Mahto Addison-Browder: “I don’t care about industry trends. I’m going to make stuff that I like. Chances are someone else will like it too”
Hailing from Tennessee, Mahto and The Loose Balloons are an eclectic bunch. Less concerned with industry trends and more focused on following the music wherever it leads them, they’ve built a musical identity that thrives on curiosity and creative freedom.
Fascinated to find out more about the project, I was stoked when Mahto Addison-Browder, the driving force behind the band, said he'd be down to have a little chat with us.
Sharing his thoughts on the project's latest offering, a collection of live tunes titled On Air, his being drawn to artists who continue to try new things, and why he never concerns himself with industry trends, please welcome our new friend Mahto of Mahto and The Loose Balloons!
Hey Mahto, it's a real pleasure to have you here - thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, please tell us a little bit about your musical journey so far.
What sparked your passion for it, and how has that led you to where you are today?
I don’t remember. I’ve always enjoyed music. My parents were very into seeing live music, and they were always playing tapes at home. It was probably something in utero. It wasn’t until I reached middle school that I started playing, first on trombone, then tackling bass and guitar.
I mostly played for other people until about 2014, when I got tired of waiting on them. I started writing my own music more seriously. If you are passionate about music, other players will find you and want to join you. I’ve found all these great players, and they really make the dream come to life.
OK, let's get straight down to On Air, your brand new offering of live radio sessions.
Firstly, why a collection of live tunes, and secondly, what do you hope listeners will discover about the songs when hearing them in this raw, live setting?
I think a live album is really fun! There is danger and spontaneity. I’m not against studio recording, obviously, but there is this trap of endlessly tinkering. With a project like this, either it makes the cut, or it doesn’t. Seal it up, ship it out!
One thing that might be nice for listeners is that in these stripped-back versions, it’s easier to see the skeleton of the song. When the full band is playing, it could be overwhelming, but this way, it’s just the most necessary parts that remain.
Now, I apologise for asking such a tough question so early on.
But...if you could pick one of your songs to skyrocket to the top of the charts and achieve massive international success, which would it be and why?
I have a song called Climate Change Christmas. It doesn’t appear on this recording, but there is a live version on our YouTube page. It’s a downer, but I think it conveys perseverance in a funny sort of way. I just want in on that Christmas music cycle!
Take us through some of your biggest musical influences.
And, just for fun, if you could pluck one song from history and add your name to it, which would it be?
The big ones for me would be: They Might Be Giants, Tom Waits, Gorillaz, Neil Young, and Bright Eyes. I like artists who continue to try new things. Even when things don’t work out, they just keep going.
There are a ton of songs that I’ve wished I had thought of. It’s a wonderful feeling when a song feels the same as I do. One that stands out to me is House Where Nobody Lives by Tom Waits.
Do you feel artists have a responsibility to comment on the times we’re living in, or is music’s role more personal and timeless?
That’s something I struggle with. In the past, I’ve wanted to be an escape for people. A momentary solace from the stress of existence. The crazier things get, I feel more compelled to acknowledge them.
The problem I see is when people comment without really knowing what they are talking about. In the U.S., I think a lot of people who aren’t necessarily bad people have been fooled by some very bad people. The amount of misinformation is disturbing, so I try not to talk when I don’t know what I’m talking about. I wish other folks could get on that train.
Please tell us a bit about your songwriting process. Not specifically for any song, but just in general. How do you take an idea and turn it into a piece of music?
Of course, every song is different. I like a prompt. Constraints fuel creativity. If I can find one vague subject, I can write multiple songs on different aspects. For example, Knock Knock was originally written for two ideas: birds and houses. As it turns out, there is a lot of overlap. Humans and birds pretty much want the same stuff as far as I can tell.
A lot of the time, I write on guitar. I like to write my own lyrics to existing songs, too. I’ll get the words, then put them on my own chords or riffs. This forces me to change the melody and boom - new song. Other times, I’ll start with drum machines or my piano. I wish there were a science, but songwriting is like trying to find the end of a rainbow.
How do you navigate the delicate balance between staying true to your artistic vision and adapting to changing trends in the music industry?
I don’t care about industry trends. I’m going to make stuff that I like. Chances are someone else will like it too. I may be inspired by another artist and want to emulate them, but no matter what, it ends up sounding however it sounds. If anything, I go for the shotgun approach. Just put out what I can and reach as far as I can.
Mahto, thank you again for taking the time - it's been great getting to know you a bit better!
Before we say farewell for now, what is next on your sonic horizon, and do you have any words of wisdom you'd like to leave us with?
I’m wrapping up a record I’ve been working on for a while. I hope to get it out this year. There are a couple of tracks from On Air that will be on it, Archipelago and Sand Blasted. It’s going to be a much more electric album, and it will feature our newest band member, Abraham Vidrio, who plays the accordion.
I’m also about halfway through writing the songs for the next record after that, which I think will return to an acoustic feel. Plus, I’ve been playing with samples and synths for an electronic album. I’m a person who feels a need to be creative, or else I feel bad. I don’t know if it’s wisdom, but it is good for my mental health!
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