A Chat with Hot Mud (13.11.25)
Revelling in eccentricity, embracing his oddities, and expressing his journey from addiction to self-discovery in soul-stirring music, Hot Mud offers a mish-mash of music to turn people’s heads. We speak with Hot Mud about his new album, Shiny Songs, good advice, changing sounds and much more.
OSR: Since we interviewed you last year, what have you been up to?
Hot Mud: I’ve been working on my latest album, Shiny Songs.
OSR: Last year, we spoke about your sophomore album, Pink Cloud Pop. Can you tell us about your new album, Shiny Songs, and how it reflects your journey as a person and musician?
Hot Mud: Shiny Songs is my third album and it’s the final chapter in the Recovery Records Trilogy. Hot Mud began while I was in rehab recovering from addiction. Each album release has followed my journey through recovery in some way. Shiny Songs is the last statement on the subject.
OSR: Production-wise, what was it like recording Shiny Songs? Did you face any challenges, and if so, how did you overcome them/learn from them? Or was it pretty much smooth-sailing?
Hot Mud: The record started as a project called the Shiny Single Sessions. I began releasing a single each month beginning in February 2025. This was good practice for me to learn how to work quickly and not be completely obsessed with perfectionism. Listening back to some of the singles, there are a few things I wish I could change, but it was a good lesson for me to not get too attached and embrace the rawness.
Another challenge – I announced my release date before I delivered my music to streaming services. I waited last minute to upload and deliver the full album. Of course, there were some glitches on the streaming services end, I think there are some new AI programs messing up the system. I’ll make sure to have my album uploaded and delivered before I announce a release date from now on.
OSR: What do you hope people take from Shiny Songs, and what do you take from it?
Hot Mud: I hope people take some time with this album, it’s a long one so it may take a couple of listens to get through it. I hope they go back to it again and again. There’s an honesty and humanity to the songs and sound that I hope people can relate to. It’s a testament to the healing powers of creativity and I hope it inspires people in a positive creative way.
OSR: Do you feel your music has changed over the past year, and if so, how?
Hot Mud: I think the music is still coming from the same place it has been since the beginning; I think it definitely makes sense as part of a trilogy. However, there are different subjects on this record besides recovery. That may be the major underlying theme of Shiny Songs, but there are many more ideas presented in this album. Another big theme in this collection is friendship and kindness. It’s a record that just wants to hang out; it’s there for you when you need a friend.
OSR: In our previous interview, you advised upcoming musicians to write their own songs, not to be too hard on themselves, and remember to have fun. Is there any advice you’d like to add to that?
Hot Mud: When it comes to the creative process – no matter how easy and tempting it might be, stay away from AI – it’s the enemy.
OSR: Staying with advice, what is the best and worst piece of advice you ever received?
Hot Mud: Good advice – It’s ok to ask for help, it’s available if you are willing to accept it. Don’t be too stubborn, don’t listen to that false sense of pride when you know deep down you are losing control.
Bad Advice – just ask the old me, he’s got plenty of it.
OSR: What is your greatest achievement professionally and personally?
Hot Mud: I feel like I have lots more to strive for, but at the same time I feel like I’m in a happy little bubble where I’m getting by with ample time to make my songs. So, in a way I’m living the dream. Just need the rest of the world to catch up and get in on this noise.
OSR: What can we expect from Hot Mud in the future?
Hot Mud: Change is in the air.
As I mentioned this is an end of an era. After this Recovery Records Trilogy there will be a different approach to song writing. The sound will be similar, but the themes will be different. I will also be shedding the Hot Mud disguise I have donned since the beginning. Goodbye wigs and broken glasses – I hope you ‘ll still recognize me.
But in the meantime, there are 21 tracks on Shiny Songs, you’ll need some time to get to know these tunes. I’ll put out a few more music videos for this album before I hang up the wigs and glasses for good.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Hot Mud: Thanks for listening. Keep cool, keep in touch, and keep on shining!
Many thanks to Hot Mud for speaking with us. Find out more about Hot Mud on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
