Mudvayne's Chad Gray Emphasizes New Music for Reunion

Mudvayne frontman Chad Gray recently stated that creating new music is the essential element driving the band's current reunion. After a 16-year hiatus from releasing new material, the band has now unveiled two new singles, marking a significant creative return. Gray expressed his strong desire for fresh songs to continue the band's legacy and maintain their connection with fans.

The Drive for New Material

Mudvayne officially reunited in 2021. However, Chad Gray indicated that the band is now entering a phase where the primary reason for his return to the group is becoming evident. This focus is on new creative output. The band recently released their first new music in over a decade and a half, a development Gray welcomes.

"For me, it was like this is imperative. This is important. We've been back for four years now. I wanna feel the ground shaking again," Gray shared during an interview with Full Metal Jackie's radio show. He continued, "I want new music. That's the reason I came back to the band was to continue the legacy."

Gray highlighted the importance of the creative process for his personal artistic drive. "I love the creative process. That's my fuel. It's my fire. That's what I do," he explained. This statement underscores his passion for Mudvayne evolving into an actively creative entity once more.

Connecting Through Music: "Hurt People Hurt People"

Gray discussed the band's two recently released singles, emphasizing their shared themes that resonate with fans. He elaborated on the inspiration behind "Hurt People Hurt People." This song serves as a personal reminder for Gray to break cycles of negative behavior.

The lyrics of the song aim to connect with listeners who have experienced similar struggles, particularly related to domestic abuse. Gray noted the isolating nature of such experiences. "It reminds me I'm not alone. That's what I try to do through my music is remind people that they're not alone," he said. He described abuse and neglect as "lonely places" where people often suppress their feelings.

"Those worlds of abuse, neglect and all that stuff, they are lonely places. It's not something you talk about at parties, it's not stuff you talk about with your friends. So what do we do? We push it down, push it down, push it down and next thing you know, we're a powder keg."

— Chad Gray, Mudvayne Vocalist

The song's core message is about breaking the cycle of trauma, both in how one treats others and how one treats oneself. Gray acknowledged that individuals often inflict the harshest criticism and actions upon themselves, a cycle he also seeks to address.

The Creative Process in a Reunited Band

Jackie inquired about the challenges of creating new music after a long break. Gray acknowledged that the process is never simple. "It's always a challenge. You're always dealing with adversity and trying to get everybody on the same page," he stated. The goal is to produce music that is not only cohesive but also authentically Mudvayne.

He emphasized that simply writing new material is not enough. It must be worthy of the band's name. "There's no point in just writing whatever and putting it out. That's not what we do," Gray asserted. He believes each band member's individual light must shine through in every song, making the music a true extension of themselves.

Gray recounted his personal urgency for new music. He felt the initial excitement of the reunion, where the "ground was literally shaking," had begun to fade. For him, new music was not just a preference but an absolute necessity to sustain the band's momentum and legacy.

The Story Behind "Sticks and Stones"

The second new track, "Sticks and Stones," also carries a profound message. Gray explained that the idea for the song originated from a conversation he had with bandmate Greg Tribbett. The riffs quickly followed, and Gray completed the lyrics during a two-mile walk.

The song challenges the common saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Gray firmly believes this adage is untrue. "Words very much hurt, you know?" he said. The song addresses the damaging impact of words, particularly in family dynamics.

Gray drew from his own experience as a child used as a "weapon" in parental conflicts. He highlighted how children often become instruments in disputes, whether between divorced parents or those still in a relationship. This type of familial trauma, he noted, can be deeply enduring and difficult to overcome. The song serves as another reminder for listeners to break such destructive cycles.

Lessons from the Past and Future Success

Reflecting on the band's initial era, Gray identified new music as crucial for sustained success in a reunion. He observed that while fans enjoy hearing old material, they also crave fresh content. "New music. We needed new music. It's cool, people definitely wanna hear a catalog, but we want to give them something new that is feeding your fans," he explained.

He views the release of new music as a vital way to engage and satisfy their audience. "It's important to me to continue feeding my fans. It's important to the fans to have new stuff to chew on," Gray added. He expressed excitement about the current direction and his hope for its longevity.

When asked how the band balances honoring their 2000s sound with incorporating new influences, Gray stressed honesty in music. He believes that being authentic is paramount, regardless of external influences. "You have to be honest in your music," he stated. As long as he remains true to himself creatively, he does not question the impact of outside factors.

The Enduring Passion for Creation

Gray confirmed that his passion for the creative process remains as strong as when he first started. He described it as his "fuel" and "fire." Music has provided him with a significant outlet to share his experiences and reassure others that they are not alone. He finds a celebratory moment in every song he writes, adding to his personal collection of work.

Having contributed to 11 albums throughout his career, Gray takes pride in all his songs, including the two new singles. He expressed gratitude for the positive reception of the new material and his eagerness to continue Mudvayne's legacy.

The band is currently on a headline tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of L.D. 50, their breakthrough record. Gray found it hard to believe 25 years had passed since its release. He recalled the intense touring schedule following the album's debut, including three tours with Slipknot in the first seven months.

"We toured that record for 26 months. We beat that thing into the ground and we beat ourselves into the ground," Gray remembered. Despite the demanding schedule, he cherishes the memory of those "young, hungry kids" dedicated to building their career.

Gray still wishes the band could tour more frequently. He stated, "I could be on the road 50 weeks a year. I don't give a damn. I wanna keep doing it." He finds immense fulfillment and relief performing live, connecting with fans, and experiencing the shared energy of those moments.

Advice for Aspiring Musicians

Reflecting on his journey, Gray offered advice to his younger self and to new artists today. He would tell his younger self to write more songs like "Dig," Mudvayne's first breakout hit, recalling it as a fun experience.

For aspiring musicians, his primary advice is to remain honest in their craft and pursue music for the right reasons. "Don't do it for celebrity, don't do it for fame, don't do it just to be famous," he urged. He believes a genuine passion will yield greater rewards.

"Keep it real and keep it honest and keep delivering and be willing to do whatever it takes to just rise up the ladder. Just keep going for it," Gray advised. He expressed deep gratitude for his fans, acknowledging their role in helping him build his career and the meaningful connection they share.

The Unique Pre-Show Makeup Experience

A notable aspect of the current tour is the special pre-show makeup experience offered to fans. Gray has long been associated with the bullet hole makeup design, a distinctive part of Mudvayne's visual identity. He shared the original meaning behind it: a stark reminder of mortality and the consequences of internal struggles.

The new fan experience has received mixed reactions, particularly regarding its pricing. Some suggest offering it to more people at a lower cost. However, Gray emphasized his desire to create a truly unique and intimate moment, not a quick photo opportunity. "This is my way of creating because I love the connection that I have with my fans. This is my way of creating a once in a lifetime experience," he explained.

The experience involves one fan (plus a guest) per city joining Gray for his pre-show makeup ritual. They get to observe the process, listen to music, and engage in conversation. Gray believes this offers a rare glimpse into his routine, fostering a deeper connection. He is unaware of any other artist offering such an intimate experience.

The demand for these experiences has been strong, leading Gray to add two more dates despite previous personal reservations. He highlighted the exclusivity, with only one slot available per city, ensuring a personal interaction. Participants also receive a unique "mudogram" pendant created by Room 101, a jewelry brand Gray admires. These pendants are exceptionally rare, with only about 32 ever made and never sold commercially, making them a special memento for those who participate.

Mudvayne's L.D. 50 25th anniversary tour is scheduled to run through the end of October. Fans can find ticketing information and updates on new music through the band's official website and social media channels.