By: Kat Harlton
Mushy Callahan is an indie/alternative rock band made up of four brothers who feature a unique blend of alternative rock with contemporary flare. Based out of Toronto, Ontario by way of Northern Alberta, the four-brother band has been performing together since 2013, and in their short time have completed numerous cross-country tours, as well as in the UK.
Their grassroots approach to writing, recording and releasing their music have led them to showcases at notable festivals, such as NXNE, CMW, Edgefest and FOCUS Wales, as well as consistent radio rotation throughout North America.
The band’s new E.P. “Revelations” is out, and we had the opportunity to catch up them and discuss songwriting, musical idols and what’s on their playlist.
Kat: Could you talk about the inspiration behind your single “Deep Meadow”?
MC: The song was inspired by reflecting on your past and not having regrets, that feeling of turning the last page of a book and closing up that book for good.
Kat: What is your songwriting process like?
MC: We typically introduce ideas into our band practices, it usually starts with a riff that we sometimes keep coming back and adding to. We record a lot of our band practices (with iPhones or voice recordings apps) and share the recordings afterwards so we can slowly build off the ideas and get back to where we started when we return for the next practice. Sometimes the melodies can come after repeatedly listening back to the recordings. We usually devote half our practice to new material or experimenting with ideas so we are always trying to come up with something new so our band practices don’t become routine.
Kat: Could you speak a little on your musical idols or role models?
MC: We grew up on a lot of classic rock, The Doors, Supertramp, Grand Funk Railroad were all bands we listened to, as that was what our parents listened to. I think we all have personal role models as we each play a different role in the band and can look up to someone for different reasons. I think we can all appreciate the underdog stories of bands that have taken years to get a break, even a band like The National who took years to break through and finally did. Those are unique stories that make us appreciate a band even more.
Kat: Have you ever been given any advice in regard to your music career that you felt you really connected with or made an impact?
MC: Well, our parents have been our greatest support. Being a band of brothers, I think our parents feel some pride in knowing that we’ve all stuck together.. It can be difficult to get along with siblings. But the one piece of advice that has stuck with us is to keep at it. Being an indie band is difficult and we’ve seen a lot of groups disband because of the difficulties of trying to make a go of it. But when the going gets tough and we feel like we’re in a bit of a slump, we tend to keep positive and moving on to the next goal.
Kat: What’s on your playlist right now?
MC: Leon Bridges, Greta Van Fleet, Lord Huron, Black Pistol Fire, a good mix of old blues Taj Mahal, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker.
For more on Mushy Callahan please visit: http://www.mushycallahan.com