A QUICK CHAT WITH MASHD N KUTCHER

Congratulations on the release of the new song 'It’s Alright' can you tell us about the song writing process?

Thanks! I’m really proud of it and excited to finally get it out there. I stumbled across this really dope Motown record about 18 months ago and knew there was something special in the vocal, so I sampled it and made a basic demo. I really didn’t know what to do with it at the time, so it sat parked amongst the WIP’s where I’d revisit it from time to time.

About 2 months ago something just clicked and I figured out the idea for the song.  It came together pretty quickly after that and we decided as a team it would be really cool to try and put out a new record around November.  So once we got the ball rolling with that, the pressure was on to finish the track.  Thankfully, I work incredibly well under pressure so that helped.

What does the track mean to you?

I think the track is a good reflection of where my headspace is at right now. Positive, good vibes only and just fun.  I hope others find that in the song too and can apply it to their car trip, nightclub visit, pre drinks jam, kick ons, party, anything really! Haha 

You’re currently undergoing treatment following your Cancer Diagnosis, wishing you all the best what you can tell us about this?

It’s without a doubt become the biggest challenge of my life and is very physically taxing to go through, but I’m keeping mentally strong. I’ve been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma which is a form of blood cancer. I’m told survivability rate is around 55% post 5 years so the odds aren’t amazing, but the treatment is there for the 22,000 Australians living with the disease and we’re all hopeful and optimistic that with the right funding and research developments, that a cure is on the horizon within a decade. 

What’s something you can share about your experience of going through Cancer treatment that may inform / educate / benefit others?

I’m finding great strength mentally through spending time on my passion which is music. Health and my treatment are first priority of course, but in the spare downtime I have, I mean I’m just not really a video games guy and let’s be honest, there’s only so much Netflix you can watch haha. I guess it’s a double benefit for me in that not only can I be creative with music but it has a productive element as well, with the Mashd N Kutcher business in mind. I guess I would encourage people to try and find a passion or hobby to spend time on and keep positive through that, it’s working for me.

You’ve mentioned that you’re utilising the opportunity with this song to raise money for Cancer, how did this come about?

When I went out with my diagnosis messaging in August, I was really overwhelmed with the public response.  As a result, I quickly learned that I have the ability to reach a much larger audience with my messaging, so the opportunity to use this for good and to help others is the logical next course of action for me. I reached out to the amazing team at Myeloma Australia and through them, we’ll be able to get 100% of funds in perpetuity from our artist streaming royalties directly to Cancer support research and awareness which is absolutely fantastic.

What’s in store for the immediate future for the Mashd N Kutcher Project? Any goals in mind?

The boys in the band are doing an amazing job playing shows in my absence, so if the show pops up in a town near you get around it, it’s awesome. I’ve been writing more music than ever for the project, so for the immediate future it will be about getting those out there, and if I’m well enough in health, we’ve got some targets for next year I’d love to perform at like the Mix Up tent at Splendour for example.  I’ve had that one in sight for a while and an amazing show in mind for it too! 

Who are some bands / artists you’re listening to at the moment, what’s in your playlist?

This might sound odd but I’ve been so internally focused on writing music the past few months I haven’t really listened to much of anyone else’s. But from what I have it’s a mixed bag of Action Bronson, the 1975, Cut Copy, Daft Punk’s earlier records, and a selection of really dope 90’s house tunes too.