Ottawa’s HOT MUD Shares Newfound Zest For Life After Addiction With Sophomore Album, Pink Cloud Pop
Less than six months after bursting into the indie pop/rock scene, Hot Mud is ready to share his newfound zest for life with his sophomore album Pink Cloud Pop, set to release on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. The lead single, ‘Welcome to Humankind’, is out now, and asks “How often do you wonder what this life is all about?”
The catchy, upbeat song serves as a quirky anecdote that applies to everyone, regardless of where they are in their life’s journey. The poignant lyrics evoke the questioning and questing that Hot Mud has endured in his life so far, while also reminding the listener to “Fill your days with laughter/Cuz nothing really matters/And live happily ever after” because “Surprise/No one gets out alive.”
While his debut, Rehab Rock, was a raw, down and dirty, honest introspective album, hearkening to his early days of addiction and recovery, Pink Cloud Pop brings a new positive perspective and a more cheerful sound. Hot Mud said that the new album saw him embracing his oddities in anthems for outcasts while expanding on his journey as an artist and recovering addict.
Hot Mud is a self-described alter ego, rocker, and weirdo. The man behind the nickname is Ottawa musician Muddy Watters, who was named after the famous blues musician. He styled himself Hot Mud after being told he would become a completely different person while inebriated.
Thankfully, his journey led him to rehab, and he spent over a year in treatment facilities, where he became sober and healthy. Rehab Rock was recorded in its entirety during his stays, while Pink Cloud Pop looks ahead, and shares a somewhat happier outlook.
From the perspective of Hot Mud, the song, and the album, are a new beginning. Coming after his focus single from Rehab Rock, “Where the Bad Kids Go” — a song that embraces the dirty glamour and mystery of living in the dark, dangerous world of drugs and inebriation — Pink Cloud Pop feels like a happy rebirth.
Now sober and focused, Hot Mud said he has evolved a new positive perspective, mirroring his attitude and behavior. The title and theme of his new album refer to the term ‘pink cloud’, known in addiction recovery circles as a temporary phase of euphoria and extreme optimism during the rehabilitation process.
According to the artist, he has spent what “seemed a lifetime” struggling with addiction, only recently emerging from the dark and seedy underbelly of that life.
That’s why Hot Mud has made “Pink Cloud Pop.” He says it’s a miracle that he is still alive — he sees it as a rebirth and a ‘Welcome to Humankind.’
Hi Muddy! Care to introduce yourself to the readers?
Hi, I’m Hot Mud, an alter ego, a rocker, and a weirdo! Ever since I left rehab, I’ve been living in my pink cloud making songs. I’m about to release my sophomore album called ‘Pink Cloud Pop’ on September 6th!
Your lead single “Welcome to Humankind” poses the question, “How often do you wonder what this life is all about?” How does this question reflect your personal journey and the themes explored in Pink Cloud Pop?
The song Welcome To Humankind finds Hot Mud looking past the fog and focusing on the big picture. He’s at a point in his recovery where he’s ready to tackle the civilized world and find his place in it once more as a new and improved version of himself. “Ok, I’m kicking this habit and getting my feet back on the ground… now what?”
Welcome To Humankind can be looked at with a wider lens as well. It’s generally about life and death. “Here you go, here’s this crazy existence called You, and by the way, like it or not, you are gonna die. So have some fun will ya, Welcome to Humankind!”
I think it’s a nice introduction to the record and it sets up the themes of rebirth, creativity, happiness, and purpose.
The term ‘pink cloud’ is significant in addiction recovery circles. How does this concept play into the overall theme of the album, and how do you hope it resonates with listeners, particularly those on similar journeys?
Here’s a definition of pink cloud as it pertains to the album title.
“The Pink Cloud refers to a psychological state that many individuals experience in the early phases of recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. This emotional high is marked by feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism, and a sense of invincibility. This period is often characterized by a newfound zest for life, a positive outlook, and an almost unshakeable confidence in one’s ability to maintain sobriety. While the emotional high can be uplifting and motivating, it can also create a false sense of security. Many individuals experiencing the Pink Cloud may underestimate the challenges that lie ahead.”
The title ‘Pink Cloud Pop’ comes from that terminology, I feel like the album is a perfect soundtrack to that sensation. There is an optimistic upbeat sound with a dangerous undertone and a little sense of insecurity throughout.
As for myself and others on a similar journey, I believe it’s possible to enjoy that euphoria and zest for life while still being grounded, sober, and focused. I like to think I’m in my never-ending pink cloud, and I’m staying right here making songs, it seems to be working out fantastically.
You’ve mentioned that Pink Cloud Pop feels like a happy rebirth for you. Can you share how this album represents a new chapter in your life, both personally and professionally?
‘Pink Cloud Pop’ is a sequel in the Hot Mud story, picking up right where my debut record ‘Rehab Rock’ had ended. Rehab Rock was completely recorded while I was living in rehab. I continued writing material after the Rehab Rock sessions throughout my stay there. This material gradually evolved into a new positive perspective, mirroring my attitude and behavior in my journey of recovery.
When I wasn’t recording ‘Rehab Rock’ or writing ‘Pink Cloud Pop’, I was studying radio broadcasting. I created several radio programs, even broadcasting some live from my rehab room. I still have a show broadcast on CKCU 93.1 FM in Ottawa called ‘Canada’s Cool Culture’. You can hear the influence of my work in radio production throughout the music in ‘Pink Cloud Pop’.
I met a woman during this time who was also attending a female recovery facility. We would sneak out during the pandemic to see each other, eventually falling in love. With this sudden romance came more inspiration in the creation and feel of the album. She sings in some of the songs on the ‘Pink Cloud Pop’ record.
Eventually, I moved on from rehab, the counselors and other tenants were absolute lifesavers, they let me stay until I had graduated school, found a job, a new place, and a new loved one to live with. I stepped out of rehab into a wonderful new life! I finished writing and recording ‘Pink Cloud Pop’ in my new home which I call the ‘Pink Cloud’ of course.
As an artist with a self-described alter ego, how do you balance the persona of Hot Mud with your personal identity as Muddy Watters?
Hot Mud came from my dark days of addiction. It was a self-appointed nickname that I used when I was intoxicated. He was the stranger that emerged when things became hazy and black.
While I was in rehab putting together my first record ‘Rehab Rock’ he was still very present in my lyrics and themes in the songs. When it was time to present that album, I put an image to the character. The silly outfit helped me disguise myself enough to feel confident releasing that painfully honest and revealing musical project.
Now, I guess I’m kinda stuck with him, but he’s settling down. Hot Mud is still wild and weird, but with a confident wisdom that comes from the freedom of knowing you should probably be dead. Somehow this helps with self-confidence, it’s easier to let go of other’s opinions and do what makes you happy.
There’s not much difference between us now, we are the same guy with a slightly different look. Although he knows how to have more fun than me, he’s pretty silly. He leaves me to take care of the professional and business endeavors.
That reminds me, I’ve got work to do. Thanks for the chat. Keep cool, keep on creating, and long live the weird!