If you did not know this already (because maybe you have been living under a rock or something), Puddle of Mudd is an American band. It is a rock band; a rock band with 'rock stars'. Rock stars who do not believe in pretentious motives or adjust to the market’s needs; a market that has swallowed almost every creative raw genius, and spat him or her out into the ‘humble musician who attends every party and charity’. Puddle of Mudd does its business - sometimes with controversies - boards its tour bus and planes, and heads to the next venue. A band not eluded with success and popularity, which still believes in the music that led to its inception back in the 90s. The band, now touring India, is playing at Hard Rock Cafes (HRC), starting with the oldest one – Mumbai. 

Wesley Scantlin, frontman and vocalist, is one such rockstar, who looked up to Kurt Cobain throughout his journey as a musician. This is what he has to say about a new album, his influences and more. 

Welcome to India. First of all, let us talk about the much awaited album. Have you titled it yet? 

Yes, the album goes by the name 'Wiping the Slate Clean'. Like wiping the floor with a mop and then putting it in a bin outside.

Tell us more about it. Rumours are that you have composed around 40 tracks since the band’s last single. 

I have composed 40, but there will only be 14 tracks on the actual record.

Will it also include B-sides and acoustic sets?

Yes, we have some acoustic tracks and I am sure the fans will like it.

So, after few complications and delays, Puddle of Mudd is finally in India. What are your expectations from this Hard Rock Café tour?

India is a great place, man. I love these people. I am surrounded by amazing authentic Indian people right now. The artistic value of the entire country is completely amazing. We are making friends all day long. 

When did the Hard Rock Café and India Tour come into the picture?

All of the credit for that goes to Jimmy Iovine from Interscope. He got them on the block. The man is blessed with every single piece of power that he has attained in his life, and that is why we are here and I am speaking to you now.

Musicians, usually, do not like being compared. But some people, as a compliment, say there is an Anton (Brian Jonestown Massacre) or Kurt Cobain vibe when they listen to you.

Kurt Cobain is a huge influence, obviously. And you know what, all these musicians have inspired us in a big manner.

In the late 90s, the band played with 3 members before Paul joined Puddle of Mudd. Tell us about that phase.

Yes, it was the time when Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) was playing the Family Values concert. He was playing with Korn and Ice Cube. I got a backstage pass, met some amazing people. Later dated an exotic dancer, and few days later Durst sent me a page. They flew me to Hollywood, one thing lead to another and that is how Paul joined the band.

Does it bother you, with social media and every ‘controversy’, Puddle of Mudd gets more attention than its music? 

Yes. But I am not going to run and walk on egg shelves. My grandmother would be livid with this stuff. I am not going to let anyone dictate terms, and not going to let anyone live like that. You have got a “rock star”, and people who have a problem with it are usually those who could not make it big and regret not making it big.  And that’s how it is going to work. Period.

After Mumbai (29 September), the band will play at HRC Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi on 30 September, 1 October, 3 October and 4 October respectively.