A band that stands for individuality, freedom and acceptance and shows us the importance of that with their special style of music. We had a truly enjoyable chat with the five-headed group and they told us everything one needs to know about Mudfight.
Some of the band members set foot in the music world at a very young age, like Dominik, the drummer, whose father studied guitar and inspired him to make music as well. Alex, one of the guitarists, loved listening to bands like AC/DC and KISS and already began playing his instrument in elementary school. Oliver, the second guitarist, started with playing music at age six but he realised very soon that it wasn’t for him and put the instrument aside for twelve years until he saw a music shop while he was on holiday which inspired him to pick up the instrument once again. Bassist Bonsai was influenced by his father who always played guitar, so he started playing it as well but later switched to bass. His brother Max, the singer of the band, played bass in a school band but wasn’t really interested in it after some time. Ten years passed after he quit the bass. When they spontaneously wanted to form a band in which the current singer Max started playing bass again. Quickly they realised that they could not perform in the way they wanted to with an instrument and decided to focus on vocals instead.
A lot of inspirations flow into Mudfight’s music and if you listen carefully, you can clearly recognize them. Their beginning songs were influenced by none other than Green Day and were very 90s orientated. However, their new music distances itself from the polished concept and now the raw, heavier sound is shining through a lot more. But the most important thing for them is to always try new things and not commit to one style completely. They want a good, exciting mixture, try a lot of new things, and create something unique.
In the beginning it was only Max who wrote the songs until Alex joined him in the process. After the first album, everyone started to create their own parts. Usually, one of them brings in an idea and after talking about it thoroughly they can come up with a version all of them like. Even though it’s not always so easy to accommodate five different opinions, they learned how to understand each other's visions. Mudfight has been very successful in compromising, which allows everyone’s inspiration to be included in their music. Since they are five band members, it’s also very challenging for them to coordinate their time to practice and play shows. However, they made it work, which has led them to where they are now.
When we asked them what their favourite memories as a band are, they listed a whole bunch of different things: their debut album “Time for Revolution”, their gig at the Donauinselfest, or just meeting all kinds of people who they either can learn from or who are showing their support for them. After this year's energetic performance at Nova Rock, we think that they will definitely add that experience to their list as well.
But most important for all of them is still the feedback from their audience and fans. They enjoy seeing them, having a good time, and creating a safe space for people to simply be who they truly are. They don’t tolerate bullying or harassment. Every gig they have ever played has a special place in their heart and all of them agreed that there has never been a concert they haven’t enjoyed, no matter if it was in front of ten or a thousand people or even just for themselves.
In the near future we can already be extremely excited for some new stuff coming our way. Mudfight is planning to publish a bunch of new songs throughout this and the next year. After their music video release for their song “Drug Shack,” there will be other videos, too. In addition, to that, they will play a gig this autumn at the Arena Wien and all of their fans, especially us, are really excited to see them perform live then and many more times in the future.
written by: Vanessa
edited by: Heather Awen
photo credit: Anthony Seidl/Instagram: andoughny