Steve “Skinny” Felton of Mushroomhead offers insight into the band’s latest release, Call the Devil, a record that merges spontaneity with the darker, more aggressive tones Mushroomhead is known for. In our interview, Felton breaks down the creation process and what makes this album a unique entry in their discography.
The development of Call the Devil was rooted in a spontaneous and organic approach, a departure from the more structured methods of previous works. “This album came together in a very natural way” Felton explains. “We didn’t plan out ideas ahead of time. We just started recording, letting the music evolve as we played”.
One of the standout elements of Call the Devil is the return of guitarist Gravy, whose contributions were pivotal in shaping the album’s sound. Felton describes their collaboration as seamless, like picking up where they left off. “When Gravy and I sat down to play, it was like riding a bike” Felton says. “We’d jam, record, and then go back to see what we had. It was spontaneous and just felt right.” This spontaneity is captured in tracks like Eye to Eye, which Felton highlights as one of his personal favorites due to its aggressive and intense nature.
Reflecting on Mushroomhead’s 30-year journey, Felton is struck by the generational aspect of their fanbase. “We see fans who were with us in the ’90s now bringing their kids to our shows” he shares. “It’s incredible to see how our music has connected with multiple generations.” However, Felton also expresses a sense of nostalgia for the pre-digital era. “I miss the days when people were fully immersed in the moment at our shows, without the distraction of phones” he admits. “There was a raw connection between the band and the audience that’s harder to find now.”
Looking ahead, Mushroomhead is focused on promoting Call the Devil with upcoming tours and possibly more video releases. “We’re excited to keep pushing this new chapter of Mushroomhead” Felton says, emphasizing the band’s commitment to evolving while staying true to their roots.
Mushroomhead interview 23.08.2024
Steve “Skinny” Felton
Producer: Janne Vuorela
https://mushroomhead.com/
Picture: Mushroomhead / SK1
