Posted on Dec 8, 2007 by Tom

I've been a rabid fan of these Michigan based skapunkers ever since hearing "Mr. Smiley" way back in the day on some compilation, and have especially fond memories of them playing at the Lintfabrik for what was to be my first concert experience ever, but over the years and especially with the disapointing "Yellow 5" album, I've lost touch. But with their latest (and quite superb) album, "In Black & White", The Pluggers show that sixteen years of being in a band hasn't affected their ability to write some skank-worthy tunes. Reason enough for us to put the band somewhat more in the spotlight ...

For the record, whom are you, what is your function in Mustard Plug, and what can we do to make up for disturbing your day with our tedious questions?

My name is Rick Johnson and I play bass. On the recordings I play keyboards too. No need to do anything except maybe the next time we meet buy me a candy bar.

So we’re here to talk about your latest album obviously, titled “In Black And White”. What’s behind the title?

The title reflects the fact that we are trying to return back to form. It was also a play on the Cheap Trick record “In Color.”

The album is sort of a homecoming, with a return to the more traditional sound of your heydays, but with a pretty laden lyrical background. As you mature as people and your interests shift, how difficult is/was it to bring a convincing album full of skanky tunes that still touches upon heavy subjects? Is that a hard thing to achieve? A kind of balance between the party-like atmosphere of ska music and the worrying things that occupy your thoughts as a person?

I don’t think it is that difficult to write ska songs that hit heavy subjects with the current state of affairs in the U.S. right now. As you know things are really scary and bad currently. I have been watching a lot of documentaries about the 60’s and it is pretty shocking to see all the parallels between the Vietnam War and the war in Iraq. We pretty much started writing this record and everyone’s feeling about the state of the U.S. transpired on the songs. Translating that to ska music was a pretty easy thing to do.

It’s been pretty quiet around the band after “Yellow 5”, but on the new album you guys sound very hungry to be playing music again. How does that play with you guys at the moment?

We went through some line-up changes and that pretty much took the wind out of our sails for a little bit. Between the past two records we did a lot of touring. We started the writing process for this record in 2004 and because of the member changes and the fact we have to show new members old songs and then try to work on new stuff too, it took longer than expected. We finished working on this record in January of 2007 and because of Hopeless Record’s release schedule, it wasn’t able to come out until September 2007. So we did some touring, some writing, and some waiting- right?

How have the new folks settled in, and how have they affected the sound of “In Black And White”? Did they affect the song writing process if at all?

Seeing how I am one of those new folks I can’t really answer that question without it sounding weird. Both Nate the other new guy and I come from backgrounds that aren’t really that ska oriented. I think that helped with thinking outside the box of the ska format. Personally for me when I am in writing mode I write an amazing amount of material, so much in fact that I think the other guys are kind of overwhelmed by it. That being said though, the cool thing about Mustard Plug is that no matter what is brought to the table music wise, everyone puts their stamp on a song and in the end it turns out to be a Mustard Plug song. It is a pretty amazing process actually.

How do you look back on “Yellow 5”, which was perceived by a lot of people as somewhat of a disappointment compared to what you had brought before?

I didn’t record on the album but I think the songs on that record are good songs. Where that record suffers a bit is the production. I know the guys were bummed that it didn’t turn out better. The good thing about it is that for “In Black and White” we tried to out due ourselves in production, song writing, and artwork.

How come the wait was so long for the new one?

It was a couple of factors: touring, member changes, release date getting pushed around….you know…excuses.

Were you guys involved in/with music in the long period between albums? If so, what have you been doing exactly?

We never really stopped being involved with music. We were touring a lot or trying to write songs on a constant basis.

Lots has changed in the music scene these past years. How have you guys experienced that shift from your “backseat” as it were?

The most amazing thing is the involvement of the internet in music. It is nearly impossible to do anything that isn’t involved with it these days. It is pretty rad and horrible both at the same time.

If there’s one thing that sets Mustard Plug apart, it must be your extremely loyal fan base, even after all these years. Is that something you’re aware of?

Yeah totally! Our fans are the best! I wouldn’t be talking to you if it weren’t for them….

Was that also a reason for Dave to get involved with the “Ska Is Dead” tour, to give something back to the fans because all the big festivals and venues have kind of been ignoring the ska-genre?

Yeah, more or less. Ska is Dead is a really good way for us and our friends to get together and have a really fun time.

Are you guys conscient of a European fan base, and then I mean especially the mainland because the UK is a brand apart ...

We know about our European fans it is just really hard for us to get there. There is a lot involved in us touring over there. But, we really really want to come back!

Actually my first ever concert experience was Mustard Plug in the Lintfabrik in Kontich, Antwerp, Belgium. Do any of you remember that occasion (I sure do!!).

I unfortunately wasn’t there or in the band at the time. I am sure the guys remember that show.

When can we expect you guys to hit the mainland in support of the new album? Or are you guys too old for that by now? ;)

Hopefully very very soon!

Time to get a bit acquainted with your personal preferences: What song that is currently on the radio that you shamefully admit to liking?

I like that new Against Me! jam that is on the record. I think it is a good radio rock song. But, I think it is a horrible Against Me! song.

What’s playing in your stereo at the moment?

Squeeze “Argy Bargy”, LCD Soundsystem “Sound of Silver”, and Steely Dan “Gaucho”. Weird huh?

Are there any specific things that you still want to achieve with the band in the future?

I would like to do much more touring. I also want to start working on the next record.

Any famous last words?

I got nothing. Maybe “Thems The Breaks?”

Taken On:

December 8th, 2007

Interviewees:

Rick Johnson - Bass

Related Links:

• www.mustardplug.com

Album Reviews

	In Black And White Sep 11, 2007
	Masterpieces: 1991-2002 Sep 6, 2005

Interviews

Dec 8, 2007