Mammatus
American alternative progressive rockers of Mammatus has been on our radar for quite a while and finally we had the chance to do this interview with them. Sit back, relax, and read further on...
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First of all, could you tell us why and how you started the band?
Mammatus originated from a collective passion for crafting expansive, immersive music, fueled by a shared vision among us. Guitarist Nicky (myself) and drummer Aaron, bound by a blood connection as brothers, share a unique bond that traces back to our formative years of growing up and playing music together. This familial tie not only solidified our artistic connection but also infused Mammatus with a shared history and musical language that is deeply ingrained.
Adding to this familial dynamic, bass player Chris entered the picture as a brother from another mother. Chris became an integral part of Mammatus, joining forces with Aaron and I after high school. Our shared experiences forged a camaraderie that transcended mere friendship, turning our trio into a musical brotherhood.
United by a love for music that defies convention, we embarked on a cosmic exploration, channeling our creative energies into a sonic odyssey. Our slow, deliberate creative process became the cornerstone of Mammatus' distinctive approach to composition and performance.
In essence, Mammatus began as an expression of the collective blood bond between myself and Aaron and the brotherhood forged with Chris. Together, we formed a musical entity that draws inspiration from the celestial wonders of the universe, creating a space where the mystical and terrestrial converge in harmonious resonance.
You released your first record back in 2006. If you compare with back then and now, how has the band evolved during all these years?
I believe our music has matured alongside our growing proficiency in handling our instruments, both on stage and in the studio. When you listen to our albums chronologically, you can discern the evolution of our sound. Our self-titled debut was composed and recorded in an energetic burst within a very brief period. The youthful vigor is palpable, and the essence of California West Coast sunsets permeates "The Coast Explodes."
With "Heady Mental," Mammatus aimed to fully embrace our love for prog, exploring intricate musical territories. "Sparkling Waters" marked a deliberate step back, allowing us to chill and ride the cosmic expanse's waves. "Expanding Majesty" represents Mammatus combining all these elements in a focused and purposeful manner.
It's important to note that a significant shift occurred with the addition of families into our lives. The responsibilities of work and child-rearing have made our band time more focused and intentional. In 2005, we were younger and wilder; now, with the wisdom of experience, we are more focused as we stride purposefully toward the fate of becoming wise, old grandpa riff masters.
If we talk about your latest album "Expanding Majesty" from 2023, what can you tell us about the writing process up until you went into the studio and recorded it?
Mammatus meticulously crafts its music, delving into the intricate process of building each composition riff by riff. This approach, inherent since our inception, allows our music to organically evolve as we jam and grow as individuals. Over a span of about seven or eight years for this particular album, we maintained a weekly ritual of meeting after work to jam for a few hours.
We immersed ourselves in frequent bike rides throughout the writing process, exploring the numerous breathtaking cycling routes California has to offer. Cycling became a profound means of meditation, allowing us to connect with nature on a deeper level. This experience played a pivotal role in shaping our latest sound, infusing it with the serene and contemplative essence of our outdoor journeys.
It's worth noting that "Expanding Majesty" serves as an exceptional soundtrack for a bike ride, enhancing the overall experience with its immersive and captivating musical landscape.
Throughout this extensive period, we recorded sections of evolving riffs to preserve the essence and prevent forgetfulness. The overarching goal was to seamlessly connect these sections in pursuit of what we fondly term the "YES FACTOR." This elusive factor is that transformative moment in a song, as it builds to a climax, the riff shifts, and you instinctively bring a fist to your chest, close your eyes, and exclaim, "YES."
The opening riff of the song "Expanding Majesty" marked the initial riff discovery for the album. The entire composition process adhered to an open B type tuning (unsure of exact tuning), consistently applied to each song, profoundly shaping the album's character and sonic identity.
If we also take a look at your album "The Ear Food" from 2020, it states that you released outtakes from the past years. It has a more ambient feel to it, a bit in the direction of Eno and such. How did these songs came about?
The Ear Food," released in 2020, provided a window into our ambient inclinations, presenting a collection primarily composed of "Heady Mental" outtakes recorded in our practice space. These ambient explorations showcase our experimental side, drawing inspiration from luminaries such as Eno, Ashra Temple, Suzanne Ciani, Iasos, Constance Demby, Steven Halpern, Takashi Kokubo, and Michael Rother to name a few. The songs, emerging organically from sonic experimentation, capture moments in our creative journey that diverged from our traditional sound. This compilation serves as a testament to our diverse musical palette and the exploration of atmospheric landscapes within the confines of our practice sanctuary.
Notably, the love for ambient music seamlessly bleeds into our subsequent work, such as the ambient hues you can discern in "Sparkling Waters." This subtle influence adds an ethereal layer to our sonic tapestry, further enriching the unique musical journey that defines Mammatus.
Our first encounter with "Mammatus" was hearing one of your live tapes from a fellow American taper. How do you look at the tapers recording your concerts and do you like live recordings yourselves?
That's a groovy connection. We're pretty cool with fans recording our performances. It's genuinely rewarding when people express interest in our music. Admittedly, when we listen to these recordings ourselves, it's a bit cringe-worthy. We tend to notice the technical hiccups and off-key moments more prominently than most. Despite that, we appreciate the enthusiasm and effort fans put into capturing the live experience, quirks and all.
Speaking of live concerts, what do you prefer, to play live or to record in the studio?
Both live concerts and studio recording offer unique and enjoyable experiences in their own distinct ways. Personally, I find the studio time to be the most gratifying. It's akin to painting, allowing for meticulous modifications and precise control to bring the final product as close to the original vision as possible. Performing, on the other hand, taps into a different realm of the mind, intertwining physical prowess with theatrical creativity. I appreciate both aspects, each providing its own set of joys and challenges.
What is your best touring memory that you recall so far?
Oh, the memories are countless. The sheer privilege of traversing this breathtaking country and encountering incredible individuals every night through the magic of music has truly been a blessing and a wild adventure. There's an array of standout moments etched in my mind: from savoring sunrise atop a Manhattan building while indulging in dumpster dive doughnuts, sharing Goldschläger with Acid Mothers Temple in Birmingham, to carefree runs through the fountains of Louisville and experiencing a royal beflanned welcome in Ottawa – these are just a glimpse into the tapestry of extraordinary experiences. On a side note we cannot express how grateful we are to all the wonderful and generous people we have met along the way that made our tours possible.
You live in the western part of USA. Do you think that the band would have sounded different if you were from the eastern parts of USA instead and why so?
Undoubtedly, our music is influenced by the majestic landscapes of the western USA. The redwood trees, coastal mountains, and the overall natural wonders of Santa Cruz have shaped our artistic identity. The magic of the west coast seeps into our music, creating a sonic reflection of our surroundings.
If you would describe your music in words to someone who can not hear, what would your take be?
It's a peculiar inquiry, much like explaining sight to the blind. I'd guide their attention to the clouds, the mountains, the trees—the essence of nature. And when it comes to the profound emotions tied to family and friends, I'd express it with a resounding pound on my chest, attempting to evoke the visceral and heartfelt nature of our music and emphasize the profound spiritual connection between creation and creature.
Is lyrics important for you or do you use it in a way to expand your soundscape?
In our approach, lyrics serve as a means to enrich the soundscape. Our aim is for them to seamlessly meld with the music, akin to how instruments harmonize, rather than standing out prominently. The intention is to create a cohesive and immersive sonic experience where lyrics become an integral part of the overall musical tapestry.
How has life been for you during these two years of Corona virus? Is the band back on the road again now once the situation is a bit more relaxed?
From the band's perspective, the pandemic served as a catalyst propelling us deeper into the creative realm, affording us ample time to refine the cosmic riff. The periods when live shows were on hold allowed us to craft "Forever Riff," a composition that encapsulates a sense of yearning to break free, coupled with the emotional weight of prolonged separation from people and a love for endless riffing and expansive skies.
Do you have any plans for a new album soon again or do you focus more on playing live right now?
Touring is not as frequent for us nowadays due to familial and professional commitments. We're admittedly homebodies, finding solace in the comforts of our respective dwellings and the embrace of our loved ones. While the dream of touring globally and sharing our music worldwide is something we cherish, the financial feasibility at our current scale poses challenges. Our performances are mostly local, but we remain open to all offers, and negotiations are always on the table.
Recently, we concluded a series of shows in California, supporting our latest release, "Expanding Majesty." As we recover from the holidays, our focus will soon shift to planning the next steps for Mammatus. An immediate goal is to establish an online merchandise store, ensuring that our exceptional goods are accessible to fans beyond California who may be unable to attend our local shows.
Any last words or reflections that comes to your mind?
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to you and everyone who takes an interest in our music. While our journey in creating music is deeply personal, the audience adds a layer of sweetness to our dream of playing music. Your support and appreciation make the entire experience even more rewarding.
Thank you very much for the interview! We wish you a 2024 full of live shows and maybe even a new record!?
For more info, please check:
https://mammatus.bandcamp.com/album/expanding-majesty
https://www.facebook.com/mammatusband/
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