It’s not often that I meet a band whose name presents a complete contradiction to who and what they really are. The Muts are definitely a rare gem, a diamond in the rough, a parody of sorts, and I feel honored to have met them – another contradiction – as initially I didn’t think they were even going to come close to being my “cup of tea”.
I met The Muts in cyberspace. I had posted on my electronic calendar that I was going to be in Hollywood shooting photos of Black ‘N Blue’s reunion show. The Muts were scheduled to be the band playing just before Black ‘N Blue. I no sooner posted my calendar when I received a note from someone named “Bumper” with The Muts asking if I would do pics of them, too, since I was going to be at the show site anyway. I agreed to an arrangement with them that would work with my plans. In preparation, I decided to do some homework and check out their website, photos and music so I could get a better feel for what this project was going to be.
Upon entering The Muts website and myspace pages, I immediately thought, “Wow”! I was looking at photos of four guys, all but one with “fringed” jet black hair wearing “guy liner” eye makeup and all uniquely dressed the same in black pants and shirts with white ties. Their headline said the name stood for “Most Unlikely To Succeed”. But, here were four extremely handsome men making music that though I initially thought was going to be totally punk, was not 
even close to being punk as I know punk, hence the parody. Of all the newer bands that I had paid any attention to lately, these guys seemed to be the “LEAST unlikely to succeed”. To myself, I was describing their music as “rock, slightly twisted into danceable punk”. The kind of songs that replay in your head for days later. Catchy riffs and clever lyrics that are well thought out and telling the secrets of the soul behind them. Wow factor or not, I still decided to reserve judgment until after I’d seen them play live...
Just as I was realizing that I liked their sound, their songs and especially their contagious lyrics, I received another message from “Bumper” inviting me to meet up with them earlier in the day of the show than originally planned to shoot still photos of the taping of their DVD. Always game for a little spontaneous fun and excitement, I made a couple changes in my travel itinerary to do it. Being a photographer and a writer, I’m a great admirer not only photogenic charisma, but also of lyrical talent. I knew in the back of my mind that this gig might be a good time. It turned better than a good time, it was a complete blast! These guys are all totally amazing – talented, great looks, and best of all nice as can be – a complete and perfect package of appeal!
Upon my first meeting with The Muts for the videotaping, I noticed that the photos they had posted on the web did not do them much justice in comparison to how they are in person. I decided I was going to try to have my work with them focused on more of a balance of their main elements while maintaining just the right amount of edginess and contrast – I simply thought adding a twinge of softness to their image might just enhance them a little more. Sort of a gamble, but one I thought they would agree was a winning bet. As the afternoon slipped away, I questioned my gamble less and less as I got to watch these guys work and got to know them better – they truly sparkled!
The band consists of lead singer, bass player and originator, Nic Flynt, guitar and back up vocalist, Richard (aka “Bumper”) Renga, drummer and backup vocalist,
Chris Heuer, and second guitarist, Brian Forsythe. Nic, originally from Chicago, has lived in the LA area for 15 years. Before leaving Chicago, he played in two bands with guitarist, Dan Donegan – “UVI” and “Disturbed”. Once in LA, Nic formed the three-piece band, Ei8ht that broke up just as Arista Records came knocking with serious interest in signing the band to a deal.
After Ei8ht broke up, Nic joined forces with Richard Renga (“Bumper”), a guitarist from Santa Barbara. Together with Richard, they met up with Drum Sounds technician and kit builder, Chris Heuer, who originally hails from Baltimore. They then added Brian Forsythe also originally from the east coast and playing in the LA bands, “Kix” and “Rhinobucket”.
The Muts was formed 18 months ago, coining the motto “most unlikely to succeed” based on the true nature of the extremely difficult music industry. When asked how they, themselves describe their sound, Nic responded with, “Foo Fighters meets Motley Crue” – an odd combination, but at the same time a perfect description for this band. Their first and current CD, “The Muts”, was released in November, 2007. An 11 song compilation that includes the 9 Inch Nails cover “Closer”.
Currently working on a combination five song live performance CD and DVD tentatively titled “5 To Stay Alive”; The Muts have targeted a July release date. All of the The Muts music can be purchased digitally at the usual outlets - I-Tunes, Rhapsody, and CD Baby. CD’s, DVD’s, T-shirts and other merchandise is all very reasonably priced and available for purchase from both their website, www.TheMuts.com and their myspace site.
As far as the Knitting Factory show, the crowd loved The Muts from the start, just as I did! They hit the stage for an amazing, energy-filled seven song set, five of which will be on the DVD that’s coming out in July:
Holly Would
My God
Stay All Night
That Monkey
If u.c.k.
Ode To You
Closer
Interesting thing that occurred – while The Muts were playing, my camera started having some serious technical problems which I was unable to resolve before Black ‘N Blue’s set. I’ve concluded that The Muts broke my camera – a cliché’ that fits perfect for their parody legacy! Though they broke my camera, I still love them – they are one of the kindest and most appreciative groups of guys I’ve ever met and photographed. Plus, since they broke my camera, they’ve promised to buy me my “dream camera” someday... with their energetic ambition, I’m betting that might just happen sooner than later, so I’m going to start shopping!
