After being out of circulation for a while ex-December vocalist Mark Moots decided it was time to make a return. Dragging himself down to the local swamps, he formed the mighty outfit The Swamp Donkey and the band are about to unleash their monumental noise on an unsuspecting music scene. Planet Loud had a chat to Mark to find out more.
Planet Loud – Hey Mark, how’s it going?
The Swamp Donkey – Doing well thanks for asking.
Planet Loud –For those people who weren’t aware of your work in December, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
The Swamp Donkey – Well I used to scream my bloody head off in a band called December. We were signed to Earache records, released an album, toured our balls off after which I promptly imploded and quit screaming. After which I set out to form a band to play music I actually wanted to listen to.
Planet Loud – For those people who were aware of your work in December, can you tell us what you’ve been doing between December disbanding and The Swamp Donkey coming together?
The Swamp Donkey – After I left December I didn’t do anything for some time. I ended up living across the street from Davey. We had played together in a pre-December band ages ago. He & I began getting together to jam from time to time. That turned into writing our own tunes, which turned into getting a bass player and so on and so forth. It was all very natural. The idea being just friends playing music because you enjoy it, not because you want to be “rock stars” or any of that nonsense.
Planet Loud – December had many fans in the music industry, were your frustrated by the way things turned out?
The Swamp Donkey – Yeah it seemed like bands & critics loved us. We just never really connected with the audience I knew was out there for us ya know? We faired much better in the UK actually. I was frustrated because I felt that our label wasn’t really sure what to do with us. The US office were behind us 100% and did what they could, it just seemed like we were a little ahead of the curve and they hadn’t really dealt with a “Hardcore” band since Coalesce. I don’t want to sound bitter, I’m thankful we got as far as we did.
Planet Loud – You’ve been out of the music limelight for a couple of years now. Was there a particular moment where you thought “right, I want to do this again?”
The Swamp Donkey – Was I in the limelight ever? Haha. I’ve always played music, I guess it’s in the blood or something. Once I quit December I knew I needed a break but I also knew that I needed a project. Once Davey & I started writing together, I knew this was what I needed to be doing.
Planet Loud – What do you think you learn from your time and experiences in December?
The Swamp Donkey – I learned to be careful what you wish for. Nothing is what it seems from the outside. Touring in America in a van is no way to live.
Planet Loud – And bringing us up to date you formed The Swamp Donkey. For those yet to hear the album, can you tell us a bit about the band?
The Swamp Donkey – This band is just a combination of all of the influences that we all have. We’re not trying to be the most innovative, cutting edge thing you’ve ever heard. It’s just heavy rock/metal with our spin on it. If you like old Kiss and you like Crowbar, you’ll hopefully like us too.
Planet Loud – Was it easy to find musicians who matched what you wanted from the band?
The Swamp Donkey – Actually it was. As I said Davey lives across the street, I knew Nick and Rich from their previous bands. It all just fell into place. Lucky.
Planet Loud – You describe the sound as “it’s just rock ‘n’ roll, get over yourself”, would it be fair to assume that there is no grand plan for the band?
The Swamp Donkey – None at all. We just wanted to write the musicthat we want to hear. The fact that anybody else likes it or wants to see us play it , or wants to buy it for that matter is icing on the cake. We’d be doing this still even if Darren hadn’t wanted to sign us. Although I probably wouldn’t be doing this interview now if that was the case.
Planet Loud – The album was mixed by ex-December guitarist Julian, what was it like working with him again?
The Swamp Donkey – It was great. Julian did a damn fine job, I think. We’ve maintained our friendship since the December melt down. It was nice having him do the mix because he knows exactly what we were going for.
Planet Loud – What are the rest of the guys upto these days?
The Swamp Donkey – Julian has a new band called Above All Things. You can find them on the myspace. They’re awesome. Jason Thomas was playing in AAT for a bit but is preparing to relocate. Asa is playing in a few different bands around town. We’ve all stayed in contact, are all still friends and play out together when we can.
Planet Loud – I read that the original plan was to do a demo which then turned into the mini-album. Did it surprise you how quick things came together?
The Swamp Donkey – Yes & no, the recording is actually a bit over a year old now. I’m just surprised that any of this happened at all, we were preparing to just burn copies and hand them out at gigs.
Planet Loud – And you got involved with Undergroove through your friendship with Darren. What plans do Undergroove have for you?
The Swamp Donkey – World domination I suppose haha. I’m not sure. Darren’s been great thus far tho.
Planet Loud – Going back to your comment about it just being rock ‘n’ roll, what are your views on the current heavy music scene? Is too much emphasis put on image these days?
The Swamp Donkey – Hasn’t there always been? My comment about it being just rock ‘n’ roll is more about the pretentious nature of so many bands out there right now. The bands with their “meaningful” names and deep dark lyrics etc. When it comes down to it, none of this will matter when you’re gone. It’s all been done before anyway. So you might as well enjoy the ride. That or you can write the same songs, with the same break downs, wear the same clothes and haircuts and be an individual. Just like everyone else.Choice is yours I suppose.
Planet Loud – You’ve got a deal, got a mini-album about to come out, where do you go from here?
The Swamp Donkey – Well, I need to go get some coffee. After that I’ll be heading to work to finish drawing for today’s customers. We’re also writing new material for our next album. It’s very very heavy so far.
Planet Loud – Are there any plans for you to come over to the UK?
The Swamp Donkey – We have been discussing coming over in the fall. As long as everything pans out, we’ll make it happen. I would absolutely love to play in the UK again.
Planet Loud – Thanks for your time Mark, is there anything else you’d like to say just to finish off?
The Swamp Donkey – Thanks for checking us out, hopefully we’ll see some of you soon. Buy the CD, don’t download it. Listen to Willie Nelson.
Interview by Graham Finney
