Mo Lowda & The Humble
/
We caught up with Mo Lowda & The Humble to discuss their inspiration most recent album Creatures, the concept behind their music video “Card Shark”, and more!
For anyone who has not listened to you before, how would you describe your sound?
The easy answer is we fall under the umbrella of alternative rock/indie. There are many more elements though. Bottom line is it's a 3-piece band with thick, grimy low end, painted over by reverb-y guitar and soulful vocals. Catchy melodies and hooks throughout... but also not afraid to jam live.
Where does the name “Mo Lowda & the Humble” come from?
Us being goofballs when we were 18 years old. That's pretty much it. "Turn it up Mo Lowda"
You guys released Creatures in March. Tell me a little bit about the inspiration behind it all.
The subject matter of the songs is all over the place... drawing on inspiration from multiple facets of my life as I graduated college and began touring/living in the adult world (sort of). Comparing my path to those of close friends... making observations of life in general, or current events. There are songs about gambling addiction, failed relationships, greed, homelessness, gun violence, underprivileged youth, etc. I sort of set out to try and not just write every song about love. I wanted to expand the subject matter. Musically, a lot of the songs took form or were altered with the addition of our new bass player Jeff Lucci. He's added a lot to the layering of our sound and also plays a bunch of Rhodes and keyboard on the record. Mainly textural, loop type stuff... but it adds that extra element to the trio set up. That definitely factored into the songs on this album. Also I listened to a bunch of My Morning Jacket (always), Cage the Elephant's Melophobia, and Twin Peaks... great young punk band out of Chicago.
You recently released a music video for “Card Shark.” Where did the concept for this song come from?
I went on a graduation trip to Vegas with my core group of friends after college in 2014. We were pretty much all broke and were really only playing $5 tables but even so, I saw how easily someone could get hooked on gambling. You win one hand and you think you're never gonna lose again... you lose a bunch in a row and you think "well this shit has got to turn around right?" I wrote that tune on the plane ride home and tried to put myself in the shoes of a man who is addicted to gambling and it ends up tearing his family apart... hence the plot of the video.
You guys are currently on tour that will hit the states and in 2019 Europe. In 2013, you guys first started playing shows and first started touring – today, what is something that you would tell your younger self?
Great question... I think if my younger self knew how unrewarding SOME facets of touring could be... he may have chosen something different. So I would probably keep that on the hush hush. I would tell myself however, to keep a journal... write about every show, every stupid, funny little interaction/ inside joke... these are honestly the best years of my life. I've never had more fun... I try to soak it in as much as possible but would love to retain an account of all the memories that may slip away. I guess it's never too late to start.
What is your favorite song to play live off of Creatures and why?
I connect with 6-7 the most I think. I love singing that one live. It sits at a nice spot in my range and I can really belt, or get quiet and sing with some finesse. Card Shark has become my favorite recently I think. Something about when that first bellowing note hits that gets me fired up right off that bat. It's sort of the "here we go" moment of each show. (The good ones at least) I love opening with it. It's sort of a statement.
You guys are playing in Europe for the first time soon! What are you most looking forward to about playing over seas?
I've never been to Europe in my life actually...so I really don't even know what specific things I should be looking forward too. I'm just pumped to be over there.. it still hasn't hit me yet. I've heard I should be most stoked for Barcelona though. So I'll take everyone's word for it.
Anything else you guys would like to share?
We've begun recording for the next record already. A song here and there... on the road or at home or wherever we can. We're super excited about doing it a little differently than in the past. This one is going to be different. A little more dynamic... trying to show we can create a wide range of sounds. The songs are all super strong too. No fat... that's what we always strive for.
https://www.facebook.com/MoLowda/
