Here they come, again! The dead guys from Nashville are scurrying their way back to Chattanooga for a show at Rhythm & Brews on Saturday night. Enter Eddie Mummy, K.W. Tut, Mummy Casanova, Java, Oozie Mummy, Spaz Mummy, and perhaps a few more of the undead. In case you have never heard them, these creepy characters have a unique, funky sound that is so enticing and catching, you had better bring some spare change to buy their CD’s, because they will leave you wanting more.
Fresh from Chicago’s House of Blues, the undead have unlocked a cult following and increased success in the past couple years. I had a chance to speak with their booking manager via a few emails, and there are a few things that may surprise you about Here Come The Mummies.
BP - Many times, musicians that use "gimmicks", such as costumes, etc., do so to cover up a deficiency in their musical abilities - Not so with HCTM - They are an extraordinarily talented band. What is the real story behind the mummy outfits?
HCTM - Mummy outfits? These are not outfits, but real honest to non-life mummies fueled by pure libido ... and the love of caffeine and long distance running.
BP - You managed to get a song on the ABC show Dirty Minds. How did that come about?
HCTM - The music business is a mystery even to those enjoying its success. It is an illogical and irrational roller coaster. We do have our songs being pushed through several publishing and placing organizations, and twice now (Big Shots and The Real World) we got a hit. The best way to get such successes is to write the best tunes you can and then put them in front of as many ears as possible.
BP - How is the new CD doing? Any more in the future projected?
The new CD "Single Entendre" is doing great, we have enjoyed steady sales in our major markets, and we hope to slowly increase our fan base over the next few years. Unlike most bands that are full of young, eager and hungry musicians, Here Come the Mummies have the patience that only thousands of years can bring. There are many possible future projects, from record deals to Christmas albums. The ones that see the light of day are those that make the most sense at the time.
BP - Any music industry awards?
HCTM - As rumored, various mummies do have coveted music biz awards, namely the Grammy. Java Mummy has an older version of the award called a "Granny" that he was given by his maternal great grandmother.
* Note: The Grammy is the music business equivalent to the movie business Oscar award. It is the most prestigious of the awards for musical excellence.
BP - So, it’s true that some of the various mummies have Grammy(s)? (And a least one has a granny!)
BP - Would it be correct to assume that some or all of the mummies are contracted to other labels and therefore must conceal their true identity?
HCTM - Yes there are multiple Grammy's in the band and one granny. You would also be ok to assume what you said about concealing true identity.
Try their Myspace page at www.myspace.com/herecomethemummies.
There are some samples of their music, so crank up the system and give em’ a try. These dead dudes are real pro’s and their live concerts are simply fandeadtastic.
Here Come The Mummies are appearing at Rhythm & Brews. The website for tickets is www.ticketbiscuit.com/rhythm-brews/eventspotlight.aspx.