Chad Gray Discusses Mudvayne’s Return with New Music

Chad Gray, the lead vocalist of Mudvayne, joined Loudwire Nights on Thursday, September 11, to reflect on the band’s recent resurgence, including their return to live performances and the release of their new songs, “Hurt People Hurt People” and “Sticks and Stones.”

The Ground Shaking Again

In his conversation with host Chuck Armstrong, Gray shared his thoughts on what it felt like to step back into the music scene after a long hiatus. “The more you tour and do it with no new music, you just start to feel the ground not shake,” he explained. Gray emphasized the importance of releasing new material, stating, “You release new music when you haven’t released anything for 16 years — and that’s what happened.”

Gray expressed his excitement over the new songs, noting that while he was eager to share them, he remained cautious about discussing the potential for a full-length album. “I don’t know, we’ll see, you know what I mean,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of the songwriting process.

The Creative Process

Gray delved into the complexities of songwriting, admitting that creating music is not an easy task. “I bash my head off the table sometimes for two or three days because I’m trying to get the song to talk to me,” he revealed. He emphasized that the connection he builds with his fans through his music is paramount, and the songwriting process is crucial to that connection.

A Milestone for Mudvayne

Gray described the current moment for Mudvayne as a significant milestone. “It’s unbelievable,” he stated, expressing a sense of renewed energy within the band. The response to “Hurt People Hurt People” has been particularly gratifying for him. “It was so cool to see everybody’s response … It’s a slamming track,” he enthused, looking forward to performing the new songs live.

Collaboration with Nick Raskulinecz

The journey back to creating new music involved collaboration with renowned producer Nick Raskulinecz, whom Gray praised for his expertise. “Working with him was incredible,” Gray shared, highlighting Raskulinecz’s ability to provide an outside perspective that enhances the band’s creative process.

Insights from Chad Gray

During the interview, Gray also touched on various topics beyond Mudvayne’s new music:

• Writing Process for L.D. 50: Gray reflected on the early days of the band, recalling how they spent years writing songs in a basement before they solidified their identity as a driven brand.
• First Encounter with Ozzy Osbourne: He reminisced about hearing “Crazy Train” for the first time, which ignited his passion for Ozzy’s music.
• Legacy of Ozzfest: Gray spoke about the impact of Ozzfest on emerging bands, crediting Ozzy Osbourne for providing a platform that helped many artists gain recognition.

Conclusion

Chad Gray’s reflections on Mudvayne’s journey highlight the band’s resilience and passion for creating music that resonates with their fans. As they continue to shake the ground with new tracks, the excitement surrounding their return to the studio and stage is palpable. Fans eagerly anticipate what Mudvayne will do next, knowing that the band’s commitment to their craft and connection with the audience remains as strong as ever.

FAQs

What new songs has Mudvayne released recently?

Mudvayne has recently released two new songs titled “Hurt People Hurt People” and “Sticks and Stones.”

Who produced Mudvayne’s new music?

The band collaborated with producer Nick Raskulinecz for their new music, which Gray described as an incredible experience.

What is Chad Gray’s perspective on songwriting?

Chad Gray finds songwriting to be a challenging process that requires time and effort to connect with fans through the music.

How does Chad Gray feel about performing the new songs live?

Gray is very excited about performing the new tracks live, expressing that there is a lot of emotion in both songs.