MAKE THE MOVE UNDER WITH THE PLASTIC ETERNITY

Ley Shoemark chats with a magnificently modest Mudhoney about their new album, touring Australia, celebrating an anniversary, past shows, the origin of grunge, and everything in between.

Seattle grunge heavies Mudhoney have a busy year ahead with a lot to celebrate in that time. The good news is we can join in such festivities, with the group hitting Australia this April for a sizable 14-date tour, including Canberra.

“Every year is huge for Mudhoney,” says singer and rhythm guitarist Mark Arm. That said, this is a significant anniversary year. Mudhoney turns 35, and to mark the occasion, they have a new album, Plastic Eternity, out on 7 April.

Despite the unenviable plane trip, Mudhoney always froths at the prospect of touring Oz.

“We really love hitting some of the smaller venues in between major cities,” Mark explains. “We look forward to the diversity in our crowds filled with new and long-time fans. We encourage the younger ones to drag their parents along to rock out, and vice versa.”

And they’ll have plenty of exciting new tracks to entertain all ages. The first song released from Plastic Eternity, titled Almost Everything, is a proper psychedelic trip led by some insane work on the bongos. Their latest release, Move Under, has lashing guitar riffs for a sense of that classic Mudhoney vibe with a fresh burst of modern sound.

The boys had around 20 tracks to choose from after recording, allowing them to put together a rather extraordinary album that is much “like a Mudhoney mixtape,” Mark says.

Although there was no solid theme to the album entering the studio, the Plastic Eternity title is a reference to the “non-biodegradable material produced in modern society”. The new album track to be released, Cascades of Crap, asked the question: do we continually need to be producing items that will soon be disregarded?

Mudhoney’s 35 years of touring and making records is matched by the 35 years of Sub Pop Records, the independent label that launched Mudhoney and their first three studio albums. The band has recently re-signed with Sub Pop, reuniting a partnership that first ended back in 1992.

So, 30 years on, what’s changed?

“Sub Pop is a much different company than it used to be,” Mark says. “When we first started, there were no contracts, there was no accounting. Everything was taken on faith.”

When asked what their long-time signing with Reprise Records was like, Mark commented:

”Our experience with Reprise was good until the end,” he says. “Warner Bros was always known as the artist friendly label. They had great bands other than just hit makers: Devo, Talking Heads, and the Ramones. They put out Black Sabbath in 1969; who would of thought of that as commercial? Like, it’s a fucking weird record.”

“Also stuff like Captain Beefheart, and Neil Young. A lot of the music we loved luckily came out under the Warner Bros label.”

It’s a happy fit for both parties. As well as Mudhoney, Sub Pop gave a platform for many other alternative bands in the late ‘80s such as Soundgarden and Nirvana, unleashing the Seattle sound that would go on to define the ‘90s.

BMA dared to ask the question: did grunge start with Mudhoney being signed to Sub Pop? After all, it was Mark Arm who first described his music as “grunge” during an interview, with the media then taking the term and running with it.

However, Mudhoney’s take on the events are quite different than expected, putting the whole chain of events into perspective.

“Yes, it was a revolution as far as pop music or popular rock music was concerned,” Mark recalls. “But it doesn’t matter who started it. Nothing happens in a vacuum. Even bands you don’t like may inspire

“And, you know, you play together, you pick up on things. They were a huge influence. But so were a lot of other bands, and before us there was a post hippie theatrical glam troop made up of crossdressing bearded men, and some women called Ze Whiz Kidz, who inspired many such as The Screamers, a legendary punk band out of LA.

“And then there was Lude. Their music led to Church Metal through one degree of separation.”

Indeed, the Seattle scene was an unstoppable musical movement inspired by a city’s long-time love for music and the arts.

While all this time has passed, a happy fact to ponder is that Mudhoney is still made up of mostly original band members. Comprising Mark Arm, Steve Turner, and Dan Peters, bass player Matt Lukin departed the band in 2001. Mudhoney was then joined by Perth born Guy Maddison, who has been with them since.

Maddison relocated to Seattle to join Sydney band Bloodloss, which Mark Arm later joined on guitar and vocals. Mark fondly reflects:

“I ended up in a band with three left handed Australian musicians. It must be due to the Coriolis effect,” he chuckled.

In his spare time, Maddison works at the Seattle Major Trauma Hospital where, after years of service, he was appointed the Covid Co-ordinator during the pandemic. A weighty and terrifying scenario if there ever was one.

“This did stunt the progress of the new album and create a slight delay in the recording process,” Mark says. “But the band proceeded when they felt it was safe to do so. We were relieved that after Maddison’s pending duties, he himself did not contract COVID.” something you do like. There was certainly a scene in Seattle before we were involved, before we were old enough to get into the scene.”

From the past to the present, Mudhoney are now gearing up for another jaunt down under.

So finally, us ‘90s teenagers and grunge enthusiasts can stop trying to figure out its origins. “It simply does not matter,” Mark affirms. “There were a bunch of local bands that were inspirational, and you hang out with your friends and pick up on what they are doing.

“There was always cool shit happening; it just wasn’t as known,” Mark continues. “Melvins, when I first saw them, were certainly one of the fastest bands; and then they got a new drummer and were playing these molten riffs and we were like fuuuck, that’s cool.

Mudhoney have a solid history when it comes to touring Australia and have played countless shows since 1990 when they toured in February/March and then returned in December for Livid Festival in Brisbane. They also played our beloved Big Day Out festival in 1992 alongside one of their heroes Iggy Pop, and again for our last Big Day Out in 2014, joining their good mates Pearl Jam for the last hurrah.

“The only bad thing about touring Australia,” Mark reflects in parting, “is not always having time to check it all out.”

Scotland’s comedy superstar is bringing his eagerly anticipated 12th solo show, Can’t, across Australia. The new show follows on from his previous ground-breaking smash hits including HUBRiS (the biggest solo comedy tour for most of 2021, as reported in Pollstar), and X, his acclaimed tour de force about sexual assault. Sloss is renowned for tackling diverse and sometimes uncomfortable material captured from his own experiences, including battling with his own masculinity, relationship breakdowns, and death. But mostly he writes cracking jokes and tells hilarious stories. 8pm, $59.90–$79.90+ bf via venue

The Canberra Circus Festival brings an incredible line-up of Australian and international circus to the ACT for a jam-packed season of laughs, gasps, and excitement. There are full-length circus shows in the May Wirth Big Top, outdoor performances, street artists, roving performers, workshops, food, markets, unusual attractions, community stalls, and more in this all-ages, fun-for-the-wholefamily event. Buy a ticket to an amazing show, or come to the market with a picnic blanket and take in the whole day. Head to canberracircusfestival.com.au for all events & tix

The Jazida Productions Pop-Up Parties will be a recurring event every three weeks on Fridays between 12 April and 14 July running from 5pm – 8:30pm offering live performances from award winning artists. There will be interactive arts and crafts, play with flow and circus props, fire eating, fire dancing, sideshow performances, circus, drag, cabaret, and fan dancing. Each Pop-Up Party includes a 1.5 hour cabaret show, with a rotating cast of performers for each area. There will also be a DJ Dance Party one hour before and after each show!

“Well, last year seemed to go quite nicely. How about a return in a big room of that nice little award-winning stand up comedy show, yeah? That sounds nice doesn’t it? Yeah. A nice little comedy show with your ol’ pal Rhys. Let’s squeeze as much cash out of this cow as possible. Lovely.” The winner of the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award for Most Outstanding Show, Rhys Nicholson returns for a very special one-off performance of their critically acclaimed show Rhys! Rhys! Rhys! 8pm, $39.90 + bf via venue

Crimes Of The Heart / Award-winning black play / 28 April – 13 May / Canberra Rep

Even crimes of the heart have consequences. In this award-winning black comedy, the three Magrath sisters are together in their hometown of Hazelhurst, Mississippi, for the first time in a decade. Lenny, the eldest, never left. Meg pursued the spotlight, but found spirits. And Babe, the youngest, has just been arrested for the murder of her abusive husband. Under the heat of the Mississippi sun, past resentments bubble as the sisters reckon with their actions. Evenings 7:30pm: Wed – Sat, Matinees 2pm: 6, 7 & 13 May, $38 - $50 via venue

One of the most revered comedians in the UK, and a pleasingly perpetual feature on TV, multi award-winning comedian Sara Pascoe returns to Australia with her brand-new live tour, Success Story Sara decided she wanted to be a star at 14 years-old. Since then, she has sung for a Spice Girl, been papped as a Pokemon, and ruined Hugh Grant’s birthday. Come join her for celebrity gossip, hilarious oversharing, and an examination of why anyone would want to be famous. 8pm, $69.90 + bf via venue

Canberra Gardening Guide: April’s Apricots

Never one to shy away from some good old Autumnal potting, Chris Marlton is here to let you know what to pot and what to not for the month of April.

Greenfingers and Thumbs

There seems to be a misconception that the ability to garden, and to facilitate food, is a genetic trait. We’ve been convinced that you either have greenfingers or you don’t.

My father, for example, thought he had a green thumb. The later diagnosis of Gangrene came as a shock to us all.

The truth is that anyone can garden; you simply need to learn what to grow, and when. The importance of ‘soil composition’ and ‘sunlight’ are greatly exaggerated.

The truth is a little more shocking, and a lot more achievable. So what should you plant this April? Hold on tight, lean a little closer... we’ve got a lot to talk about.

The Truth Dirts

Nitrogen levels, soil acidity, worms… all nonsense.

The greatest factor in soil’s ability to foster plant-life—be it flowers, vegetables, or North American redwoods—is honesty.

After all, there’s a good reason farmers refer to their labour as “an honest day’s work.”

The soil we stand above is directly influenced by the number of lies we tell. Too many lies in a single place, and the soil loses faith. Your crops will become bitter and resentful.

Just remember: “Honest above ground, crops abound.”

This is why so many farmers begin their working day with poetry readings. The emotional honesty in a four stanza poem can uplift even the densest of clays.

The best way to prepare your garden bed ready for sowing new seeds is to lay on the ground each morning and tell the soil a secret.

I recommend two weeks of Honest Ground Confession (HGC) before you even start sowing.

Earning the soil’s trust is essential.

What to Plant?

It’s April, and there are certain plants that will thrive, depending on where you are located and how honest you’ve been with your dirt. I will assume you have followed the two weeks of HGC prior to planting any of the following:

• Glycine Argyria: this absolutely stunning wild soy bean is perfect for Tuggeranong and Woden backyards. It won’t grow in Belconnen due to the higher altitude, but the southern territory valleylands are ideal for this dual flowering gem.

Often referred to as “the early 2000s internet cookie of the plant world,” the Glycine (or Gliquey to her friends) is a huge fan of Cat Stevens and Björk.

Playing both Teaser and the Fire Cat and Homogenic at low volume between the hours of 8pm and midnight will give the best results.

• Grey Myrtle: Grey in name only, this white-flowered little rainforestoriginated treeble has the qualities of cinnamon-scented leaves and an attitude to match.

Try and sow your Myrtle seeds between the hours of 6am and 8am on a Tuesday. Or a Sunday.

If possible, burying a copy of the King James Bible 42 inches below the surface of the garden bed will give best results.

The Grey Myrtle is not the most religious April plant, but it is the most religious of the ones I will be recommending in this article. Try to water using Holy Water only. If not available, cans of Blue-V-Drink will work as a stop-gap.

But don’t overdo it. This plant is very much a night-owl and, given half an excuse, will stay up all night, keeping the other plants up with it.

The last thing you need is an exhausted garden bed.

• Pavetta Australiensis: also known as ‘The Butterfly Bush,’ Pavetta is most famous for co-authoring the 1969 children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar with Eric Carle.

Carle filed a copyright suit in 1972 to gain full rights to the book, and Pavetta hasn’t seen a cent of the profits since.

Other literary works Pavetta has contributed to, and has lost authorial attribution, include, but are not limited to:

Whitethorn (co-written with Bryce Courtenay)

The Chemistry of Tears (alternate chapter collab with Peter Carey)

Joan Makes History (ghost-written for Kate Grenville)

Big Little Lies (co-written with Liane Moriarty)

The legal status of plant-based authors is a contentious issue, and Pavetta prefers not to speak about it.

Try to sow your Pavetta seeds at 12pm on the dot. A minimum of three hours of 1940s French-literature audiobooks should be played to the growing seeds each day until the sprouts break the surface, at which point Brahms’ Piano Concerto No.2 can be played up to 18 hours a day (ideally the 1997 Prague Philharmonic interpretation).

Gardening can be hard work, but it’s always rewarding. Learning to understand the secret lives of plants can open up a whole new world for beginners, experienced, and even full-combat gardeners.

The above advice has been taken from the upcoming Volume VI of my Plant-Life Encyclopedia series, available for purchase in July.

Chris Marlton’s latest stand-up comedy special Mephisto Waltz is available to watch now on YouTube. Upcoming live comedy shows and social media links are available at linktree/ChrisMarlton.