Our first feature focuses on The Mob Law, a Seattle-based trio comprised of Danny Pentin (lead vocals, guitar), Caleb Cunningham (drums, emcee, backing vocals), and Jarrod Keith (bass, backing vocals). The band mixes elements of rock, hip-hop, reggae and punk in creating its diverse sound. Contrast the energetic rock/hip-hop vibe of the “I’ll Fly Away” with the melodic “Good Good Girls” and you’ll see what I mean. Intrigued? You can sample some of their tunes, but their independently released EP is available for purchase on iTunes and at CDBaby. Don’t forget to buy it (I did!).
You can also find some videos of the band on youtube. This one of “I’ll Fly Away” was created from footage from 4 different shows.
The band was kind enough to grant us an interview via MySpace. Find out what the guys had to say after the jump.
Your music is a mix of rock, hip-hop, reggae and punk. Can you tell us what artists have influenced you and how you came up with your sound?
Michael Jackson, Discendents, Bob Marley, Chilli Peppers, Nirvana, 311, Wu Tang, Nas, and Bill Withers. We didn’t come up with our sound we just stay open and creative with the writing process, what comes out is what we are.
How long have you been together as a band?
Almost 4 years.
How did you come together musically?
Met each other playing shows in different bands.
Did each member bring a certain style to the band or do you all love the genres you blend so well?
We all like a variety of music.
The beauty of iTunes is that it provides instant gratification, but the downside is a lack of liner notes. Do you have a primary songwriter or are the songs the result of collaborations? How does this process work?
We are equal contributers in the band room we all take credit for every Mob Law Track.
Judging from the pictures, your shows look pretty high energy and a lot of fun. Can you tell us a bit about your live shows and if you have any plans to tour outside the Pacific Northwest for those of us who are geographically challenged?
We put everything we have into our live shows. Touring in fall 2007.
I understand that you sometimes do an acoustic set at your shows. Is this always the case and how do you develop a balance between plugged and unplugged?
In the past the two shows were separate, we have married the two so we can give the fans a truly dynamic show.
You have a very full sound for a three-piece. Have you always been a trio and do you plan on keeping it that way?
Started out as a trio and we love collaborating too.
Can each of you tell me something about yourselves as individuals. What are your backgrounds? How long have you been playing music? What inspires you?
Caleb-music background is west african percussion, kit, hip-hop production, piano lessons. I’ve been playing music since ‘91 and I’m inspired by cartoons especially Popeye.
Jarrod- music background is garage punk band east LA. Been playing music since ‘91 and I’m inspired by all types of art and the human revolutionary spirit.
Danny- background in brass, keys, vocals and I was a drum major. Playing music since elementary school. I’m inspired by heartbreak, desire and freedom.
How would you define success as a band?
The creation of truly consistent, heartfelt music
What have been your biggest challenges?
Getting our music heard on a larger level, as independent artists we are limited somewhat.
The record industry seems to be in a bit of turmoil with lagging album sales and illegal downloading being so prevalent. How do you think the music industry will respond and where do you see yourselves fitting into it?
The industry is responding by creating other sources of revenue and we will continue to search for ways to make that paper ie ringtones beehhatch
Given the choice, would you sign with a major label or continue the independent route?
That really depends on what the terms of any deal entail, we want to control our business and our musical future so we will continue to maintain that attitude whether or not we are a “major label group”.
What’s next for The Mob Law?
NEW ALBUM SOON
TOURING
WRITING
LIVING
LOVING
SINGING
RAPPING
DRVING A LONG WAY FOR SHOWS
FIGHTING
EATING
SLEEPING
TRYING TO RAISE KIDS
FIGHTING AGAIN
EXPLAINING OURSELVES TO YOU
PEACE OUT
Give this band a listen. They have a great sound!
Is youtube being a beootch to anyone else today? The video isn’t showing up for me, but it was earlier and I can’t get any other youtube vids either.
Hey PJ - I don’t know about anybody else but YouTube’s working just fine for me. Hmm…
Youtube is working for me right now. Today it’s your turn for the internet to hate you ;)
I’m not good at writing entertainment reviews. Let’s just say that the music is good, eclectic, and I’m about to download the album now. :D
If you watch the youtube video, rate and comment! Say how you found it and why you liked it or not. It makes the people who take the time to post videos giddy with glee, and more likely to post more stuff.
Thanks, y’all! I think my work is having issues. My email is now down.
Jenlar, good point about rating and commenting on youtube vids. I never do that but watch them all the time.
I listened to Fly Away….and immediately thought I had heard it somewhere before. That is a good thing. That particular song has a high marketability factor, as does much of The Mob Law’s other selections. Although alot of underground sub-culture kind of groups would like to say they don’t care about marketing and sales….the bills still have to get paid. They can have an album with a few tracks that the masses will go for, without feeling they have given up any integrity. There are those of us out there that have good taste, and some extra cash to buy an album. I have really liked what I have heard so far. I will have to check again to see if they had tour dates listed, I would love to see them live.
Wow, pj. Great feature. I couldn’t watch the video either, but only because I can’t do audio at work without attracting unwanted attention.
I see I’m going to have to learn some kewl tricks before I write about “my” band. Great job!
Awesome write up PJ! :) I am listening to them now on the link you provided and I LOVE their sound. Very cool interview too. Thanks for giving us more information about them. I am going to check out the you tube link when I get through listening to them.
I like the “Fly Away” video! I heard some Stone Temple Pilots influence in there. Nice work pj! :D
I’m glad you guys liked the interview and the band. Carie, if you need any help with the post, let me know.
Anyone here in the Seattle area who may have seen them live? Lurkers? LOL.
Little late at the party again but I just wanted to say that I think is all kinds of cool and great that you guys do these interviews. Mob Law sounds pretty good to me.
Finally a fansite that actually listen’s to what Blake’s been saying. Don’t know why your the only one but, kudo’s to you. I’m a photographer here in Seattle that’s been shooting both Blake and The Mob Law for the past couple of years. Check out some pics of both @ www.myspace.com/profittphotography
Thank you so much, Profitt. Blake has done so much to open up the doors for people to discover bands like The Mob Law and so many of the other bands we’re going to do features on. And we want to do all that we can to help out with that.
Thanks for linking your myspace page! I’ve noticed the “Profitt Photography” tag on some pics I’ve seen. I’ll definitely check out the site!
Hi Profitt, thanks for posting the link. I just checked out your photos and you do some great work. That one with the guitar and the skyline is fantastic. I see you’ve also had the opportunity to photograph a lot of great bands.
Thanks for everything!
Hi Profitt! Your pictures are beautiful. It’s so easy to just fall into them. Thanks for stopping by.
FYI- The Mob Law added a new video from a recent performance to youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbunDfWUWKY
Thanks for posting this interview with Mob Law! I just bought their album on ITunes after hearing Blake mention them. The album is AWESOME. Rockin’ reggae fun! “I’ll Fly Away” stands out from the rest of the album, as its more of a standard rock track. My favorite tracks so far are “Preacher” and “Better Way”. Definitely worth getting!
Thanks everyone for all the great responses, THE MOB LAW loves you!!!!!! our new album is coming out August 25th!!!! Check myspace for more info. Thanks PJ!
TML