INTRO BY TAMARA CHAPMAN
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MOWGLI'S
Based out of southern California is one of the most unique bands the music industry has ever seen, The Mowgli’s. Having already made appearances at some of the biggest musical festivals across the country, it’s safe to say that this band is on their way to achieving even more great things. Read the interview below with band member Josh Hogan to learn more about the band's tour experiences, future music plans, and more!
You guys are currently on your headlining Real Good Life Tour – how has it been so far connecting with your fans again through shows?
JOSH: "These shows have been very energetic & personal. We’ve tried to break down barriers and really let our fans be a part of the music. The connection feels like it did when we first started touring and there was no radio fame or ego involved."
What do you hope people take from your live show?
JOSH: "We always want people to have a positive night & leave a little happier, & maybe with a new t-shirt over their shoulder."
Recently you released your latest single, Real Good Life. Can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it?
JOSH: "With so much to say, we tried writing a lot last summer and often fell short. Colin & I went into the RGL session with the idea to keep it simple and in line with The Mowgli’s message of love. We’ve always been inspired by stories we hear from our fans & that keeps us going on this path."
This song is the first piece of music you have released since becoming an independent band again. Was this a difficult transition for you guys?
JOSH: "The transition has been pretty simple. Having a label helps in a lot of ways, but we’ve got some of the best fans out there & we could go on forever with their support."
Do you ever go back and listen to your old music? If so, what are your first thoughts on it?
JOSH: "I was recently listening to our album Kids In Love and my first thoughts were about how great those songs are and the production is perfect for them. It’s interesting being into your own music, but I am. Each record has been very different from the last and I think that’s pretty special. I’m like a proud dad looking back at what we’ve accomplished."
How do you think your music has changed over the years?
JOSH: "We have all grown and changed so much over the years, & our music has changed as well. Change is inevitable and I’ve always believed that you have to jump on board with that change or you’ll just be left behind. We try to stay in tune w/ what’s going on in music while trying to make it our own."
What can we expect from more of your new music sound-wise?
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MOWGLI'S
JOSH: "We’re working with our friend and producer Rob Ellmore. On a production level, you’ll hear more like Real Good Life as well as some new sounds that you’ll hear on our next release."
In what ways do you hope to continue to evolve as a band?
JOSH: "We want to grow and learn and last forever."
Are there any other singles and/or an album in the works?
JOSH: "We [just dropped our song] Kansas City about Colin’s hometown and it’s borderline emo. For now, we might just keep writing and releasing singles. Everything is changing and we’re open to the change."