Interview with Mustard Plug

If you prefer hardcore punk music that has a blend of ska, Mustard Plug, a ska punk band from Grand Rapids, Michigan is a band to look out for. Formed in 1991, Mustard Plug has come a long way delivering some really great music and touring across the United States, Japan, Europe and South America. The band is said to have been a pioneer in the field of ska punk in Grand Rapids when ska punk was not really popular in Grand Rapids. However, the band has come up with exceptional music developing unique sound that allows music lovers to have fun.
The band has seen various ups and down in terms of band formation and its existence as the band split up in 2002 after they released their album Yellow Number 5.While the band does focus on spreading some message through their music and songs, but primarily they focus on having a great time. The band celebrated their twentieth anniversary with a national tour across the United States. They will be performing their next live appearance at the Founders Brewing Company on May 14, 2016 along with special guest appearances from Rude Boy George and The Sailor Kicks. Entry only for age 21 and above. Ticket rate per person $5.

FarándulaMag: Who are your major influences?
MP: The band has a long list of influences. Anywhere from 2-tone ska) (i.e. The Specials/English Beat to punk stuff (i.e. Decendents/Sex Pistols/Ramones. etc)
FarándulaMag: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
MP: Mainly we have just become better songwriters. In the early days simplistic was the name of the game. Eventually things got a little more fancy…..or maybe I just think they got fancy?
FarándulaMag: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
MP: Having to deal with 6 people’s schedules/personalities/life is pretty difficult. As long as you’re respectful of people it is pretty easy to overcome that. Even though it can be rather time consuming.
FarándulaMag: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers?
MP: The song that is most played is probably the “Beer Song” it is the song we end with at every show. We do covers! Lately we have been doing “Waiting Room” by Fugazi and “Roots Radical” by Rancid.
FarándulaMag: Has anything crazy ever happened on tour?
MP:: One time in Buffalo, Dave the singer knocked out his front teeth on stage. I wasn’t there but that seems rather crazy.
FarándulaMag: Biggest regret?
MP:Not eating that sandwich in Pittsburgh.
FarándulaMag: What is the hardest part about keeping a band going for so many years?
MP: Again just dealing with 6 people’s lives. Having a core people that are dedicated to the band helps push that through though.
FarándulaMag: What should your fans expect on your next show at Founders?
Just a good time! Hopefully lots of dancing.
FarándulaMag: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
MP: We have all the major social media platforms. Mustardplug.com is a good place to start. Also our facebook.com/mustardplug is a good place for information.

Where: Founders Taproom

When: May 14th 2016

Time: 9:30 pm

Cover: $5 | 21+ only

[image] courtesy of Mustard Plug