Just Mustard: The Rising Stars Shining Alongside The Cure and Fontaines
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7 months ago
Beatbounty
Just Mustard: The Irish Band Redefining Soundscapes with Vintage Gear
In an era dominated by digital guitar plug-ins, many musicians still find solace in the classic charm of traditional amplifiers adn pedalboards. This sentiment resonates deeply with the experimental Irish band Just Mustard, who have carved out a unique niche in the music scene.
From Dundalk to the Spotlight
Formed in 2015 in Dundalk, just mustard burst onto the scene with their debut album, Wednesday. The lineup includes guitarist and vocalist David Noonan, guitarist Mete Kaylon, vocalist Katie Ball, drummer Shane Maguire, and bassist Rob Clarke. Their sound is an eclectic mix of unpredictable shoegaze, sharp post-punk, and hauntingly dark textures, which quickly caught the attention of music legend Robert Smith. this recognition led to an opening slot for The Cure, marking a notable milestone in their career.
Noonan reflects on the experience: “Robert Smith genuinely appreciates the bands that support him. The audience is always welcoming and engaged, making it feel less like a forced performance and more like a shared experience. It was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.”
Moments of Inspiration
One of the standout memories for Just Mustard was witnessing the fervor of The Cure’s fans during an outdoor concert.As they navigated through a sea of 30,000 keen fans, Noonan remarked, “Seeing the crowd go wild during Friday, I’m in Love was incredibly inspiring. The emotional connection people have with music is something special.”
For Kaylon, a particularly touching moment occurred when Smith acknowledged Just Mustard before launching into boys Don’t Cry. “That song was one of the first I learned from my guitar teacher. I couldn’t help but tear up-happy tears,of course!”
Growing Alongside Fontaines D.C.
Just Mustard shares a profound bond with fellow Irish band Fontaines D.C., who emerged around the same time in Dublin.”We’ve watched their journey unfold year after year,” Kaylon notes. “Every time we toured together,their audience grew exponentially.Now,they’re filling arenas.”
Noonan adds with a chuckle, “I had a vrey emotional reaction-tho I might have been a bit tipsy! I remember seeing Fontaines perform at the 3Arena in Dublin and thinking, ‘I’ve seen these guys play to just 50 people, and now they’re rocking an arena.’ it was surreal!”
The Evolution of Their Sound
Both Noonan and Kaylon picked up the guitar as teenagers, with Kaylon’s first experience coming from a school project that showcased the instrument’s versatility. “We created a track using guitars and amps to generate feedback while layering spoken word over it,” he recalls, marking the begining of his musical journey.
Now, three albums later, Just Mustard has honed their distinctive sound, characterized by reverb-laden, abrasive guitars that beautifully contrast with Ball’s ethereal vocals. “I’ve learned that sometimes less is more,” Noonan explains. “The right elements will fall into place naturally, and it’s crucial not to overcomplicate what might be a magical moment.”
Crafting Their sonic Identity
Both musicians have meticulously curated their pedalboards, utilizing each effect to its fullest potential. Noonan plays a HH Fender Jaguar through a Fender Hot Rod Deville 2×12, while Kaylon relies on his trusty Fender Telecaster paired with a Roland JC-120.Their go-to pedals include the electro Harmonix Stereo Reverb & Delay and the unique ZVex Machine,which Noonan describes as essential for achieving a powerful sound.
When it comes to remembering the settings for each track,Noonan shares,”it’s all about muscle memory. We rehearse in a set order, and the effects are integrated into our songwriting. Most of the time, it’s about exploring different textures of distortion, fuzz, and overdrive.”
Learning from Experience
Occasionally, a new pedal will make its way into their setup, but only after careful consideration. Kaylon recalls a time when he impulsively bought a Phase Shift MXR pedal, which disrupted their sound. “That was a lesson learned-I won’t make any more impulsive purchases,” he admits. “It wholly dominated our sound!”
Noonan humorously adds,”I remember thinking,’Get that off your board!’” This prompted a swift adjustment,which is evident in their latest album,we Were Just hear.
“We felt a bit lost with our previous album,” noonan admits. ”Some songs were challenging to perform live, and I want We Were Just Here to be an album we can enjoy playing without the stress of technical difficulties.”
Just Mustard: The Rising Stars Shining Alongside The Cure and Fontaines
Just Mustard: The Rising Stars Shining Alongside The Cure and Fontaines
Who Are Just Mustard?
Just Mustard is an experimental rock band hailing from Dundalk, Ireland, formed in 2015. The quintet consists of:
David Noonan – Guitarist and vocalist
Mete kaylon – Guitarist
Katie Ball – Vocalist
Shane Maguire – Drummer
Rob Clarke - Bassist
With their unique blend of shoegaze, post-punk, and ethereal soundscapes, Just Mustard has quickly gained recognition in the music scene, earning praise from industry legends like Robert Smith of The Cure.
Musical style and Influences
just Mustard’s sound is characterized by:
Reverb-Soaked Guitars: Their music features heavy use of reverb, creating a lush, immersive sound.
Dynamic Vocals: Katie Ball’s haunting vocals add an ethereal quality to their tracks.
Textural Complexity: The band often incorporates layers of sound, blending various genres to create a unique auditory experience.
Key Influences
The band’s influences range from classic rock to contemporary indie, including:
The Cure
My Bloody Valentine
Radiohead
Slowdive
Breakthrough Moments
Just Mustard’s journey to fame has been marked by several key milestones:
Year
Milestone
2018
Released debut album Wednesday, gaining critical acclaim.
2019
Opened for The Cure, receiving praise from Robert Smith.
2021
Released sophomore album We Were Just Here, showcasing their evolving sound.
Supporting The Cure: A Dream Come True
Opening for The Cure was a significant moment for Just Mustard. Noonan recalls, “The crowd was incredibly receptive. It felt like we were part of something special.” The experience not only validated their talent but also introduced them to a wider audience.
Fan reactions
During their performance, Just Mustard witnessed the passion of The Cure’s fans firsthand. “Seeing the audience lose themselves during Friday, I’m in Love was inspiring,” Noonan shared. This connection with the audience reinforced their commitment to creating music that resonates deeply.
Collaboration with Fontaines D.C.
Just Mustard has a close relationship with fellow Irish band Fontaines D.C., who have also seen a meteoric rise in the music industry. Kaylon notes,”We’ve watched Fontaines grow from playing small venues to arenas.It’s been amazing to witness.”
Shared Experiences
The two bands often tour together, and their camaraderie has fostered a supportive habitat. “Every time we hit the road with them, their audience grows, and it’s a joy to see,” Noonan adds.
Creating Unique Soundscapes
Just Mustard’s approach to music is deeply rooted in experimentation. They believe in the power of simplicity and the importance of letting the music evolve naturally. “Forcing a part doesn’t mean it’s right,” Noonan explains. “The right elements will come together effortlessly.”
Gear and Equipment
The band’s sound is heavily influenced by their choice of instruments and effects. Key components include:
Fender Jaguar: Noonan’s go-to guitar for its versatility.
Roland JC-120: Kaylon’s trusted amplifier known for its clean sound.
Just Mustard’s rise in the music industry offers several benefits:
Increased Exposure: Touring with established bands like The cure and Fontaines D.C. has expanded their fanbase.
Creative Growth: Collaborating with other artists has enriched their musical style and songwriting.
Community Building: Their journey has fostered connections within the music community, leading to new opportunities.
First-Hand Experiences
Members of Just Mustard often share their experiences on social media, providing fans with a glimpse into their lives on tour. This clarity helps build a strong connection with their audience.
Social Media Engagement
Just Mustard actively engages with fans on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, sharing behind-the-scenes content, tour updates, and personal anecdotes. This interaction fosters a loyal fanbase and encourages new listeners to discover their music.
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Conclusion
Just Mustard is undoubtedly a rising star in the music industry, captivating audiences with their unique sound and powerful performances. As they continue to shine alongside legends like The Cure and Fontaines D.C., their journey is just beginning. Keep an eye on this talented band as they redefine the landscape of modern music.
