Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Valenzuela.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started out as a kind of quiet kid with too much time on his hands that happened to own a guitar. At first, it was just a way to pass the time. Eventually, I found a way to represent the emotions and stories I wanted through song. I never was good at drawing or dancing and music happened to be my niche. I found a way to animate my stories, and people seemed to like them, so I decided to try in front of strangers. Next thing I knew, I found myself in a circle with a lot of really great musicians from all over and, in that, found a kind of happiness that I knew I wanted more of. I started playing a lot of open mics, way more than I can count or remember. and started getting invites to perform alongside some of my favorite local artists at events I would have gladly paid to just get in and watch. I released my first album back in July of 2016, and plan on releasing the next one most likely by the summer of 2018. After that only time will tell what’s in store.
Has it been a smooth road?
Dedicating yourself to something wholly is never easy. There are always sacrifices, whether it be health, relationships, and, more often than not, dealing with the anxiety brought on after taking a risk and thinking “Did I calculate that correctly?” There were nights where I slept in my car just to keep the momentum going. There were days with very limited sleep. Sometimes, I’d play a gig right after work and get home in time for a 3-4 hour nap then get up and head back to work for an 8-10 hour shift. That said, I do appreciate all the help and love that I was lucky enough to receive during all of it. The best part of most struggles is that part when you look back and realize that you overcame. You made the right choices and knowing that, for them, you have become stronger and more equipped for the next run through.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mister Mudd story. Tell us more about the business.
Mister Mudd started officially maybe, 4 or 5 years ago. As just another musician in the heart of LA I figured there had to be something about what I did that was different from the rest. Luckily, what I did was just different enough. For one, I was a solo act in a sea of duos and bands. Also, I feel I got lucky with a semi-deep and semi-raspy voice which allowed me to stand out in the cacophony that is Friday and Saturday night dive bars and I guess folks found it unique enough to want to listen. I found my love in folk music, and I’m happy that I can share my interpretation of a genre, and I’m happy to know that people actually enjoy what I do. That’s what I’m most proud of.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
It’s hard to say what things will be like in the next 5-10 years. At the moment, I really don’t have any major moves lined up for the future. I do, however, plan on releasing albums for as long as I’m able. If nothing, I plan on sharing my stories through music and, if I’m lucky, possibly some short stories. That has always been my little pet hobby. So, maybe dabbling in other mediums or maybe taking on some new genres is something to look out for from Mister Mudd. At the moment I’m content in flowing along with the breeze. Sometimes it’s nice to see where life takes you rather than calculating every next step. Who knows? I might have an absolute 180º in opinion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mistermudd.bandcamp.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elmistermudd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mudd.house
- Other: https://www.soundcloud.com/mister-mudd
Image Credit:
Jenny Olivia
Tammie Designs
Art Muzeo
Gaby Possible
Grant Smith
Diana Mantis
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
