THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “On his second solo album, we find Hot Mud floating in his never-ending pink cloud. Here he has found purpose, happiness, and love. He sings of his newfound zest for life, embracing his oddities in anthems for outcasts. A new musical collection expands his journey as an artist and recovering addict, it’s a record called Pink Cloud Pop.
Hot Mud is an alter ego, a rocker, and a weirdo. The musician known as Muddy Matthew Watters burst into the indie underground rock scene earlier in 2024 with his critically acclaimed debut album Rehab Rock. The record was written during his struggle with addiction and the early stages of his recovery, it was recorded entirely by himself throughout his stay at a treatment facility in Ottawa.
Pink Cloud Pop’s title and theme refer to the term ‘pink cloud’ known in addiction recovery circles as a temporary phase of euphoria and extreme optimism during the rehabilitation process. The album is a sequel in the Hot Mud story, picking up right where Rehab Rock ended. His songwriting continued throughout his stay in rehab, gradually evolving into a new positive perspective, mirroring his attitude and behavior.
When he wasn’t recording Rehab Rock or writing Pink Cloud Pop, he was studying radio broadcasting. He would go on to create several radio programs, even broadcasting some live from his rehab room. The influence of his radio production is heard throughout his new album. Hot Mud met a woman during this time who was also attending a female recovery facility. They would sneak out like Romeo and Juliet during the pandemic to see each other, eventually falling in love. With this sudden romance came more inspiration in the creation of the album. You can hear Hot Mud’s new partner singing in some of the songs on Pink Cloud Pop.
Thanks to these experiences and the incredible support system surrounding him, Hot Mud eventually would move on from rehab, finding a home in his mysterious, magical, musical pink cloud, where he continues to create. He presents to you his latest creation, an upbeat musical offering that will have you singing, dancing, and floating to his Pink Cloud Pop.”
Check out my inteview with Hot Mud HERE.
