Mute Math, from New Orleans, LA, released its debut self-titled full-length album on September 26, 2006, via a joint venture between the band’s indie label, Teleprompt, and major label Warner Bros.
Mute Math originated in 2001 as a long distance collaboration between Paul Meany in New Orleans, LA, and Darren King in Springfield, MO - growing from a sort of songwriting ping-pong match over several months to a possible project and, eventually, the core of what became Mute Math.
Working from their New Orleans home studio, Meany and King began exploring a new definition for themselves on how a rock band should sound and perform. Finding inspiration in everything that’s considered the opposite of rock music, they sought a unique template in which to place their songs. The result was a captivating soundscape of experimental rock.
With the demo completed, Meany asked manager Kevin Kookogey to play it for friend and producer Tedd T, founder of indie label Teleprompt. Tjornhom fell in love at first listen. Soon thereafter Mute Math signed with Teleprompt and began building a musical momentum, releasing their debut EP Reset in September of 2004. With the addition of guitarist Greg Hill and bassist Roy Mitchell-Cardenas, Mute Math headlined its first national club tour thefollowing Spring.
Fueled by a strong “do-it-yourself” ethic, Teleprompt and Mute Math began an internet blitzing campaign through MySpace and similar portals, instantaneously linking fans from all over the world to the band’s engaging live performances. Word of mouth spread, and the band were soon selling out dates in markets as geographically diverse as Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Seattle, and Orlando, among others. The band continued to develop, honing their chops from the improvisational spirit that fueled their shows, consistently winning over fans left and right. Mute Math chronicled its touring and live shows through regular video blogs, which contributed to the mass accumulation of “friends” (now over 125,000) on its MySpace page.
The 13 tracks that made up the initial version (now a collector’s item) of Mute Math’s debut full-length self-titled album were recorded throughout 2005, but due to circumstances beyond their control, Mute Math decided to forgo the traditional retail route, taking the new record to where it counted most-to the fans at the live shows. What seemed to be a riskyproposition proved to be an extremely wise decision. In January 2006, Mute Math embarked on what was initially a 45-city tour, using the tour as a means to sell the record exclusively. Dubbed the “Mute Math Album Release Tour,” the band found themselves not only selling out numerous shows, butbegan moving a critical mass of albums from their table, sometimes 200 CD’s a night. Teleprompt continued working the internet fan base around the clock, the press followed, and fans, both new and old, began flocking en masse to see the band perform live. Mute Math’s debut national television appearance on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson in February 2006 put the band on the map to stay.
As for their music, the Mute Math dynamic can be viewed in parts. At its core, Mute Math is an inspired electro-alt rock band with a soaring sound that incorporates emotive vocals, hip hop styled beats, dubby soundscapes fueled by sample-like guitars and Rhodes piano flourishes, keytars, a homemade instrument (a Theremin-inspired guitar) and other random gadgets. The other is a finely tuned live act, with a highly infectious and equally energetic show, accented by occasional acrobatics, experimental jams, knob twiddling, and bouts of instrumental switcheroo.
2006 was busy - and rewarding - for Mute Math. In addition to guest hosting on Current TV and nabbing a spot on MTV’s “You Hear It First,” the band sold out larger venues around the country and made appearances at high-profile events Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, V Festival (UK), Voo Doo Music Experience, and the CMJ New Music Festival, culminating in a jaw-dropping, light-smashing performance on the Pontiac Garage (outdoor stage) at Jimmy Kimmel Live in December. To date, Mute Math has sold almost 70,000 copies, collectively, of the EP and self-titled album.
2007 has picked up where 2006 left off, with Mute Math opening for pop-sensation The Fray at U.S. colleges and theaters in January. In February, Mute Math headlines its first European tour, with sell-outs already guaranteed in London, Birmingham, and Amsterdam. The video for “Chaos” will see rotation on TV in Europe and via the internet in America, followed by a video for “Typical” at home and abroad. In March, the band kicks off yet another major US headline club tour in conjunction with the release of its debut DVD, “Flesh and Bones Electric Fun: Mute Math Live”
