Philly based singer-songwriter, Mutlu recently released his new music video “Lifeline“. Mutlu is winning a widespread praise for his soulful and silk-like vocals!
Drawing inspiration from Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, and Al Green, Mutlu reinvents that old school soul sound with a folk and alternative rock music style. His music goes even deeper with thought-provoking lyrics that touch on societal change and empowerment. His lead single and music video “Lifeline” is from his upcoming album Good Trouble.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Mutlu about his latest project, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
As a Philly based artist, how do you feel Philadelphia has shaped your music style?
Philly has had a huge impact on my musical style. Coming up on the Philly scene played a major role in my development as an artist. The classic Philly sound of artists like Teddy Pendergrass, Major Harris, The Spinners, and many more, has always resonated with me in a very deep way. Daryl Hall & John Oates and Amos Lee are the artists that I’ve been fortunate enough to work with most extensively over the years. The Philly sound has always been a cornerstone of my musical connection with Daryl, John and Amos.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Although I do enjoy writing and recording, performing live was the aspect of music that first connected me to this career. It is still my favorite aspect of it. As tough as the music business can be at times, there is a certain type of magical connection between artist and audience, on the best nights, that is incomparable to anything else. That connection is what keeps me moving forward.
Tell us a little about your new single and music video: “Lifeline”. Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
I wanted this song to provide some hopefulness in a time that is so politically tumultuous and divided. It’s also a song about the importance of standing by your principles and convictions, even though that’s not always the easiest thing to do.
What should we expect from your upcoming album Good Trouble?
I think this album is a snapshot of where I am as an artist and a person. Some of the songs deal with my perspectives on political and social issues, while others deal with more personal struggles. My hope is that people will connect to the album musically, and also take something away from it lyrically that will be meaningful in their lives.
How is this album different than previous releases?
This album has a few songs on which I’m more deliberately political than on my previous albums. It was important for me to have that element of political and social commentary on “Good Trouble”.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
The balance of the creative and business side of music can be challenging at times. As an indie artist, I enjoy being in control of my career. I think it’s a valuable skill for artists to know and understand the business. That being said, it can be time-consuming and stressful at times. It’s crucial to know when to put all that aside and focus back on the music. Technology affords indie artists like myself the opportunity to wear many different hats and forge a career without being beholden to the big corporate machine. Whether it’s in recording, distributing, or being able to connect directly to fans on social media, technology has been pivotal in affording me the opportunity to make music for a living.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Really Love” D’Angelo
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl. Nothing sounds better.
You have a few tour dates coming up. For fans who have not yet seen you live, what can they expect from your live performance?
They can expect to get more from me than just what is on the record. It’s important for me at the shows to connect to the audience, whether telling stories behind the songs, or just getting silly and singing old sitcom theme songs 🙂
