Mark Mothersbaugh, the lead singer and keyboardist for Devo, is an avant-garde, new wave pioneer. The podcast explores his upbringing in a chaotic household with exotic animals, his quirky sensibility, and the DIY ethos of Devo. They also discuss his successful career scoring for TV and film, including collaborations with Wes Anderson. Mark shares a story about Richard Branson suggesting that Johnny Rotten join Devo after the Sex Pistols broke up.
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Quick takeaways
Divo was formed in response to the Kent State massacre, reflecting society's 'devolution' and challenging traditional norms.
Mark Mothersbaugh had a successful career in film and TV scoring, composing for Pee-Wee's Playhouse, Rugrats, and Wes Anderson films.
Mark Mothersbaugh reflects on the artistic vision of Devo, discussing their masks, yellow hazard suits, and influences for their unique sound.
Deep dives
Divo's Response to Kent State Massacre
Divo was formed in response to the 1970 Kent State massacre, adopting the name 'Divo' to represent society's 'devolution'. Their music and films challenged traditional norms and laid the foundation for DIY anti-establishment bands. They also influenced the music video revolution.
Mark Mothersba's Diverse Career
In addition to his work with Divo, Mark Mothersba had a successful career in film and TV scoring. He composed for Pee-Wee's Playhouse, the Rugrats TV show and movies, and several Wes Anderson films. Mothersba's quirky sensibility and unique upbringing shaped his musical style.
Joni Mitchell', Divo Encounter, and Neil Young's Connection
During Joni Mitchell's search for a song to feature in a movie, she approached Divo, with Mark Mothersba suggesting the song 'Swelling Itching Brain'. Mitchell disliked the song and found it obnoxious. Additionally, Mothersba shared anecdotes about encounters with Neil Young, mentioning an instance when Young destroyed Mothersba's playpen during a performance of 'Hey, Hey, My, My'.
Mark Mothersbaugh's Musical Influences and Career Journey
Mark Mothersbaugh, member of the band Devo, reflects on his career journey and musical influences. He shares anecdotes about his early days in the band, including encounters with the Sex Pistols and Johnny Rotten wanting to join Devo. He discusses the importance of experimentation and how they developed their distinctive sound. Mark also mentions his collaboration with producer Robert Margoulef and the influence of electronic music. Overall, he reflects on the evolution of pop music and the enduring impact of classic songs like 'Satisfaction.'
The Artistic Vision of Devo and Mark Mothersbaugh
Mark Mothersbaugh discusses the artistic vision and aesthetic of Devo. He explains the concept behind their iconic masks and yellow hazard suits, highlighting their resourcefulness due to limited funds. Mark also shares his influences for their unique sound, including the Clockwork Orange soundtrack by Walter Carlos and Brian Eno's electronic innovations. He reflects on the role of pop music in providing a refuge for young people and the enduring legacy of their early hits. Mark also touches on his solo projects and plans for future releases, including a set of books featuring his artwork.
The lead singer and keyboardist for Devo, Mark Mothersbaugh, is an avant-garde, new wave pioneer. Although critics sometimes classify Devo as a joke band, the Akron, Ohio art-punks’ ethos was created in response to a very serious event—the 1970 shooting at their college, Kent State. Following the incident, the band took on the name “Devo,” short for what they felt was organized society’s “de-evolution.”
Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s Devo helped lay the groundwork for DIY, anti-establishment bands by releasing bizarre and left-of-center music and conceptual films that helped usher in the music video revolution.
In addition to his work with Devo, Mark Mothersbaugh has also created a long and successful career scoring for TV and film. His credits include, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, The Rugrats TV show and movies, and he’s scored several classic Wes Anderson-directed films including The Royal Tenenbaums and Rushmore.
On today’s episode Justin Richmond talks to Mark Mothersbaugh about how he developed his quirky sensibility as one of five kids growing up in a chaotic household with exotic animals. Mark also tells a story about the time Richard Branson suggested that Johnny Rotten join Devo after the Sex Pistols broke up.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Mark Mothersbaugh songs HERE.