Mushroomhead Interview with singer Jeffrey Nothing Hatrix. In this interview we discuss The Righteous & the Butterfly album, Headbangers Ball and social media. Interview June 16, 2014.
Mushroomhead Interview
1. What’s new in the world of Mushroomhead?
A lot really, more than ever. You can reach out and touch the Buzz! We are mere weeks from the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival launch and a day from shooting our 2nd video for: “Out Of My Mind”, the follow up to the 1st Single/ Video: “Qwerty” from the, now one month released: “The Righteous & The Butterfly” Album. Life is good. We are a longevity band, built for the long haul. However it is good to feel Fresh and very Relevant once again.
2. How was it recording The Righteous & The Butterfly in the studio?
It was great. We for a long time were very much a divided band. There was the small group of longtime core members and the outer- own agenda sector. “TR&TB” marks the return of J Mann which, in itself brought back a rhythm, tone and overall intensity whether whispering or full on rant that permeates effortlessly throughout this project. That was missing. Not to mention the new life brought by new members: Church on Guitar and Dr. F on Bass. The 2 also contributed keyboards and Production assistance to the process. These guys gave their hearts and minds fully to this work and those facts shine through. Finally, We were all on the same page, from the same book. In the past some members refused to even enter the Library.
3. What’s your view on making promo videos?
MTV especially in the MTVX days was a Metal Bands dream come true. Headbangers Ball is a legend or maybe a myth. In other countries music channels are alive and real. In a lot of ways this TV staple at least in this country is now strictly an Internet phenomenon. Videos back in the day made bands that were at best a maybe or a small success, huge. Like a living room concert. 3 1/2 minutes at a time, if you had a buzz, you were seen: 4 or 5 times a day. These videos were to the eyes what the music was to the ears and even in this context are still an integral part of the presentation and in this ADD age, they can drive home your point and those few minutes at a time may be the only chance you get.
4. Where did the idea for the artwork come from?
Darkness and Light, “The Righteous & The Butterfly”, the skull representing Man. The Butterfly: peace, serenity. The people we lost played a large part in where came from and who we are today. I thought to have the skull in profile form and feel it shows so much more a part of each other. The people in our lives are reflected more on this Record than any other. Ever. The words and movements set the tone, this cover drives home the point. At once, the calm and the Storm.
5. Could you describe some of your earliest influences?
For me the 1st few records I ever owned were very deep and shaped that side of my voice and what I felt music was meant to be. There was Simon And Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits, various Beatles Records. The Rolling Stones Hits of the Past and then the big one. Grand Funk – “Survival”. True Soul and Real Depth! Then the Metal was infused. Priest, Maiden, Scorpions, Armored Saint. Anything I could wrap my head around. Intelligence and Heart bring true Passion to what we do. I tried to sing along with everything I ever heard.. Some bands wear their influences on their sleeves. I like to think a lot of mine too shine thru. But I feel the endless sounds absorbed bring a never ending girth of vocal possibilities. Or an easily recognized, Unmistakable voice.
6. How important is it for a musician in this generation to spend time on social media?
I think to myself so many artists just don’t do it. I also believe many of these people play their shows and go back to their Bus and wait for bus call, next town. V.I.P. gets you a handshake, a signature and a pic. Fans want that connection to feel like a friend too. I understand it to some extent takes you from that person behind the mask, to a buddy, in the home. I am grateful to now be too busy to keep up as much. But that connection cannot be faked. Anymore than that moment at the merch booth. And with the high cost of touring. Social Media can be all the artist and fans get sometimes. We unfortunately haven’t been to Europe in 10 years, but I can still say hello and be relevant in this way. Songs say a lot. A couple minutes can make it, More Personal.
7. How many hours a day do you spend on social media and the internet?
1-3 give or take. Doing interviews, reading mail, Answering messages, Posting pics. Especially for up and coming bands. Communication can be essential. There is no such thing as bad publicity. Sometimes backing up what is a press release or interview with some one on one. Artist/ Fan experience brings that one person to the next show, who otherwise may not have made it. A couple a day add up.
8. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
The lack of newer Product. I have Gemini Syndrome. A former tour mate and prize X Mas Gift from my Wife. Otherwise I tend to distance myself from recent releases. I like and respect a lot of artists. I just feel being more of a musical hermit makes my own works that much more my own. I am a Cleveland Sports fan and listen to a lot of Talk Radio…Johnny Football!
9. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician on tour?
I wake up, text Stacy to say “Good Morning and I Love You”,I Brush, put on my Laminate and in different levels of urgency, I seek out the cleanest, most user friendly Restroom. Depending on stock, I ask for Cherry Lozenges, 5 hour energy or Jager to be added to todays rider. Freeze a few Waters r later use on stage . Find some Yogurt a Banana or Cereal on the Bus or splurge and find a diner. Walk around a bit and find a nice Opal or otherwise antique necklace for the Mrs. Or a stuffed animal for or call my soon to be 14 year old daughter Mea. Or a Refrigerator magnet for Gramma. Soundcheck. Nap or watch whatever half hour of whatever tour staple movie finds itself on TV. Spider Solitaire, Eat something else, grab a shower or do a load of laundry. Call my Mom to say Hi. Do a few quick 15 lb curls. Or not. Grab a shot of Jager. Or 3. Start my Makeup. Add My Costume, Mask, Mic. band mates… Rock! Sign or don’t. Get cleaned up. sign a few more at the bus door, maybe a few pics, Snack. Check my mail. Say Hi and I love You again, hear how the day went. And doze on or off the phone… Wake, feed… repeat.
10. Where do you see music in general going in 100 years from now?
Metal in some Form/s because it always comes back and never fully goes away. An Eletronica/Techno/ Industrial, Oldies Station in Every town. “Clubstep”, with Bass that feels like it’s actually hitting you. Music will always be. Without it there just isn’t Real Life. Any action needs a Soundtrack. I feel there will be much more homemade Art at that point than the Label delivered, Force-fed variety. To a large extent that transition is already happening, as YouTube and other outlets continue to grow their own stars. I hate the thought of the full Album experience fading away completely. as many artists whether trying to or not write fantastic concept Albums and single song purchases derail that dream to an extent and it needs to be an option at purchase no matter what. No fraction of any Masterpiece hangs in any Museum. This art just as that needs to be appreciated. Even if only occasionally in it’s truly, intended form.
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