HYDERABAD: Back in the 90’s before the hiphop and rave culture entered Indian markets, songs of American alternative rock band Puddle of Mudd (PoM) was always played on loop. In full interest of fulfilling the dream of their Indian fans, the band performed in the city recently as a part of their five-cities tour in India bewteen September 29 to October 4.
Talking about their tour to India, Wes Scantlin, the front man of PoM told the City Express, “I come from the countryside in the United States of America where people don’t even leave the States too often. When may family heard that I was in India, they were shocked. It’s been very nice in fact we are super happy to be here.” The tour kickstarted on September 29 from Mumbai where PoM performed at the Hard Rock Cafe (HRC), Worli. Wes revealed that agriculture and Indian music have caught his fancy. And don’t be surprised if you hear a few desi beats in their music.
“Since, I am in India, I want to try some local Indian beats. I want to hear and absorb all so that I can take it back home and fuse it into my rock and roll! Our guitarist Mathew already has already got a couple of ideas and I am very excited to start working on the new tracks!”
Being the brain behind POM, Wes has seen the highs and the lows. “I have seen people come and people go in our band. That’s a part of life, I believe in moving forward. Apart from this, Financially we weren’t very stable and we suffered from severe doubts about becoming Rock n Roll Viability,” he elaborated.
The musician, however refused to comment on the recent lip syncing controversy.
Speaking about his ‘friend,’ Fred Durst, Wes said, “We both are stubborn, hard-headed people and we’re not trying to just get our way. We’re teachers to people who don’t know what they’re doing. Fred is just trying to help people and I’ll always love him.”
Wes also has a happy news for POM’s admirers. Their next album titled Wiping The Slate Clean will be releasing in March 2016. “It is going be great rock and roll music, very inspirational. We hope to send it across the world and inspire kids to become musicians and remain musicians. That’s about it,” he said and added, “We want to make sure the children keep on playing music. Get them to pick up a guitar, a tuba, anything. Just keep music alive,” said a very happy Wes Scantlin as he signed off.