Hungary: Mushu – Interview

After Viki Singh we caught up with another young performer Mushu. Mushu’s song “Uncle Tom” is about the current economic conditions in Hungary and challenges to the listener to pay attention the message of the song. Take a read of what he had to say below:

Thanks for talking to us, can you tell us a bit more about yourself and how you got into singing?

Thank you for having me. I’m a Young Bohemian living in Budapest, Art, Expression, and especially Risk are all essential parts of the Person I tend to be. I’m a bit weary of answering this question, as it’s not something I think should have to be described, as it’s quite apparent. I’m a well dressed Punk, who wears makeup every other day, if you’d like to get to know me, listen to our songs.

Your song has a very interesting and different style to it, how would you describe your style as a singer?

I’d like to say I don’t really consider myself a singer. I am a preacher, its plain coincidence that I happen to be singing while doing it. I spent a great load of my youth listening to indie-rock and Punk music, and as years passed I got a lot more cultured and comfortable with blues, soul, some folk, some new-wave and even a lot of house and new wave sort of tunes, all of that is probably reflected somewhere in my vocal style, but I doubt that’s what’s most interesting about our music. We’re all different people in the band, and I think you can tell, generally with our songs how every part of the instrumentation sort of oddly stands out, and yet fits perfectly next to the rest of it. I’m not sure what to call it, but so far it’s working for us.

What was it that made you decide to take part in A Dal 2016?

I don’t think I made that decision, to be honest. The band formed quite spontaneously around Autumn of last year, I managed to find two of the best guys in my life, and we quickly got into the business of making exciting music. Literally over the course of a month we went from ‘Hey, do you want to play a few songs together.’ to Having about 4 songs together and recording our first batch of releases, including Uncle Tom. Obviously with something that struck us as having such a great impact, such a natural flow, we didn’t really want to start quietly or slowly, but put ourselves on the map, and share our joy with as many people as will listen. A Dal, or Eurovision, generally struck us as the most straightforward method to reaching this goal, and I think we’re all very pleased and excited for the outcome.

The song you will be singing in A Dal is titled “Uncle Tom”, can you tell us the message of the song?

It’s a Rocky Western Ballad about working without being appreciated. It’s a very simple metaphor, using imagery from the era of North American slavery to describe how in eastern europe, but really all over the world, people will work for endless hours, without the pay to match it, or any freedom, all because they think it’s the natural order. Everyone’s so concerned about feeding themselves that they’ll spend they’re lives working to survive, never truly living, and not even getting paid enough to make it worth their time, or care for themselves.

It’s meant to be a bit of a wakeup call to people, I don’t think I can describe it better than the lyrics themselves.” If you don’t get fed, what are you working for ?.. I’d Shine your shoes and shovel snow, but it’s 6.p.m., I’ve got a life at home.” Have some self-respect, don’t let people use you if you’re not getting anything out of it. There’s a lot of subtle personal elements to it as well, but I’d like to think our music is relatable enough for many people to be able to find some part of themselves in it.

You’ve spoken about how the song is a reflection of the current economic circumstances in Hungary, how do you think the song will resonate with the Hungarian public?

I’m still waiting to see how that turns out. One of the primary reasons we submitted this song to A Dal is because it has a very strong and relevant topic, and we knew we’d have every opportunity to speak about it, even examine it before a large audience and maybe have an actual impact in the lives of people listening. There’s a bit of a tendency in Hungary not to pay much attention to the lyrics of ‘pop’ music, I’m hoping we can break that habit, attract a sober gaze, so people will stop and think about their own situations or feel vindicated by our words. So far the reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, either people saying they really liked either just the sound of it, or the meaning behind it, I doubt I could be more happy about either.

As a young Hungarian singer what does it mean for you to have this platform to promote yourself as a singer and your sound to the public not only in Hungary but across Europe?

I think there’s a lot of potential for expansion with a competition like this. Obviously we’re thrilled with the thought of reaching new audiences, touring opportunities, etc, should we fare well with the competition. But in the forefront of my mind, I’m just pleased with everyone hearing and enjoying our work. So far there’s around 7000 views on ‘Uncle Tom’ on YouTube and right now, that’s far more people than I’ve ever sang any of my own songs in front of. I’m just glad our labour is bearing fruit.

If there is just one thing that you’d like to get out of participating in A Dal what would it be and why?

I’ve vague expectations as to what the future holds. Experience taught me not to try and predict it. Frankly I’m just hoping we get enough exposure to allow me to keep making music with these people for the rest of my life, however short it may be.

Finally do you have a message for your fans and the readers of Eurovoix.com?

For anyone curious about what we’ve got to offer, thank you, and tag along. ‘Uncle Tom’ should be available online Soon, with a very different sounding B-side called ‘Amy’. We have loads of stories to tell, and we hope to get to yell them at you until we run out.

We wish Mushu the best of luck in A Dal, take a listen to “Uncle Tom” below: