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by Paul Autry
I first came in contact with the music of Theoadore Muddfoot way before
they had their full length CD in circulation. Back then, they were
deeply involved in the snail mail scene, sending out there music on
regular cassette tapes to anyone who wanted one. A short time later, a
full length CD, "The Beauty Of The Swamp," appeared in my mailbox and
the rest is history, as they say. This Florida band uses the term
"swamp
metal" to describe their music. But, if you take a closer look at it,
you'll quickly see that they're a rock band that's heavily influenced
by
Guns 'N' Roses and they play, as I would consider it, melodic, 80's
influenced rock 'n' roll, which is the style of music that first got me
into music in the first place.
Paul Autry: Please introduce the band for the people who haven't heard
of you yet.
Amanda Williamson: We're Theoadore Muddfoot. All original, all the
time!
Georgia Faith is our vocalist, Ian Rose is on guitar, Red's our drummer
and me, Amanda S. Williamson on bass.
Paul Autry: When and how did Theoadore Muddfoot come together?
Amanda Williamson: Georgia and I are sisters and we always wanted to
start a metal band. By chance, we saw Ian playing at a club and got his
number. We just knew when we saw him that it would click. A few months
later we met some people at a concert who eventually introduced us all
to Red. So, there it was, all of the elements needed to start playing.
We did! We formed in December of 1995.
Paul Autry: How did you come up with the name Theoadore Muddfoot?
Amanda Williamson: I'm not sure. Everyone has a different recollection
on that. "Muddfoot" is the name of our Swamp Monster!
Paul Autry: How would you desrcibe your musical style?
Amanda Williamson: Swamp metal!
Paul Autry: Tell us a little about your album, "The Beauty Of The
Swamp."
Amanda Williamson: It's a straight forward swamp metal album that was
placed together conceptually, without there actually being a concept.
"The Beauty Of The Swamp" is just our own form of metal that we wanted
out there.
Paul Autry: Before this album was released, you used to send out tapes
through the mail. Dumb question here, since I know the answer, but,
what
was your reason for doing that and how well did it work for you?
Amanda Williamson: That was our first recording. We wanted to send them
out for free to get Muddfoot out there since we were just begining,
hoping that fans of the tape would want the CD when it came out or to
look more into us. It worked out well. We still hear from people who
have that demo and still listen to it.
Paul Autry: How is the songwriting handled within the band?
Amanda Williamson: We don't have a basic songwriting structure. It's
just what comes together. Everyone in the band has their own part in
the
creating process. It really all depends on the song itself. The band
wants every song to be able to stand on it's own. So, our main focus is
to create something that we haven't done, but, staying true to what we
love.
Paul Autry: What influences what you write about?
Amanda Williamson: Our songs are diversified because we all write
differently. I personally try not to be influenced by the things around
me. I feel like that's when you lose the fantasy aspect. Reality is
there whenever you do or don't want it, music is freedom from the times
you don't. Music to me, our music anyway, is about grasping for what's
not in plain view.
Paul Autry: Your album features eight songs...do you have any other
material?
Amanda Williamson: We have tons. None yet available. Our second album
is
in the recording process. When we play out though, we use a lot of
un-recorded material.
Paul Autry: For the people who haven't seen you live, how would you
describe a Theoadore Muddfoot show and what can people expect to hear
at
one of your shows?
Amanda Williamson: We transform the stage into our swamp. We go for it
all the way. I believe our singer is the only female who picks her
guitarist up over her shoulders to play a solo. It's a lot of fun.
Swampy green fog rolling out from underneath huge tree stumps, two
girls
in metal gear, a guitarist that shreds and has more agility than a
circus performer and Red, he's throwing sticks at the crowd...no one's
been injured yet! But, above all, we sound good. That's the most
important thing. We're real and full of energy...on and off stage.
Paul Autry: Biggest accomplishments?
Amanda Williamson: The coolest thing ever was to open for Alice Cooper.
We recently had a full page feature in The Orlando Sentinel. "The
Beauty
Of The Swamp" got an awesome review by Slash and it was posted on his
official web page. But, probably, our biggest accomplishment has been
not killing each other.
Paul Autry: What are your thoughts on the current music scene?
Amanda Williamson: I try not to think about the current music scene
because tomorrow, it's over and there's something new out there to
figure our on Friday. As for our local scene, there isn't one for metal
unless you're rapping. Other than that, Orlando is full of pop star
wannabe's. I'm not criticizing...okay, maybe a little...if that's your
calling, fine. As for me and my crew, we don't like it here. Muddfoot
has our own cult following. But, to find an actual scene around here
for
metal...any kind...would be insanely frustrating. Kinda like looking
for
a black cat in a dark room that isn't there.
Paul Autry: What are some of your favorite bands?
Amanda Williamson: My favorite bands have been my favorite bands
forever. I'm very loyal like that. You know that die hard fan with the
posters and the nerdy smile on their faces at concerts...that's me. I
love Lizzy Borden, Helloween, Dangerous Toys and Alice Cooper. That's
my
top choices!
Paul Autry: Influences?
Amanda Williamson: As far as stage performance goes, it's Bobby Dall.
My
serious bass player side stems from Gary Thaine (Uriah Heap). Mostly
though, I must say Guns 'N' Roses. I was eight the first time I heard
them and knew right then that I wanted to do this. No matter what level
of success, I had to do this. I can remember listening to Guns 'N'
Roses
and pretending to be in the band when I was in elementary school. I
still really love them. Even the solo projects.
Paul Autry: What does the future hold for Theoadore Muddfoot...where do
you hope to go from here?
Amanda Williamson: Hopefully, doing an interview for
BallBusterHardMusic.com / Ballbuster Magazine! After that, a record
deal
for my awesome answers. Then onto marriage with Lizzy Borden. But,
divorcing when Axl comes back, eventually ending up dead like all of us
do.
Paul Autry: Final comments?
I hate it when people call a group of dancing singers a band. Is that a
comment? Oh, and buy my bands album or may all of your children grow up
to be annoying critics!
Band E-mail: ianblackroses@aol.com
Amanda Williamson: Eringlam@aol.com
Theoadore Muddfoot
205 Bentbough Dr.
Leesburg FL. 34748
Phone: 352-314-8889
Web Page: http://www.cdbaby.com/muddfoot
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