Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: It’s just so fun to travel, connect with an audience, hang out with other musicians, have a drink, chat, share Ideas and write music. And (sometimes) we actually get paid!
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: Weirdly enough, lots of vintage Grace Jones. She personifies the phrase: ‘creepy cool’.
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘Mercury Salad’?
A: We listen to tons of new music and old music. Anything with a lonely guitar sound draws us in. Can be new school like Brandi Carlile or old school like Heartless Bastards.
Mercury Salad is mostly a joke name. We were having a beer and Kurt Bonnell said: ‘We need to raise awareness about the dangers of eating tuna fish!’ Totally random. And
Q: You have just released your new album, ‘Volume 3’. Is there a story behind it?
A: Our goal was to have a live sound, and show off some vintage jamband-style tunes
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: Yes! Hopefully next year.
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I hope people like the groove, and the old-school production. Its kind of a rebellion against they way electronic music has become…well.. the only music. It is pop, EDM, rap, trap, dub. We call it folkrock and acoustic funk
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: Anyone who is expecting something…other than the present moment…is probably disappointed. Music is like shifting sands! You never know how much you might get paid sometimes, if peeps will like the songs, or show up to a venue…or if the venue has been struck by lighting! So just being grateful to show play, and have a show. That’s enough.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: I start by wondering what the audience might want to hear. How to keep people from getting bored at a show. Not super creative, I know.
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: Putting up with dumbass old white men, who still control the festivals, the radio and most of the venues. It has become more diverse over the years, but there’s need for lots more improvement. At least, the internet is mostly beyond them.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: I make my own animated band videos, like Welcome to My Life and The Road. I’ll be doing more ambitious live actions ones in the future. I’m excited.
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