SkaSource.com

We’re really pleased to present the third installment in our interview series; a quick chat with one of the midwest’s longest-running ska bands, Mustard Plug. Guitarist/vocalist Colin Clive was kind enough to spend his valuable travel time answering these questions, and has our thanks!

Q: You guys have been around for 17 years, from humble beginnings in Grand Rapids to national and international tours. What is different about the overall experience for you now, vs. the old days when you were younger and chomping at the bit?

A:  hmm.  well the main differences that come to mind is that there is usually more “free” beer than there was back in the day.  that’s not to say it’s always “free” but the likelyhood of there being some is definitely a lot higher.  the existence of cell phones, computers, portable gaming systems and all that other modern technology has also made traveling a whole lot nicer.  no longer are you completely shut off from the things you usually do on a day to day basis when your home.   it’s a lot easier to keep in touch with your family and friends.  it’s almost like they get to travel along with you rather than you being completely gone.  you can share all the things your do and are doing in real time.  it’s pretty weird.  i definitely don’t miss trying to find a pay phone to call home either.  that sucked.

Q: Has the band ever considered breaking away to a different musical sound/style? Do you think you may ever take the band in a different direction musically, even if for just one album?

A:  i don’t think that completely breaking away from our ska/punk origins has ever crossed our minds.  it’s a style of music that we loved before starting the band and continue to enjoy today.  i think we try to keep things interesting every album and throw a little more ideas into the pot but as far as abandoning the genre completely i don’t think that could happen.  mustard plug loves playing ska/punk for better or worse.  sorry if you were hoping we’d put out an alt/country.

Q: You recently played shows with Voodoo Glowskulls and The Aggrolites. How does it compare playing shows with a ska-core band versus a band that is more traditional reggae? Any different in the crowd reaction or vibe for you?

A: i think in this day and age the differences are very small between ska-core crowds and more traditional ska crowds.  back a few years there was definitely a bigger separation in the crowd but today i think most people enjoy the diversity.   i personally enjoy the different styes immensely!

Q: Do you still consider the band a full-time obligation, or is it something done more in your spare time now? Any plans for further international tours?

A:  being in the band is still definitely a full-time obligation although it doesn’t pay quite as well as a normal full- time job.  we all pretty much work our schedules around the band because it’s that important to us and it’s something we really love to do.  unfortunately that involves working weird part time jobs and filling in the blanks as far as income goes but that’s just part of the music business i guess.  if you really enjoy something sometimes it takes a little sacrifice to make it work.   as far as international tours goes we’re always ready to take a little trip somewhere.  send us some plane tickets!

Q: Your website mentions the resurgence in ska that seems to have began about 4-5 years ago with the Ska Summit show in Las Vegas. Being at that show, I remember it felt like a historic moment for ska music in the U.S., with all those bands and fans converging in one place. Do you think ska music has cemented itself as a viable musical force, instead of just a musical fad that rears its ugly head every 10 years or so?

A:  i think ska is, has been and will continue to be a viable music force in society.  whether it’s visible in the main stream or not is one thing but it’s not like it ever goes away to the fans.  i’ve liked ska since i first heard the specials and madness back in the early 80’s or so and have never stopped liking it or ever thought it went away.  it can’t go away cause there’s so much that exists.  i’m sure there are at least a few people that feel the same way.

Q: Your latest album, “In Black and White,” was released in 2007. Are you currently working on any new musical projects? Any plans to release another album in the near (or not too near) future?

A:  we don’t like to plan that far ahead.  especially right now with summer upon us.  it’s time for bbq’s, beaches, deck parties, etc!  michigan doesn’t get much good weather so during that time it’s all about enjoying it.  ask me again in november or so. 

Q: Music scenes in the U.S. tend to be somewhat separated by geography – west coast, midwest, east coast. Do you notice any major differences between the scenes, fans, musical styles, that develop in these regions? Do you feel a sense of commeraderie with other midwest bands?

A:  the midwest is definitely the best.   that’s not to say the east coast and west coast are bad it’s just that someone has to step up as being the ultimate best.  the coasts are  always trying  to outdo each other anyway that i think they forget about how awesome the midwest is.   we do have chicago and detroit and that combo has definitely brought a lot to the table.

Q: When you’re out on the road, do you manage to find time to keep up with your online presence – MySpace, email, website, etc? Are you able to see an impact on your ability to keep in touch with fans vs. the old days when most people hadn’t even heard of the “interweb?”

A:  ha.  i’m the worst at keeping up with myspace and email.  i always have good intentions to write more blogs and post more pictures but in the end it always fails.  i’ll continue to try to improve but i make no promises.  i think if myspace sorted out their programs a little bit and made it easier to respond to emails and enter show information and what not i’d be more inclined to keep up with it but every time i try to get into it it just makes me mad.  it’s such a slow tedious process and really cuts into my fun time.  sorry.  i will try harder but remember if i’m not doing it it’s because i’m having fun and i know you all don’t have a problem with that.  right?

Q: This isn’t really a question, but please feel free to “plug” anything you’d like here: website URL’s, upcoming stuff we should know about, etc. Thanks!

A:  hmm..  website is www.mustardplug.com,  myspace is myspace/mustardplug,  we’re playing tons of shows this summer.  the most recent is an upcoming tour thru florida with less than jake.  our newest record “in black and white” is available on LP now.  our van sucks so if you happen to own a car dealership and want to get us a sweet deal on a new 15 passenger van or Sprinter that would be awesome.  i guess that’ it.  have fun everyone and come see us next time we come thru town!

Tags: Ska Interviews // 2 Comments »