You might think that a name like White Mug is rather funny, but the Bangalore-based band is the only grooving mug, for sure! Their music delves toward the rock ‘n’ roll vibe of the '80s, packaged neatly with distorted guitar riffs and vocal lines. Sometime they might even throw in a harmonica to get things going. When White Mug is playing, sitting down is not an option.
We catch up with front man Mathew, who tells us about their songwriting process, change in line up and what you can expect at their gig at Indigo Live - Music Bar this Thursday.
1. The last time we saw White Mug, you had already put out an EP, worked on your first video, played in many festivals and so on. How has the journey been so far? What are the good and not-so-good things you might remember?
The day we threw the CD on to a crazy grooving crowd is still the best day for us so far. That was when we launched our EP. The video was fun to do too. Everything happened by chance, we think… needless to say, we slogged our as*** too, you know?
We go to a pub to catch hold of an event manager who has been foolin’ us with our money, where we see these video guys who had heard the tap song and had felt nice about it. And how we happened to work together for the video, the crazy sleepless nights on the theme and charting of the video – we feel so indie right now.
The ride is so much fun and everything looks so jinxed (laughs). There are only good things to remember though we miss our earlier drummer (Baben). It’s not easy to get over it.
2. You told us that White Mug always looks forward to playing at music festivals. Any reason why?
Every gig is fun, but as the place and number gets bigger, the energy transfer is contagious. And I guess the mood is festive and everyone is up to something. Whether they have heard our songs before or not, they are already there and the music spreads like fire.
3. What is the set-list for Thursday like? What can the audience expect?
We are excited after playing the Mojo Rising Festival in Kerala last week and we want to bring that energy and spread love and music to everyone. Some interesting changes to our existing tracks, a few unheard tracks and a Rory Gallagher cover that we have never played before. But we are not planning to play a long set. Don’t worry, it will be a nice set!
4. Tell us a little about your songwriting style. What are the things you like to write on?
The best way to convey something is through songs. I write on everything that hits me. And I like some sarcasm or twist when I am penning them down. Too direct is boring, we should give space for imagination, don’t you think?
For example, a few days back I wrote a song about how my manager and I found a painting on the road. We carried it home and I got into a superstitious thought of that being a sign about how my worries are to fade. The story goes on from there, it’s funny! The song has a crazy chorus everyone can sing. Wait and watch!
5. The funniest member in the band?
The fact is no one is really funny, just happy!
6. You told us that you have a new drummer now. Reason for the change? What has he brought to the table, in terms of the musicality and the groove of the group?
Our first gig with Avinash was a big one. We had so much fun on stage. He is a drummer with unexpected superfast rolls. The songs have the energy and we are locking in as a band. We are always open to experiment our sections and hence some beautiful new changes have been added to the songs. Too early for drastic changes in the musicality at this point though. Our ex-drummer is like family and we miss him a lot. Time constraints led to the change. Everything happens for good, I guess (smiles).
7. One music festival you would like to be a part of in the future?
Wanted to be part of a few big fests, but if they don’t make us feel good then we might not go everywhere the sun shines (smiles).
8. How is White Mug different from other bands in the indie music scene?
Everything in White Mug happens by chance. Don’t really know about the others, but we are smashed on and off stage. Brings out the best of us!
9. What is the face of indie music like in 2015?
‘Satyathinte Mukham Valare Vikrithamaaanu’ meaning: the face of truth is rather ugly. Just kidding! I guess once people get indie, they can’t get out of it. It’s the best! And it’s happening slowly and we are part of the #indierevolution.
10. Plans for the future?
We are working on an album which due this year, and another one next year. We have charted many songs for both. We are waiting for a few more numbers to happen so that we can complete the flow. Lot of sleepless nights we see (laughs).
Image credit: White Mug
Rapid fire round:
1. Dream equipment you guys would like to own in 2015?
We want to go a little further than that. We dream of setting up a studio for the band!
2. A person you would like to bring back from the dead?
Has to be Jimi Hendrix
3. A classic rock album that changed the way you look at music?
Maybe not classic rock but, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not by the Arctic Monkeys.
4. The most weird things you have seen on the internet so far?
Well, nothing really! (laughs).
5. Bungee jumping or skydiving. Why?
Skydiving, any day! You could enjoy flying for much longer.
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