The description on Mushy Callahan’s website reads:
Meaningful lyrics, powerful multi-vocal harmonies, beefy bass riffs, arena-quality guitar solos, and layered musical touches are all characteristic of the classic rock band, Mushy Callahan. This band, made up of four very talented brothers, has already been awarded many honors, including winning The Edge 102.1 indie band of the month. They have also made an appearance at Edgefest 2012 along big names such as The Sheepdogs, Silversun Pickups, Billy Talent, and Yukon Blonde.
Their video “Shot Down” also debuted in the top of the Aux.TV charts. As 102.1 The Edge DJ Dave “Bookie” Bookman described them of having, “A real passion – with a real technical prowess.” Part of the band’s distinctive sound comes from blending different voices and instruments. Their voices support one another in perfect harmony, likely due to the fact that they have been making music together since they were children. The musicians in Mushy Callahan are all Alberta Natives who moved to Toronto.
Thus far, they have released their debut EP entitled “Man On The Run,” which is an incredible mix of classic and indie rock, a unique flavor of music that they have become known for. Ultimately, Noah, Lucas, Joel, and Jacob are looking forward to touring the U.K. and Canada in 2013, sharing their music with the world and supporting the spring release of their debut full length album.
Here is what they had to say to us:
1. Hey Mushy Callahan, thanks for taking the time out to talk to us. Let’s start off with the obligatory introductions. Who’s in the band and what instrument does everyone rock?
Mushy Callahan: The band is made up of Joel (Drums, Vocals), Noah (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Jake (Bass, Vocals) and Luke (Guitar, Keys and Vocals).
2. How about the history of the band, when did you get started and how did it happen?
Mushy Callahan: Well, being brothers from a musical family we had always “jammed” with each-other. Mushy Callahan has only been together for about 2 years now, although we’ve always chatted about starting an “official” band together for a while, I think everything just eventually fell into place at that point.
3. Who are some of your musical influences?
Mushy Callahan: We all grew up on classic rock, so that had the biggest influence on our music; it was always our dad’s records that we would listen to in the car. Growing up in the 90’s (at least some of us) we went through the Nirvana and Green Day stages as well.
4. So based on the above how would you describe your music to someone that has never heard it?
Mushy Callahan: We get told a lot it sounds like modern rock with hints of classic rock… so normally we’ll use that to describe it. Although at the end of the day it’s just easier to call it rock music.
5. Why do you believe that a music fan should come and see your show instead of all the other choices available to them on any given night?
Mushy Callahan: We play a very energetic set of guitar driven rock, we’ve been told it’s a different sound that’s reminiscent of older rock tunes.
6. What is your favorite single line of lyrics the band has written and why?
Mushy Callahan: In terms of important lyrics, probably “These are the makings of a man” or “I’m just a man of the run” as both have been used in previous album titles.
7. What does the rest of 2013 and 2014 hold for you?
Mushy Callahan: We just released our full length album “Makings of a Man” so we’re currently touring in support of that. As far as 2014 is considered, I think that it’s too far away to say for sure, but you’ll definitely hear some new music from us.
8. Imagine that you were asked to be the opener for any band’s world tour (both current and historical). Which band and tour would be your dream opening gig.
Mushy Callahan: There’s too many that come to mind to pick just one. But touring with Creedance Clearwater Revival back in the day would have been fun.
9. What is the future of the music industry? With the concept of the album and physical CD’s facing extinction, how will we be consuming music in 10 years? Are the economics feasible for emerging artists?
Mushy Callahan: There’s definitely still a market for musicians and bands to make a living in. Touring has probably become more of a staple when supporting a new release, however luckily there’s been an increase in people who collect CDs and even more so, that collect vinyl. Along with people who leave a live show and feel that it was worth picking up a souvenir to remember it by, whether that is a t-shirt or a copy of the album.
10. You are having a CD launch party at the Annex Wreckroom in Toronto on October 5th. Tell us about this CD, what was it like making it, who produced it, where was it recorded, etc..
Mushy Callahan: This album has been a year in the making; we’ve had some of the songs ready and in pre-production for almost a year. Needless to say we were really excited with getting in the studio with Michael Sonier, who produced the album, and getting these songs recorded. We’ve worked with Mike before in a smaller studio setting, so it was definitely a great experience recording in the top room at Revolution Recording here in Toronto.
11. At the end of 2012 we published our picks for top 10 albums of 2012. Lists like those are always a reflection of personal tastes so if you were making the list what are some albums you would you have had on it?
Mushy Callahan: Some of our favorite albums from 2012 definitely have to be: Jake Bugg (Self-titled), Jack White (Blunderbuss) and Tame Impala (Lonerism). All are records that we still have on heavy rotation.
12. Any closing remarks for our readers?
Mushy Callahan: We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in the audience, we’ve worked hard on this album and were looking forward to showing it off, it’s been such a long time since our last show in Toronto, which makes this all the more exciting.
Thanks so much to Mushy Callahan. We hope that you can see them live. They are playing The Annex Wreckroom in Toronto on Saturday, October 5th at 10pm! (list of upcoming tour dates).
The band’s website is www.mushycallahan.com and as you would expect they are on Twitter and Facebook. In the meantime check out their video below from YouTube.
