Doomed Confessionary: Matt Watkins (Momovudu)
Momovudu is a three-piece psychedelic stoner rock band from Kansas City, Missouri. Working class psychedelic response to the failures of human governance, the war between freedom vs control and self destruction vs universal love.
The band just released their self-titled debut album on November 4th, 2024. Recorded exclusively at Crystal Clear Sound in Dallas, Texas. Engineered and co-produced by Kent Stump.
Momovudu are Matt Watkins (guitar, vocals), Nate Kiersey (bass) and Brent Richards (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a three piece out of Kansas City which has a thriving music scene and doom scene. The band is Brent Richards on drums, Nate Kiersey on bass and me, Matt Watkins on guitar and vocals.
Nate sings on the upcoming album as well. We’ve all been in bands, touring etc. I was in Wo Fat in the very beginning but had to drop out during the first album’s recording because I lived too far away and was raising a family but I rejoined years later.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge was finding Nate. We had a few bass players in the beginning but when we got Nate it was perfect. During the very first song I knew he was the guy. The most challenging part of a band is getting the right chemistry. We still have challenges like every other band, booking tours is difficult, keeping equipment running and getting more when we need it. Running a band is a full time job too, but we are making progress everyday.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I am very happy to be making music with these two guys. I try to temper pride but happiness I won’t conceal. We are all creative and bounce it off each other. There is no ego when you throw it all out there. We’re all good at letting go and having the confidence to let the music find itself.
What was your biggest regret?
Speaking for me personally, not the guys, I regret the state of our world and our politics in the United States.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We just played a show at the Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS which is an old school club with a huge history, that was great. On a personal note, Lake On Fire or Palp Festival with Wo Fat in 2022 was incredible and I hope to get momovudu on some gigs like that. Beautiful vibes. But we have some cool shows coming up so maybe those will be the most memorable.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
How large and connected the stoner/doom scene is. Bands from different sides of the spectrum have all hit a common nerve with so many people across the world. Many of these bands are so supportive of each other and that gives me hope after the pandemic and our constant political turmoil in the US and worldwide. Everything is a mess but it is nice to see that a bunch of artists and fans from all parts of the world can get along and help each other and enjoy their music. We’ve had so much positive energy.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Sleep the Sciences, Joe Henderson the Elements, The Kinks- Arthur, John Coltrane Africa Brass, Duke Ellington, Rahsaan Rolland Kirk, Freddie King, RL Burnside, Link Wray. It’s hard to say, we listen to everything but those artists have had some spins lately for sure.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Don’t ever sell equipment and don’t ever lose the count, if you make a mistake don’t stop playing.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Haha, I’m not guilty about it. Wine and marijuana.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Kansas City / Missouri?
Kansas City, Missouri kicks ass as a music scene. I lived in LA, Dallas, Boston. They’re all great scenes but Kansas City has it in it’s blood. There is a killer band called Godzillionaire which is well established with great live shows and stellar albums, they are on Ripple Records. There are some up and coming bands that really blow my mind, Möld – a three piece doom surf instrumental band that is totally badass, I’ve only played one gig with them but really really like those guys. Low Forest is another one, trippy and intelligent, and They Watch us From the Moon is a cool band as well. I love watching these bands so playing with them is fantastic, as a fan. Then there is the blues scene here, and the jazz. It isn’t what it used to be but there is no shortage of talent. If you’re coming to KC for a holiday, eat at Arthur Bryant’s BBQ, hit the Record Bar or the Bottleneck for some live rock/heavy shows and if you’re feeling swanky, go to the Green Lady Lounge for some Hammond organ small ensemble jazz.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
All over, hopefully. We are playing in Texas in January and hitting the mountains in the spring, Denver, Albuquerque, Dallas, Austin. We are working very hard to line up a European tour if we can book it in time for summer 2025.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are in negotiations right now so I don’t want to say anything about this album but we are recording in January with Kent again, and will hopefully get everything done for the next release in the summer if possible. Staying busy, gigging, writing, touring. Our goal is an album a year and at least one European tour every year. We want to work, we like to gig, we like to tour, we like to write.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
I wish I had an amazing event to say I was attending. Since we aren’t gigging that night, that I know of, I will be staying on the farm with my wife, taking care of scared horses while fireworks explode.
How can people best support your band?
Spread the word. Word of mouth is essential. Ground swell is the best, it is true. Promotion is great but when people like something and tell others, that is magic. The happiest we can be as a band is to have fans that appreciate the music.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Please support your local bands. Go see live shows, if possible. And Thank you, from momovudu for surfing our vibe. We hope to play in your area soon!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well