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Some musical acts are more “musicians,” while some, like Hot Mustard, are more of the “artist” variety. That’s made abundantly clear with their new single “Birdwatcher” and its accompanying music video. Hot Mustard is a duo consisting of Jack Powell and Nick Carusos. Referring to them as multi-talented would be an understatement. They are not only experienced songwriters and multi-instrumentalists but also highly experienced with visual arts and media.

The clip for “Birdwatcher” is fully animated, conceptualized by both Powell and Carusos and animated by the former as part of his Opus Thimble Studios. Powell has composed an exceptional array of visuals around the Hot Mustard catalogue, and “Birdwatcher” is the latest entry in that catalogue. It tells the story of a birdwatcher who gets caught in some nefarious business and gets lost in the woods. While wearing his visual artist hat, Powell seeks to balance creating something enjoyable to watch while also making it thought-provoking.

Commenting on the song, guitarist and arranger Jack Powell states:

“The melodica and skanky/percussive guitar elements give the track a bit of an island vibe. Dynamic solos by Matt Bauder (bass clarinet) and Jordan Mclean (trumpet) give the track an exploratory vibe that also helped guide the process for storyboarding the music video.”

Carusos adds:

“It’s a hype track for birdwatching.”

“Birdwatcher” is off of Hot Mustard’s forthcoming new record, Monster Season. They describe it as a massive culmination of jazz-tinged funk with psychedelic soul and a good degree of improvisation. Their music is highly unorthodox, but it has enough classic pop familiarity to resonate with any listener. Monster Season features a lot of exceptional musical contributions from a wide array of respected talents. Drummer AJ Hall (John Cleary and the Monster Gentlemen, Left Field Drum Breaks) paired with local South Carolina musician Wes Powers to create a deep and groovy backbone. Jordan McLean (Antibalas) and DaveSmootaSmith (TV on The Radio) returned to assist with horns.

There are many other contributors throughout Monster Season that are too many to list. It’s a big album, one that establishes Hot Mustard as one of today’s most comprehensive and eclectic alternative acts.

Hot Mustard “Birdwatcher” single artwork

Hot Mustard “Birdwatcher” single artwork

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