Hot Mud embraces the beautiful disaster of life in his existentially groovy new single and video Welcome To Humankind — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Less than six months after bursting into the indie pop/rock scene with the superlative Rehab Rock, one of my favourite debut albums of the year, Hot Mud is ready to share his newfound zest for life with his sophomore full-length Pink Cloud Pop, due Sept. 6. And where better to start than with the first single Welcome To Humankind, a tune that asks the musical question: “How often do you wonder what this life is all about?”
Although obviously personal, the catchy, upbeat number’s message applies to everyone, no matter where they are in their life’s journey. The poignant lyrics evoke the quest Hot Mud has endured in his existence so far, while also reminding the listener of what really counts:
“How often do you wonder
What this life is all about?
Can you do me a favour?
Let me know if you figure it out
Cuz I’ve been searching for a purpose
Sometimes it just feels worthless
I find more questions and greater doubt
Can it be enough just being?
Why can’t I stop these feelings from freaking me out?…
“So fill your days with laughter
Cuz nothing really matters…
Welcome to Humankind
No one gets out alive.”
While Rehab Rock was a raw, down-and-dirty effort from his early days of addiction and recovery, Pink Cloud Pop brings a new positive perspective and a more cheerful sound. Hot Mud says that the new album saw him embracing his oddities in anthems for outcasts, while expanding on his journey as an artist and recovering addict.
Hot Mud is a self-described rocker and weirdo. The man behind the nickname is Ottawa musician Muddy Watters, who was named after the famous blues musician. He styled himself Hot Mud after being told he becomes a completely different person while inebriated. Thankfully, his journey led him to rehab, and he spent over a year in treatment facilities, where he became sober and healthy. Rehab Rock was recorded in its entirety during his stays, while Pink Cloud Pop looks ahead, and shares a somewhat happier outlook.
Now sober and focused, Hot Mud said he has evolved a new positive perspective, mirroring his attitude and behaviour. The title and theme of his new album refer to the term ‘pink cloud,’ known in recovery circles as a phase of euphoria and extreme optimism during the rehabilitation process.
Watch the video for Welcome To Humankind above, hear more from Hot Mud below, and join the party on his website, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
