Wesley Reid Scantlin of American post-grunge alternative rock band, Puddle of Mudd, loves Indian food. The artiste considers India his second home. The Kansas city-bred band was in the city recently for a gig at Hard Rock Café.
Comprising Wesley (vocals/guitar) and newer entrants Matt Fuller (lead guitar/backing vocals), Michael John Adams (bass/backing vocals) and Dave Moreno (drums/backing vocals), the band was on a five-city tour of the country.
On the sidelines, Wes, who loves cooking threw in some tips on cooking with cheese. “I love cheese and I can cook up a storm with my favourite cheeses. I love Indian food. My favourite restaurant in Los Angeles is called Flavours of India and the food is great.”
Wes says he’s excited to be here. “It is interesting and shocking at the same time. The shock because of a ride I had on a three-wheeled vehicle (auto rickshaw) that had me holding on for dear life! But you guys are seriously smart drivers. And Bangalore seems like a fun city. I’m slowly but surely getting used to it. My parents don’t believe I’m here. I’m surrounded by good food and great people – I couldn’t be happier.”
Matt adds that he likes Bengaluru. “I’ve been here for a few hours but I already love it.” Commenting on the scene here, Matt points out that it’s great to see bands play music that they can relate to. “Music is our universal connect.”
Wes elaborates that Indian music, in general, is phenomenal. “I like the beats, the chord work and the whole culture of music here. The instrumentation is great and has a special place in my heart. We are going to try and capture the essence of it and take it back home with us. We hope to incorporate this Indie feel into our music because you guys inspire us. We may even do an Indian collaboration in the future!”
The duo says they would love to come back to India soon. “We hear the festival scene is great here. All our friends back home love playing in India. Now we know why,” adds Wes.
Wes vehemently denies the lip synch accusations and says they are doing an acoustic set just to prove the doubters wrong. “We’ve been ridiculed and still experience a little bit of animosity. We are singing man! I’ve written over 90 per cent of the songs we perform and I know I can sing. There’s no way we would lower ourselves to that level.”
On what they’d like people to take away from their show, Wes reiterates: “The fact that we are not lip-syncing.” Matt adds: “And a darn good show!”
Recalling their musical journey, Wes says Puddle of Mudd always takes home great memories. Matt agrees: “Even the whole journey to get here is full of fond memories. We have no regrets and are happy with what we do.”
The band hopes to launch their next album in March. “Based on what we’ve recorded so far, the next album is going to be big. We’ve been playing a lot and a March release is great so we can hit the summer festivals. Maybe even come back here,” says an excited Matt.
To fans and aspiring musicians, Puddle of Mudd has one message: “Keep listening! It’s good to expand your horizon but if you love the kind of music we play, keep at it.” Wes wants to also help children who have musical dreams. “I want to help them keep their dream alive and know that not all hope is lost. Music is great for the soul and makes your heart feel good.” Matt adds his two-bits: “I grew up with people learning instruments but most of them have left all that behind and taken to fulltime jobs. Pursue it if you want to do it, if it’s in you and you can’t stop doing it. Do whatever it takes to fulfil that passion.”
