June 1st, see’s the release of Songs for the Living and Otherwise, the third studio album from The Mulligan Brothers who started playing together five years ago in bars on Dauphin Street in Mobile and now play around the world (see US tour dates below). The album brings joy and pleasure from dark songs about life, loneliness, death and spirituality. Listen to the premiere of Great Grandaddy’s War below on which lead singer/songwriter Ross Newell shared the following:
I’ve always lived in South Alabama, where hospitality, kindness and respect were pridefully taught and enforced. I love it here.
However, so much tradition is passed down through the generations and unfortunately, it’s not all chivalry and manners. We have so much respect for our elders and past generations, that we don’t question out [sic] inherited views and beliefs. There are now many of us who grew up with the internet and the ability to communicate with the outside world. We think differently than we were taught.
It’s shameful for some.
With this song, I want to let them know that they are not alone.
The band took the biggest chance of their career and produced this album on their own, creating songs that are truest to them, so far. Converting the upstairs of Newell’s home in the heart of Mobile, Alabama into a recording studio allowed them the freedom to get to the honesty of who they are.
“Recording and producing this album ourselves gave us the luxury of seeing the vision all the way through to the end without outside influences making us second guess ourselves,” says Newell. “There is a new confidence in this album and we are thankful for the great people who support us and gave us the courage to try something new. It is freeing to let go and create an album that we will enjoy playing on the road every night.”
The broader arrangements are driven by the band’s signature harmonies and dramatic transitions from drummer Greg DeLuca with Ben Leininger adding electric and upright bass and Melody Duncan on fiddle and piano.
Songs for the Living and Otherwise was mixed by Grammy-winning producer Trina Shoemaker at Dauphin Street Sound in Mobile and is the follow up to Via Portland and their debut album, The Mulligan Brothers.
The Mulligan Brothers US Tour Dates
May 10 – Houston TX – Mucky Duck
May 11 – Austin TX – Cactus Café
May 12 – Bryan TX – Rock Away Music Fest
May 18 – Fairhope AL – Coastal AL College
May 2 – Ocean Springs MS – Mary C. Theater
May 3 – New Orleans – Oyster Festival
June 7 – Fayetteville NC – Cameo Art House
June 8 – Charlotte NC – Evening Muse
June 9 – Palmyra VA – Shed Song
June 10 – Richmond VA – Tin Pan
June 16 – Greensboro GA – Pickin on the Greene
July 13 – Denver CO – TBA
July 14 – Bond CO – Rancho Del Rio
July 15 – Norman OK – Summer Breeze Festival
August 1 – Woodbridge NJ – Music on Main
August 2 – Herndon VA – Frying Pan Farm
August 3 – Lancaster PA –
August 4 – Bethlehem PA – Musikfest
August 10 – Easton MD – Stoltz Listening Room
https://www.themulliganbrothers.com/
Photo Credit: Scott Housley