Egyptians from the outskirts of Tennessee takes their love of horror in film and music to a whole new level like previous acts have done i.e. Wednesday 13, Murderdolls, The Horrorpops, Calabrese, Stellar Corpses, among other metal, rock, and punk horror based groups, these guys do it their own way entirely. Here Comes The Mummies takes the aspect that Slipknot, Mushroomhead, Gwar, and Mudvanye have done except uses that concept to their own likeness with the mummy, tomb, and Egyptian appeal. Percussionist/vocalist Java discussed this unique act that's only 3, 5000 years old.
1. Let us get started by filling in our readers as to what the band has been up to in the past year.
Java: 2014 has been the year of two major undead endeavors: multiple free EP’s and our new live DVD called Rejunannihilation.
2. Can you give those of us who aren't familiar with Here Come the Mummies a brief history of the band and can you please describe your sound for those who have yet to hear your music?
Java: We are 3,500 year old mummies that play terrifying funk from beyond the grave. In common terms, this means a mix rock, funk, R&B, ska, and Latin grooves.
3. The name Here Come the Mummies conveys the thought of horror imagery. Was it hard to decide on that name?
Java: Nope. It was very apt … since we are mummies, and we are always coming.
4. Why did the thought of having so many members be a part of Here Come the Mummies?
Java: It takes an army to make our sound: horns, keys, percussion, etc.
5. Tell me about the mummy attire why the Mummy, out of all of the monsters available.
Java: No garb, baby. If we unwrapped, we would disintegrate.6. When it comes to the attire itself, how long does it take for each one of you to get ready in general whether it'd be for a photo shoot, performance, video shoot, etc. Would you or have you done any of these without the get-up?
Java: We are always wrapped and ready. You never know when you will get tagged in.
7. How did you and Sphinxter Records come together? Are you pleased with what they have been doing for you thus far?
Java: Sphinxter is us, and we are terrible. Actually, we work really hard, but it is tough being your own money bag.
8. Do you think being from Tennessee has influenced your sound?
Java: Yes, it has solidified the fact that we do not want to sound country.
9. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Java: We sing about all things naughty: you know, the various styles of romantic chasing and boning. Sometimes, we are obvious, sometimes obtuse, but it is always sex. What else is there?
10. Could you take us through the writing process of Here Come the Mummies? How does one of your epic songs come to be?
Java: It is just like making a sandwich: there are so many ways it comes together, but it is always tasty.
11. Why did you decide and want your albums to be available as free downloads instead of paying for your music?
Java: It seems that the entire market is moving toward less physical sales, and toward file sharing and streaming. We figure that our subsistence will come from tickets and t-shirts, so we will use the music as promotion.
12. What do you think is the most underrated Here Come the Mummies album?
Java: Not sure any of them are underrated.
13. Do you have any new music in the works in terms of a follow-up to your previous releases?
Java: We are doing 4 or 5 EP’s this year, the second of which just came out. It is called “Pull It Off,”
and you can get it free at herecomethemummies.com.
14. On June 7 PBS SoCal Plus's "Front and Center" programming showcased your DVD "Rejuvannihilation". How did you get approached to be on this showcase and how much editing was done to this release for it to be shown on television? What do you the reactions were for those who witnessed your performance that way for the first time?
Java: The team at FogoLabs (the Lamoureux brothers, that directed it) made it happen. Reactions have been stellar. It is a must see for those who dig concert films.
15. Have you noticed the economy affecting your tour attendance or merch sales?
Java: Not really. In tough times, people often still turn to concerts. In good times, they do the same.
16. Since you have so many albums, does it keep getting more difficult to put together a setlist?
Java: Yes! And this year, we have been trying to change it up a ton. The result is that many “classics” get left off the set, and some fans get testy.
17. What can fans expect to hear? More new songs or old songs?
Java: Both. Get ready.
18. When you headline do you change things up and switch songs from show to show?
Java: We almost always headline, and the set is changing every couple of weeks, but not often night to night.
19. What is your favorite song to play live (from any release)?
Java: Dunno.... probably “A La Mode” and “Limo Ride”.20. When it comes to performing each and every night does the time stand still or does it fly by when performing?
Java: Depends on how much hummus we have eaten, and how hot it is.
21. What is one special effect or stage prop that you would want to use or see during your shows?
Java: The Drill-do.
22. Have you heard of Here Come the Mummies?
Who?
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