Full-Blooded Mutt

Artist of the Month - June 2009: Full-Blooded Mutt
Current mood: fabulous
Category: Music
Full-Blooded Mutt
By Cailan Bennett

Full-Blooded Mutt ( http://www.full-bloodedmutt.com/ ) was formed in late February 2008 by Ashland High School alums Jay Hogan and Mike Conti who were also members of the band Drool. Following the breakup of Drool, Mike recruited a guitarist friend of his, Dylan Wilson, to play the drums. Although people have called Dylan lo-fi, Mike points out that the same could be said of the Velvet Underground. Their drummer, Moe Tucker, had a very simple set up, but her uniqueness was an important contribution to one of the seminal rock bands of all time. So, it should be no surprise when listing their important influences the Velvet Underground are near the top of the list along with Nirvana and System of a Down among many influential bands.

In fact, the list of bands cited as being influential cut a broad swath across rock genres; for example bands such as Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chevelle, and the Sex Pistols. Therefore, it should not be surprising to discover that Full-Blooded Mutt cannot be easily pigeonholed. Their shows present music from a number of different genres. This somewhat eclectic mix and approach proves to be a very important strength of the band and makes them very popular with those that appreciate rock, its history, and its many flavors.

An additional strength of the band is its song writing. Although Mike has done most of the song writing thus far, everyone has made a contribution. Mike considers this very important, that all members involve themselves in the writing. This can only add to the strength and diversity of the songs. Songs are about many different topics including not only the obvious topics of love and women but also poverty, secret societies, war and apocalyptic references. Mike says that he likes to “use many writing methods: such as allusions, ambiguity, analogy, metaphors, mondegreen, mythology, references, etc... This should serve as a word to the wise: think about the lyrics. They may not mean what you first think or may actually be purposely ambiguous.

Mike said that 2008 was a great year for the band. The band played more shows than ever, many in clubs that they hadn’t played before. Highlights included the crowded gigs at Club Bohemia in Cambridge, Massachusetts U.S.A. and a packed show at the Lucky Dog Music Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts U.S.A. The band is very dedicated to its music and in particular to live shows. According to Mike: “I just live for these live shows, I’m so into it, I don’t care if we have 100 people there or just two, we're still going to jump around and rock out like the crazy fools we are”. By the end of 2008 the band members would need a break but realized they also needed to get a demo CD out.

Although the demo CD is an excellent effort, you should catch one of their live shows to fully appreciate their talent. When you come to a Full-Blooded Mutt show, I want you to come with an open mind and closed pigeonholes. You won’t be disappointed.

Be sure to catch Full-Blooded Mutt on Friday, June 19, 2009 @ London Billiards / Club Oasis ( http://www.londonbilliards.com/ ) in Worcester, Massachuestts U.S.A. as they headline the "Natasja Gaumond Birthday Bash!!!" - Dirtnap Entertainment