Introduce yourself…
My name is Markko Romeo and I run a rock'n'roll band business called Mad Mush.
How did the band start?
I'm a songwriter, and decided to form a band to go out and play the tunes in public and enjoy the ride. I advertised for players in London, and picked guys who were able to learn songs from recordings so we'd save time, effort and money on rehearsals. I recorded in my studio and released a few things, and we took the odd whatever gig we could find.
How did you come up with the name?
Mush is my nickname and Mad Mush was my artist pseudo. I was messing around during recording sessions in central London years ago, I was alone and tried to get some live drums down without being able to play them. I ended up lying behind the kick drum with a bottle wrapped in a towel, hitting it all through the take, then the snare, bom bom bom bobobom, and so on. The engineers were aghast. They said "you're mad, Mush. Mad as a fish". The recordings came out alright though. But now the band is known as Mad Mush, and I've re-christened myself.
Who would you say are your influences?
My biggest influences are my closest friends. They influence and inspire me more than any established artist. Mad Mush sounds a lot like old school punk rock, say Clash, Buzzcocks, but I don't think it's because they inspired me so much, but rather that's my taste. If I'd never heard the Clash, Mad Mush would have still sounded the same, I'm sure of it.
What is the punk scene like in the UK?
There's an underground scene with the old punk lot, the ones that all hang out at the Rebellion Festival. For a while we were involved with a London promoter, Daggers Punk, who do a lot of hardcore punk. And there's PUS Promotions. Punker Bunker in Brighton. I would say the punk scene in the UK is old and full of bands. It's very try-hard and stiff... full of hard workers not getting a lot of response. It's a tough climate.
For Mad Mush, rock music is a crucial cultural expression. It's gone damp. Time for all the bands - and promoters - to up the ante, big-time, and stop moaning about lazy punters. Deliver the goods and the people will come. What we need is long term investments. Build a reputation and take a loss for a few years. It's bound to happen anyway. Rock'n'roll is a rollercoaster... except you've got to work to reach the highs.
Describe the song writing process...
The actual writing happens in a flash. I feel like it's not me doing it, but that might be because I'm confused about what the "me" is. I'll get passionate about something, an issue, an idea, start writing lyrics and then compose the music in a few minutes... Occasionally I start off with a riff and then put an idea to it, to sing about. I write and record immediately. The single we're pushing now, "Silent Snowfall" went from scratch to release in one week. And it's a great tune and a nice recording, it just lacks live drums, it's all samples. We're trying to work out how to record Ash ourselves, so we don't have to spend money going into a studio to get his drum tracks. It'll give us so many advantages, financially and creatively. We're just short on cash, but we're almost there. We could do it now, but Ash is a hi-fi freak, a perfectionist, so we'll settle for nothing less than a world class sound.
What have you released?
"The Difference"album 2003, "The Extra Mohican" album 2005, "Mad Mush" EP 2006, "Silent Snowfall" single 2011. Amongst other things. There's an unreleased album from last year, "Treasure". The only thing we've released with the current line-up was an EP called "Murderer Grampa" this February, but we've pulled it. We're going to re-release it during the poppy appeal this autumn, along with a professional video. "Release" used in its widest meaning here - just allowing the public to have it. I've never released anything properly.
Who are some of the bands you have done shows with?
The Briefs, Les Hatepinks, Clan Bastardo.
Do you prefer to do shows at large venues or small clubs?
I like it when it's packed, which is easier accomplished at smaller venues. But I haven't played any big venues. One of my visualizations is of a huge outdoor gig at night.
Have you toured?
Yes. Spain and Slovakia, with a previous line-up. Five gigs in all. I had the times of my life.
Is there a favorite band you like to do shows with?
Shonen Knife, Vandals, Graham Coxon.
Is there a favorite place you like to do shows at?
Love playing the 12 Bar in London, but the tiny stage is awkward for drummers. Last time we played there I lost a really fancy shirt and my bloody designer glasses. Never again will I buy designer fucking glasses.
Do you see is the future of Mad Mush?
I'm very ambitious for Mad Mush and sickenly confident in our offering. We've got an absolute shit load of classic songs. I kid you not when I say I am one of the finest songwriters this country has ever seen. We finance release quality recordings ourselves, and we have a fantastic line-up now. Ash Johnson is on his way to match Josh Freese and Dave Leaks is a greater guitarist than Graham Coxon. I spend much time figuring out how to make this a full time venture for us. The immediate future involves recruitment and getting a hit, a seriously viral tune / video, and laying out plans. A marketing contract with a major wouldn't hurt.
How can people contact the band?
secondwindrecords@yahoo.co.uk
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