Getting to Know… Austin Mulka | Interview 🎤

In the 353^rd Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from Detroit multi-instrumentalist, Austin Mulka.

“Ibelieve my music is a genre-hopping journey that keeps listeners on their toes.” Awesome, 🎙 Austin Mulka! The self-taught multi-instrumentalist from Detroit, Michigan adds, “I embrace my ADHD and use it to fuel my creativity, resulting in a sound that’s both energetic and unpredictable.” WOO 🤘! Like our many other Getting to Know Q&As, we get the inside scoop on his career genesis, goals, musical influences, and of course, current, and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into 🎤 Getting to Know…Austin Mulka: Interview No. 353!

For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes you distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

I believe my music is a genre-hopping journey that keeps listeners on their toes. I embrace my ADHD and use it to fuel my creativity, resulting in a sound that’s both energetic and unpredictable. I’m dedicated to spreading positivity and making a difference through my music, which connects with the audience on a deeper level.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did your music career start and what were some of the goals or visions you had early on?

I started my music career as a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, mastering the guitar, piano, drums, and bass. My early goals were to adapt and experiment with various styles to create a unique and versatile sound. I envisioned connecting with people through my music and using it as a platform to raise awareness about mental health and also helping out my friends and family.

Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting out? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

While my core goals remain the same, my perspectives have evolved as I’ve grown as an artist. I now focus on creating a meaningful impact on the music industry and continue to explore new sonic directions. My current aspirations include partnering with organizations that support mental health awareness and pushing the boundaries of creativity in my music.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Whom would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

For my current album, My biggest musical influences include Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice In Chains. Their raw, intense sounds have inspired me to create music that’s both emotionally charged and sonically daring. I admire their ability to experiment with genres and styles, which has encouraged me to push my own creative boundaries.

Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

During our performance, the power suddenly went out, plunging the entire place into complete darkness. Instead of letting it ruin the night, we decided to turn it into an unforgettable experience. We asked everyone in the audience to pull out their phones and use the flashlights as makeshift stage lights. Then, we proceeded to play an entirely unplugged, acoustic set, with everyone singing along at the top of their lungs. The energy in the room was electric, and it felt like a massive, intimate campfire sing-along. Word got out, and the story was picked up by major music outlets, dubbing it the “unplugged concert that lit up the night.” It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience we’ll never forget.

Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

Up until this point in my career, my favorite song I’ve recorded or performed live would have to be
🎵 “Peace”. The song holds a special place in my heart because it explores themes of apathy and detachment from reality. It’s a track that allows me to express the desire to escape from the physical and emotional demands of the world and to find solace in a dreamlike state. The emotional depth and vulnerability in “Peace” make it a truly memorable and personal piece for me.

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left of center the world should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

I’m a huge fan of puzzles and brain teasers, which I believe helps me approach my music from a unique and analytical perspective. It’s a great way to keep my mind sharp and focused, while also providing a creative outlet outside of music.

Closing out, what are you currently working on, promoting that you can share with us or want us to know about? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

I’m currently working on and promoting my album, 💿 Reveries and Requiem. This project is a haunting and unapologetic plunge into the depths of psychological horror, drawing inspiration from the raw, intense sounds of ’90s grunge bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice In Chains. Produced by the talented Nick Dalbis, the album is a testament to the power of collaboration between two self-taught musicians. Reveries and Requiem explores a wide range of themes, from real-life stories of individuals like Clive Wearing and Blanche Monnier to contemporary issues such as social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health, and addiction. I’m excited to share this deeply personal and evocative album with the world.

Follow… Austin Mulka: IG • Facebook • Twitter • Spotify • YouTube

Getting to Know… Austin Mulka: Interview No. 353 [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Austin Mulka; Tumisu via Pixabay]