The Mudflaps band Interview

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I N T E R V I E W
June 2004
The Mudflaps

RCN: Hello, we are here with The Mudflaps a local band from the L.A./Orange County area, and they're original blues/rock style is taking the Southland by storm, so we're going to find out a little more about what makes them tick. . .

1. RCN: What type of band are you? (descriptive)

We are an original blues/rock outfit with a distinctive sound reminiscient of the 1970s great bands such as the Rolling Stones, Faces, AC/DC, Ten Years After, etc. with a dash of blues, and a dash of a modern flair, ala Jet.

2. RCN: Tell us the brief history of your band.

(include when you started and some shows you've played)
The Mudflaps were started in 2001 by guitar players Jon Siembieda and Russell Bourne. Through hard work and determination, the other pieces fell into place and the band has enjoyed playing and headlining such venues as the Whisky a Go Go, BB King's, the Galaxy Theatre, Martini Blues, the Mint, Club Lingerie, 14 Below, Molly Malone's, etc.

3. RCN: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

I think off the stage, our families and close friends have been very supportive of the band and have driven us to succeed. On the stage, we are influenced by the Rolling Stones, Mick Taylor, Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Muddy Waters, Freddy King, Robert Johnson, and everything else in between.

4. RCN: What are your dreams and goals?

World domination. Or at least to headline major stadiums and arenas. That's our goal, as for our dreams, well, we're living it.

5. RCN: Who writes the songs, what are they about?

The songs off of our debut album, "Running Back", were co-written by Jon Siembieda and Russell Bourne. There are songs underway for a second album, where the band is collaborating more as a unit and utlizing the creative energy of all the band members. Most of the songs are about the important things in life, women and alcohol...

6. RCN: What's your opinion of George Bush?

We have two ex-Marines in the band, and overall, I'd say we're pro-Bush. He's under hard times, but he has a steady hand.

7. RCN: How do you promote your band and shows?

Flyers, word of mouth, emailing, promoters, friends, internet, website, banner, anything we can do.

8. RCN: Describe your show, visual and musically.

We have a 5 piece, the frontman, Lance Ruhter, is a showman, with the look of all the classic rock frontmen from yesteryear rolled into one. The rest of the band is entertaining as well, young-looking (most of us are in our mid 20's), and overall is a lot different and more fun than most bands on the scene.

9. RCN: What do you think about downloading music online?

We support it. It's all about the music, and any way you can turn people on to rock and roll, we're all for it.

10. RCN: What's your outlook on the record industry today?

The music is forgotten. It's more important to have the look than anything else. That is an important facet, and one we feel we excel at, but it's not as important as being able to play your guitar well or successfully turn on a crowd with good heartfelt music. There's no soul anymore. That's where we come in.

11. RCN: What's your claim to fame? (What's unique about your band).

We're old school at heart, and we put on a good show. No frills, no gimmicks, just well played, well performed rock and roll.

12. RCN: Tell us a story about a day in your life.

The second time we played the Whisky, we rented out three rooms side by side (one was a suite) at the Riot House. The check-in guy told us the balcony in the suite was where Robert Plant yelled "I'm a golden god!" That night we blew all the punk bands off the stage and threw a party back at the hotel and consumed $400 worth of alcohol.

13. RCN: What inspires you to do what you do?

The great ones. One day we want people to say that we passed it on. Robert Johnson to Muddy Waters/BB King/Freddy King. Those guys to Keith Richards/Eric Clapton/Alvin Lee/Mick Taylor. Those guys to us. Us to the next group. That's what we want.

14. RCN: What advice would you give to fellow bands?

Clean up your guitar tone. Loud and distorted makes you worse, not better. Also, take time with your originals. If you let them grow, you'll make them better.

15. RCN: What are some of your pet peeves?

Marshall stacks with the gain and volume up to 11, screechy singers, greedy promoters.

16. RCN: How does music affect you and the world around you?
I don't know if it affects the world around us yet, but as for us, we have a blast with it, and we hope that people can forget about their day job, problems in life, whatever, and come and have a few cocktails and have some fun for a couple hours. And we hope they remember how much fun they had and come back.

17. RCN: What's new in the recording of your music?

Several of us are versed in recording so we understand the ins and outs of what has to be done. We use vintage techniques usually.

18. RCN: What are the biggest obstacles for bands?

Building your fanbase, getting that first great song, getting that second great song, getting people to believe in you.

19. RCN: What's the best and worst thing about playing clubs?

The worst thing is there isn't a lot of money in it sometimes, because you have to get over the hump of having people realize your original music is good. The best thing is you are so close to the crowd, and the nooks and crannies and history of some of the venues is outstanding.

20. RCN: Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.

We're playing Saturday 5/29 at Martini Blues in Huntington Beach. We are headlining at 9pm, playing 2 sets of no-nonsense rock and roll, and we're gonna leave the crowd with the best show this band has put out yet. The next show after that is 6/19 at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana with Albert Lee, and the Blasters. That's just gonna be 3 hours of great music. Rock City should check it out. We'll personally guarantee a good time.

Jon Siembieda
The Mudflaps
Original Blues, Soul, and Rock and Roll Band
mudflaps2002@aol.com
http://www.mudflapsband.com/
Link to The Mudflaps' Website
Booking/Info: (714) 843-2075

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