CD Burners 60: Hot Mulligan's Album That Went Viral By Accident w/ Chris Freeman
Jun 17, 2025
Chris Freeman, a member of Hot Mulligan, shares the band's wild journey from Michigan house shows to sold-out tours. He reveals how 'You'll Be Fine' unexpectedly became their breakout album during the pandemic. Freeman shares hilarious behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including recording above a seafood restaurant and band disputes over harmonies. They discuss the evolution of their sound, integrating midwest emo influences, and how modern technology transformed their music production. Expect laughs and insights on fan engagement and creative processes!
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Challenging Living Conditions During Recording
- Hot Mulligan recorded You'll Be Fine while living above a seafood restaurant in an office space with no shower and cots to sleep on.
- The smell and conditions made the living situation tough, forcing the band to shower at the studio each morning.
Managing Expectations On Second Album
- The band faced pressure making "You'll Be Fine" compared to their first album due to higher expectations and budget.
- Their manager advised them to just write good songs without overthinking, focusing on the music itself.
From No Scene to Michigan DIY
- Hot Mulligan started in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where there was no music scene, and moved to Lansing to access shows and audiences.
- They gained local spots by claiming Lansing as their home and became part of the Michigan DIY scene through persistence and networking.