In this interview spotlight, I catch up with IMD alumni Happy Curmudgeons to catch up since the release of their album Meant 2 Be and what’s been happening since. Be sure to check out the video for Soulsville below.

Full Q&A along with links and more music below.

How has the response to your previous project been?

The response to Meant 2 Be is still coming in now, honestly.   Covid-19 has been very scary and depressing, but a lot of people found us and started listening to our music.  We are very happy if people can get a bit of joy from our songs.  We like to write from a positive perspective.

What’s been going on since the last time we spoke? Any news worth sharing?

Our latest accomplishment has been getting 3rd Coast to the No. 1 spot on the Folk Chart on N1M music in the US and No. 3 in the world on April 1st.  2nd Chances is close to 100,000 views on You Tube and Jack Russell is doing very well.   Takashi Iio, who plays bass on a lot of our songs, was a finalist for the Detroit Music Awards this year.  Sadly, the awards were cancelled due to the pandemic.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

The approach to the songs this time have been different because it is more from a team perspective.  Mark Byerly is the sole producer now and he understands what we are striving to do with our music.  Having a producer that truly listens and participates constructively is a huge advantage in the studio.   The new material for the 2nd album is not 90% Dave Hamilton, because everyone is bringing something to the table.  Amy Dixon-Lavery wrote her first song for the group – 2nd Chances.  Jeff Warner has written All On You and a second track that will be on the next album.  Tumbleweed is working on instrumentals and providing ideas for new songs.  This album will be about teamwork and cooperation. 

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

The biggest challenge for an Indie band or artists is getting heard.  You want people to hear your music, but you need someone from the business side to pick up your music.  Promotion is a huge part for recording artists.  Having the funds to record and then promote your music is a tremendous challenge. 

What was the last song you listened to?

Well, the last song I listened to was Help On The Way, Slipknot into Franklin’s Tower by the Grateful Dead from June 19, 1976.   Jeff Warner was listening to Tennessee Stud by Doc Watson and Tumbleweed was listening to Murder Most Foul by Bob Dylan.  Amy Dixon-Lavery has been listening to Shakey Graves

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Our preferences for vinyl, CDs or MP3 really falls onto our listeners.  We will do what ever they like, but CDs and vinyl are cool since we have a great artist – Pauly M. Everett.  I like to check out a cool cover when I am listening to a track and read liner notes.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

We prefer You Tube right now.  We are close to our 4000 view hours that are needed by groups to start making money there.  Jack Russell is our new video that is doing well there with over 30,000 views in a month.  2nd Chances has been watched nearly 100,000 times.  Spotify does not pay artists well.  Apple Music is going through a switch from iTunes and royalties are confusing right now.   Bandcamp does a good job for Indie artists. 

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

People can find us at our website – www.happycurmudgeonsband.com  on Facebook, Reverb Nation, N1M music and Bandcamp.  If you have a question for us – happycurmudgeonsband@gmail.com

Anything else before we sign off?

The biggest thing we are looking forward to in 2020 is seeing everyone get together after the Corona virus is done and we can finish our 2nd album.  We are working with some amazing musicians.  Mark Byerly (from the Bob Seger Band) is producing and playing on tracks. We have Jim Moose Brown (from Bob Seger Band) on piano and Hammond B3.  Please check him out playing piano on Jack Russell.  We are very thrilled to have Bobby Balderrama from the original Question Mark & The Mysterians on guitar for a track as well.  We are very excited about the new album.   Stay well & safe!   Peace -N- Love