PUR: So, do you get all types of kids to come out to
see you?
Skinny: Absolutely. All types. As far as what kind of music they are into we
get Hard core, Death Metal, Straight edge, what ever... there's a lot of
elements to us. Even if you're into one style of music you'll get bits
and pieces of it littered throughout our whole set or album.
Would you then consider yourselves to be a death
metal group? Does that tag disturb you? Do you embrace it, or
what?
There are death metal elements happening, but no, were not a death
metal act.
OK. Your first release it's ‘XX’
right?
We actually have three full length albums out and ‘XX’ is a compilation of the
three.
I see and that came out last May
right?
The Universal release was in December.
So ‘XX’ is a compilation of three EPs?
Yes.
What were the titles of those three other
EPs?
The first one was just self titled ‘Mushroomhead’. That was a ‘95
release. The second was ‘Super Buick’ that was a ‘96 release. And then
there was a ‘99 - 2000 release called ‘M3'. We sell all the original
demos at our shows.
What is the follow-up record to ‘XX’, and when can we expect
that?
I don't know. Hopefully as soon as possible. We have five pieces
written. We were in the studio in December and recorded a tune for the
‘Scorpion King’ soundtrack. And we also recorded two other songs when we
were in. So there is brand-new material recorded, a bunch of brand-new
material yet to be recorded. We're ready. As soon as the label says yes
on a new record, were dying to get in to do a new one.
So your talkin about ‘Scorpion King’ the movie in
which one of your tracks 'Along The Way' is on the soundtrack CD.
Right?
Yes. Everyone should pick that up too.
So you guys don't bite the heads off chickens in
your show. But you do have a very entertaining and in your face
presentation. It's very theatrical metal.
It's very theatrical but we don't have guillotines and crafty little
props. The music is what's first though and it should speak to you on
it's own. That's why we all look the same. We try to put the music first
in our show but for it to remain entertainment.
Your identities are hidden from those who really
dig you ( covered with masks and paint). It's possible that one of your
biggest fans could be standing right next to you after a show and not
even know who you are. How do you feel about that?
That's great. That's absolutely great to me. 'Cause you don't wear
your fuckin' work smock home. The guy at the construction site isn't
sittin' in his house with his fuckin' hard hat and his work boots on; you
know? It's work, and it's a job; and it's part of being in character, and
doing your thing. We live-and-breathe the music, but we don't live-and-
breathe those costumes. That's the entertainment part. We love
wearing them, putting them on; and being creative and designing costumes
that match. That's all about the "art" part of it.
But I love the fact
that, that kid can be standing next to me and watching an opening band;
and he doesn't know that's the guy from Mushroomhead. That's great! Not to
mention, you know, we are whatever the fans want us to be. They're not
disappointed, 'cause you're like, "that dudes not what I pictured at
all". You're always let down. You know? It's kinda like the book and the
movie theory: you read the book and then you go see the movie,
and you're really bummed out (laughs).
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