Wes Scantlin, PUDDLE OF MUDD…
He Doesn’t Have to Look Back Now
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Wes Scantlin the architect and front man for the 90’s grunge/rock band Puddle of Mudd. Scantlin has enjoyed numerous musical accolades including Billboards’ best rock artist of the year in 2002 and best rock track for the song Blurry the same year. Besides a triple platinum album for Come Clean; the band has had numerous hit singles including Drift and Die, Psycho and She Hates Me.
The story doesn’t end there. Like countless famous rockstars, Scantlin was engulfed in the many trappings of being a celebrity.
This included drugs and alcohol, which led to many public scraps with the law.
Now on the heels of new music and a sold-out tour, Scantlin is celebrating his first year of sobriety. During our interview he was very humble and clearly focused on the band’s future.
What age did you know music was one of your gifts?
At age 12 I knew I wanted to sing. My mom was a Patsy Cline impersonator and there were always instruments around everywhere. I played everything; guitar, bass, and even drums for 35 years.
Do ever think about playing drums on stage?
No, I think I’ll stick to what I know best and stay with the guitar.
Besides your longtime fans, it seems you have newer and younger fans. What does that say about the current trends in music?
It’s simple, music is timeless. People die but music is timeless. Today people are hungry for good music. The fans know what they like.
You are in the middle of a pretty grueling tour schedule, how do you unwind?
It’s not grueling, we are having a lot of fun. We’re playing music, writing music and having a blast. I do chill though in-between. I rest a lot, it’s good for the voice. I really feel like I’m getting my voice back.
When is the new album coming out?
Probably not until the first quarter. The music is fantastic, and there are other writers. You are going to be blown away!
Blurry, your most famous song, really resonated with your male fans who were single fathers. Do you have any new ballads that might be comparable?
Yes, I have a song that will appeal to men and women. It’s very heartfelt and everyone can relate to it. It will even make you teary. I think everyone will like it. It will make the hair on your arms stand up.
Many of your songs seem to be about relationships, will we be hearing more like those?
My songs are really about a lot of different people, not just women or relationships. Sure, there might be lyrics about getting naked. That’s obviously about women; but the song might also be about managers, lawyers, band mates, any sort of person that is around me.
Each song is usually about a combination of things; like Blurry is about my son, a situation, and a relationship gone bad. Sometimes I take parts of other songs and put them together. It might not always make sense, but I guess that’s a writer’s license.
You’ve made quite a few music videos, and it seems like you had a lot of fun making them. Do you ever think about acting?
Yes, I think about acting every day… every day.
What type of genre; comedy, drama, etc.?
All of it, all of the above. I’d like to try it all. I’m not sure I’d be any good at it.
What about a tell all book?
I have a few more goals to accomplish first before I write a book. There’s some talk about a movie, ha ha can you imagine that?
What are the two best things about being sober?
A good night sleep and being more aware. I’m doing better for myself and other people. It just feels good to do better.
What advice would you give to another musician who wants to get sober?
Get an ankle bracelet like I have that detects alcohol. No seriously, it’s hard cause that’s what musicians like to do. They like to party. For the kids they need to know there will be struggles but there are many avenues that can help them.
There are rehabs and people who are ready, with love, to help. There is a lot of help but maybe we don’t hear about it enough because the whole thing is supposed to be anonymous.
Wes looks great, and says he feels great. He attributes all of his blessings and the good people that now surround him to God. He prays every day and says, “I wouldn’t be here today or have all of this if it wasn’t for God.”
Lisa Carruthers-Statner
Freelance Writer
