Mustard Plug

Mustard Plug is a ska punk band from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Formed in 1991, the band's original members were Dave Kirchgessner, Mike McKendrick, Colin Clive, and Anthony Vilchez. Currently the band consists of Dave (Vocals), Brandon Jenison (trumpet), Jim Hofer (trombone), Nate Cohn (drums), Colin Clive (guitar/vocals), and Rick Johnson (bass). The band has regularly toured throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, and South America. They have toured with the Warped Tour twice, and participated in the Ska Against Racism Tour. As of 2014, the band has released seven studio albums and continues to tour actively.

Explaining the band's goal, Jim Hofer said, "We may have some messages in our music, but essentially we just do this because we love it and we want people to lighten up and have fun."^[1]

In August 2013, Mustard Plug used Kickstarter to fund the recording of a new album. Can't Contain It was released by No Idea Records on January 14, 2014.^[2]

History

The band formed in 1991 after Colin and Dave both attended a Special Beat show.^[3] There was virtually no ska scene in Grand Rapids at the time, so Mustard Plug was able to develop a unique sound and draw a large following.^[4]

Brandon Jenison stated in an interview^[5] that their band name originated when "a guy in the early stages of the band was making a sandwich and that crusty stuff that forms on the mustard bottle when you put it in the fridge without wiping it off first gave him an interesting idea for a name."

In 2002, Mustard Plug released Yellow #5.

In 2005, Mustard plug released their greatest hits album Masterpieces: 1991–2002.

Mustard Plug was on the label Hopeless Records for many years, but as of 2010 were free agents - as Rick Johnson explained, "We can do whatever we want."^[6]

The band celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2011, with a national tour.^[7]

In August 2013, Mustard Plug used Kickstarter to fund the recording of a new album, released on January 14, 2014.^[8] The album features cover art by Jeff Rosenstock of Bomb the Music Industry.

In 2012, the band was rumored to be recording a live album. But over the years mustard plug never made one. In summer 2012 they announced a possible new album but a live one. But that live album project failed again. Later in 2014 they re-announced a new album which was called Can't Contain It. The band already had a name for their album, Mustard Plug: Live!. However, this album was officially canceled by the band. In March 2015 the band revived this live album project again. It still remains in the works as of 2016.

Discography

In 1995 the band were featured on On Safari With Beat Happy Music.

Albums

• Skapocalypse Now! (1992, Dashiki Clout)
• Big Daddy Multitude (1993, Asbestos Records)
• Evildoers Beware! (1997, Hopeless Records)
• Pray for Mojo (1999, Hopeless Records)
• Yellow No. 5 (2002, Hopeless Records)
• Masterpieces: 1991-2002 (2005, Hopeless Records)
• In Black and White (2007, Hopeless Records)
• Can't Contain It (2014, No Idea Records)
• Mustard Plug: Live! (2012, cancelled)

Music Videos

• You (1997)
• Everything Girl (1999)
• Hit Me! Hit Me! (2007)
• Over the Edge (2007)

Line-up

• Dave Kirchgessner - Lead Vocals (1991–present)
• Colin Clive - Guitar, Vocals (1991–present)
• Rick Johnson - Bass, Keyboard (2004–present)
• Nathan Cohn - Drums (2005–present)
• Brandon Jenison - Trumpet, Backing vocals (1994–present)
• Jim Hofer - Trombone (1994–present)

Past members

• Anthony Vilchez - Bass (1991–1994)
• Craig DeYoung - Bass (1994–2001), Alto Saxophone (1992–1994)
• Matt Van - Bass (2001–2004)
• Mike McKendrick - Drums (1991–1993)
• Nick Varano - Drums (1993–1999)
• Brad Rozier - Drums (1999–2004)
• John Massel - Drums (2004-2005)
• Bob Engelsman - Trombone (1992–1994)
• Bleu VanDyke - Trombone(1995–1998)
• Mark Petz - Tenor Saxophone (1996–1998)
• Kevin Dixon - Tenor Saxophone (1996–1998)

Timeline

References

• "Mustard Plug Interview: Talks about the New Album, Breakfast Cereals, and more!", "The Battle Of The Midwestern Housewives", July 6, 2007. Accessed July 7, 2007
• "Interview with Rick Johnson!", "Michigan Ska Blog", December 12, 2008. Accessed September 9, 2009

External links

• Official website
• Mustard Plug's Allmusic entry
• Interview from 2002
• Interview from 2005
• Interview from 2007 at ReadJunk.com
• Mustard Plug collection at the Internet Archive's live music archive