By: Travis Mane
Electric Mud, the rock band that is capturing hearts with its raw sound and genuine storytelling, has a history as electrifying as its music. Formed by brothers Marc and Matt Hansen, the band features Colton Cori, Matthew Sorena, and David Stagno, each bringing unique talents and experiences to the group. Marc Hansen, the lead singer and guitarist, provides insights into their journey, struggles, and aspirations, painting a vivid picture of a band that embodies resilience, brotherhood, and passion.
The origins of Electric Mud are rooted in familial bonds and a mutual love for music. Marc and Matt Hansen, both Navy veterans, started the band with some of Matt’s friends. “We kept the band going even while stationed in San Diego,” Marc recalls. Their dedication led them to fly band members out to California for gigs and play shows in New York whenever they were on leave. This perseverance paid off when Marc finished his service, and the band solidified its lineup, including Colton Cori and their cousin, Matthew Sorena, with David Stagno rejoining them.
“Matt was really the spark,” Marc explains. “He had a sense that something would happen.” This intuition proved correct as Marc discovered a knack for songwriting, a process that fueled the band’s early days. They began performing around Staten Island, building a local following with their energetic shows. “Lots of friends and family would come out, and we were all big drinkers, so I think the bars loved us,” Marc adds with a laugh. The early feedback was overwhelmingly positive, solidifying their dream of making it big in the music world.
Keeping a band together is no easy feat. “Everyone has their own ideas about how things should go,” Marc admits. The journey involved navigating different visions, setlists, and rehearsal schedules, not to mention the financial strain of pursuing music full-time. “You make a lot of bargains,” Marc notes, highlighting the need for adaptability, humility, and resilience. Twice laid off from work, Marc turned these setbacks into opportunities, channeling his energy into the band and transforming challenges into stepping stones for growth.
Electric Mud’s members bring a wealth of life experiences to their music. Marc’s background as a Navy SEAL and his time in boot camp with Matt provide a unique perspective that informs their music. “It’s a different vein than creating music, but it brings a different perspective,” Marc says. This blend of military discipline and creative passion sets them apart in the music industry. Their familial ties, with Matt and Colton’s shared Navy experiences and cousin Matthew Sorena on bass, add another layer of depth to their story.
Opening for the Rolling Stones in May stands as a pinnacle in Electric Mud’s career. “That pretty much tops everything,” Marc states. Yet, their ambition doesn’t stop there. They aim to elevate their music further with each new project. “Every step forward, we always want to take a giant leap,” Marc emphasizes, underscoring their relentless drive for excellence.
Electric Mud’s essence is rooted in the timeless tradition of rock and roll. “We’re trying to be a part of something that’s been going on a long time,” Marc reflects. Their goal is to create music that resonates deeply with listeners, much like the songs that inspired them. “The music just touched me, and I lived for that feeling,” Marc shares, expressing a desire to pass on that same emotional connection to their audience.
One of the band’s early jam sessions included none other than Keith Richards. “He was really digging some of our jams and was singing a bit,” Marc recounts. This session inspired Marc to write their first song, “Gimme Some Fire,” a pivotal moment that marked his transition to the band’s lead singer. “I said, ‘Well, I wrote them, so I wanna sing them!'” Marc remembers, highlighting the organic evolution of his role in the band.
Electric Mud dreams of playing to stadiums full of fans singing along to their songs. “I want to make an album that is known as a great album,” Marc envisions, aspiring to create timeless music that inspires future generations. The band’s journey is far from over, and with their drive and dedication, they’re poised to leave a lasting legacy in the world of rock and roll.
Electric Mud is more than just a band; it’s a story of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of music. Under Marc’s leadership, the band continues to push boundaries, crafting songs that resonate with authenticity and emotion. As they forge ahead, Electric Mud is set to make an indelible mark on the music industry, one powerful performance at a time.
Published by: Khy Talara