Mushmouth- Rising Band & Musicians (Interview 2024)

(Published: 2024/02/01 at 2:36 pm)

Edition Sixty-Five- Week Sixty-Five:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

What began Mushmouth? What was that moment like?

“Mushmouth was formed in 1996 and was originally comprised of members from two Kearny, NJ bands that were popular in the high school / early college days. A friend and fellow Kearnyite named, Tony Meola, became a professional soccer player and decided to take up drums as well. He called on some of the guys he grew up with from those two bands and formed Mushmouth. The band played the first two Major League Soccer All Star events, along with numerous corporate events. Tony Meola left the band many years ago but will sit in from time to time. The band is still made up of four original Kearny guys who have known each other since high school. But even the two ‘newest’ members have been with the band for over 20 years!”

How would you define the musical style of the band?

“Mushmouth has always played an eclectic mix of big hits and rare gems from all eras. We select songs that we really like and can have fun playing. We always figure if we have fun playing what we love, the crowd will have fun as well.”

Where have you performed? What are some recent or favorite venues you’d highlight?

“Mushmouth has played many great events and venues over the years. Notable clients such as, Major League Soccer, the NJ Devils and the Catholic Charities Annual Bishop’s Dinner (3 times!). Awesome venues such as, Arrowhead Stadium, Pleasure Island (Disneyworld), New York City Winery and most recently two shows at Daryl’s House Club (Hall & Oates).”

How do you envision success for the band in this year and years to come? Why and how so?

“In 2023, the band played over 80 shows and we are on track to far exceed that number in 2024, with 77 shows booked already. This year’s tour is playfully named the ‘SPREAD THE MUSH’ 2024 TOUR. Success for us is to continue to play clubs, weddings, corporate and private events throughout NJ and beyond. And wherever we play, we simply want to make people happy and help them forget their problems for a few hours. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the joy on all the faces in the audience at a Mushmouth show.”

Where can we hear Mushmouth, and why should we? What makes them iconic in their own music and vibe?

“Mushmouth will again be playing all over the state and you can find the show schedule at ‘SPREAD THE MUSH’ 2024 TOUR DATES. Our lead singer and frontman has boundless energy and interacts with the crowd like no other. We treat every show – every song – like it’s the last one we will ever play. The high energy the band delivers, along with a keen sense of humor and the interaction between the band and the audience is what makes a Mushmouth show so much fun. Our mantra is to ‘Play every show like it’s Madison Square Garden!'”

Anything to add here?

“Part of the magic of Mushmouth is that we are a group of longtime friends. The band:

Tony Matos – Keys & Vocals
Larry Hart – Rhythm Guitar & Vocals
Bob Docherty – Drums
Doug Edwards – Lead Guitar
Bill Gallacher – Lead Vocals
Mike Anderson – Bass & Vocals (retiring on Feb 10th, but will continue to sub and play with us several times throughout the year)
Dan Haase – Bass & Vocals (the new guy! Starts Feb 14th at our Valentines show at Blue Arrow Farm).”

Questions For The Photographer-

Do you recommend the band for future opportunities in music and beyond?

“I definitely recommend this band the music is the best I have heard in a long time; the band members are all interactive and put on a great stage show.”

What made Mushmouth unique in terms of the overall thematic of the shoot?

“What was most unique was the bands antics on stage, the singer was all over the place back and forth on stage, the guitar players interacted together for a good visual performance. I look for interaction, animation and emotion on a shoot and these guys hit all the marks!”

To book Mushmouth, email doug@mushmouth.net