Hot Mud Releases New Album, Rehab Rock
Hot Mud steps into the indie rock scene with his debut album, Rehab Rock.
Rehab Rock, was recorded entirely by himself while in a rehab facility in Ottawa, Canada. In his tiny room the size of your mother’s closet. It is a record he wrote during his struggle with addiction into the early stages of recovery.
It’s a collection of 9 sonically diverse songs with a lyrical theme addressing his thoughts and misadventures during this period of his life.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello, I’m Hot Mud. An alter ego, a rocker, and a weirdo. I made a record in rehab; it’s called Rehab Rock.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
‘Rehab Rock’ is my debut album, out now.
It was recorded during my stay and recovery in the Sobriety House Treatment Facility in Ottawa Canada. I had a room in the second stage of sober living throughout the pandemic of 2020 – 2021. Suddenly, I had time to learn some basic recording techniques and realize the songs floating around in my head. I layered each track on a broken computer, sometimes using broken instruments, some found in the rehab facility’s basement. I huddled in the farthest corner of my room (which was the size of your mother’s closet) and sang as quietly as possible, so as not to bother the other recovering tenants.
A made a record of nine songs all with a unique ‘Hot Mud’ flavor. Some serious, some silly, some noisy, some artsy, all with lyrical content that may be a little too real, but they sure are damn good!
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
This collection was written during my struggle with addiction and the early stages of recovery.
These were very hazy days, a lot of stumbling around the city getting in trouble. I was lost, miserable, and foolish. I had delusions of grandeur, thinking I would be some kind of Canadian Jack Kerouac writing about my misadventures as I lived them. It turns out I don’t remember half of the stuff I was doing, and the other half was too wild, weird, ridiculously pointless, and messed up that I don’t really want to tell anybody about it. A wretched waste.
So, what you hear are general ideas of those days, kind of like a day in the life of Hot Mud and the messed-up thoughts and feelings going on during that time.
Some songs were written while I was in rehab, and that was a whole other headful of emotions to tackle. These were thoughts and feelings that came to me, sitting around rehab, or at AA and NA meetings. There was a lot of time to think. My life or lack thereof had to be put on hold. It was time to surrender, listen, accept help, and do whatever possible to get healthy. I had to keep a journal, so I was able to put down some good ideas during those times. It was a healing process. Music and creation are such powerful tools for discovering yourself and just dealing with all kinds of thoughts and emotions. It helped me get out of these self-sabotaging patterns and really start thinking and acting positively. I was lucky I had music. Woohoo! The incredible healing powers of rock ’n’ roll!
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
Well, there were a few trashy videos I made in that rehab room. I covered the wall with green bristol board and green-screened some images of myself over some public domain footage. They are on my YouTube channel, as well as a bunch of more recent videos and posts I’ve been adding to my Instagram TikTok, and all the other million social media sites they expect us artists to be on every waking second of our lives…never mind making music. Jeez. Check them out under hotmudmusic.
I’m here to make a lot of noise in 2024. So, expect a sequel to Rehab Rock very soon…very, very soon!! Overcoming that dark time while still alive and standing has put things in perspective. My attitude towards life and my purpose are clear. There’s nothing left to lose and so much to create!
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Hot Mud is a brand-new thing, but it wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t have such a wonderful supportive family, and the opportunity to go to rehab and get healthy and sober. I am so very grateful to have been able to receive so much help and support from countless people I have met, and those who have always been there for me through my journey of recovery.
Before I couldn’t operate my computer without breaking it in some inebriated state, now I’m able to record music on it and share it with the world. I can focus. I’ve developed a solid work ethic and drive. I’m making up for wasted time and now I can’t find enough of it.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Well, this is the toughest question by far. There are so many great Canadian bands out there, I don’t want to leave any of them out. So, I’ll say this, check out my radio show Canada’s Cool Culture at canadascoolculture.ca. I have had the chance to speak with some of my favorite Canadian artists on that program, like Mr. Power, Olivier Fairfield, Hilotrons, Pony Girl, Nick Schofield, Boyhood, Cola, 36?, Harkness, Flore Laurentienne, Joyfultalk, Paul Jacobs, and so much more! I love every artist on that show, so please check it out. I would like to set up an interview with Holobody soon, and Maxime. and Devours…the list goes on and on. Keep on Rockin’
Thanks for reading this! Keep cool, Keep on creating, and Keep in touch. Love, Hot Mud