Less than six months after breaking into the indie pop/rock scene, Hot Mud is ready to share his newfound zest for life with his sophomore album, Pink Cloud Pop, due out Friday, September 6, 2024. The first single, “Welcome to Humankind,” is out now and asks, “How often do you wonder what this life is all about?”

The catchy, upbeat song is a quirky anecdote that applies to anyone, no matter where they are on their journey through life. The poignant lyrics recall the questions and searching Hot Mud has endured in his life so far, while also reminding the listener to “fill your days with laughter/’Cause nothing really matters/And live happily ever after,” because “surprise/Nobody gets out of it alive.”

While his debut album Rehab Rock was a raw, dirty, honest and introspective album that recalled his early days of addiction and recovery, Pink Cloud Pop brings a new positive perspective and a more upbeat sound. Hot Mud said that on the new album, he embraces his idiosyncrasies in anthems for underdogs while continuing to elaborate on his journey as an artist and recovering addict.

Hot Mud describes himself as an alter ego, rocker and weirdo. The man behind the nickname is Ottawa musician Muddy Watters, who was named after the famous blues musician. He called himself Hot Mud after he was told that when he is drunk he becomes a completely different person.

Thankfully, his path led him to rehab, where he spent over a year in treatment facilities where he became sober and healthy. “Rehab Rock” was recorded entirely during his stays, while “Pink Cloud Pop” looks forward and conveys a slightly happier attitude.

From Hot Mud’s perspective, the song and album are a fresh start. After his lead single from Rehab Rock, “Where the Bad Kids Go” – a song that embraces the dirty glamour and mystery of life in the dark, dangerous world of drugs and intoxication – Pink Cloud Pop feels like a happy rebirth.

Hot Mud said he is now sober and focused and has developed a new positive perspective that reflects his attitude and behavior. The title and theme of his new album references the term “pink cloud,” known in addiction treatment circles as a temporary period of euphoria and extreme optimism during the rehabilitation process.
According to the artist, he struggled with his addiction “like his whole life” and was only recently able to free himself from the dark and shady underbelly of this life.

That’s why Hot Mud made “Pink Cloud Pop.” He says it’s a miracle he’s still alive – he sees it as a rebirth and a “welcome to humanity.”