Recently we had the opportunity to talk to Samurai Shotgun lead guitarist and full time starving artist Tyler Mulder about his creative endeavors, living in ATL, & missed life trajectories.
Photo Via Tyler Mulder Facebook
Mulder is a Tampa, Florida transplant living in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Him along with some of his bandmates have made quite a name for themselves touring the U.S. opening for a variety of acts from Trash Talk to sharing the stage with Afro-Punk festival alums like Tyler the Creator & Solange, dropping mindboggling visuals, playing SXSW, releasing solo projects and  working at the liquor store, or package store (as they say in the A).  With the dedication that goes into becoming a successful modern-day creative we had to ask the 2 questions that separate the artists from the starving artist.Â
Photo Via Tyler Mulder Facebook
Why are you still doing it?
  SCB: Why did you do it? Why did you even start painting?
TM: I needed a new creative outlet. Painting was easier than putting together another musical project.
SCB: Is paint your preferred medium?
TM: I prefer whatever caters to my style at the moment. Be it painting, music, etc. My world is a giant canvas.
SCB: How would you describe your style or how you approach a piece?
TM: Iâm not sure what my style is, but it all comes from improvisation. I donât really blueprint out my concept. An idea for direction may pop up while painting, but Iâm just going with the flow.
SCB: As a kid, were you into to art or music first?
TM: I always into art as a kid, thought Iâd be doing it professionally until music got in the way.
SCB: Seems like you have a creative family, are they the key to the success of your endeavors or maybe the reason youâre still doing what youâre doing?
TM: I could write a novel about them and sell it as fiction (lol). Lots of ups and downs, but I have always been into the arts. I was first exposed to it probably through my motherâs old paintings, but I always tend to discover my creative endeavors through my own influence. I was never around people painting or doing music seriously as a child. I was the odd man out until after High School.
SCB: If you werenât making music or painting what other creative ventures would you be pursuing?
TM: I would be skateboarding. I should have never quitâŠ
SCB: Speaking of things you never quit, we heard (from your bandmates) you usually wake up with a guitar on and keep it on all day, how do you feel about Gibsonâs bankruptcy?
TM: Itâs a love/hate relationship I have with Gibson. The Les Paul is probably my go to, but I canât stay loyal to one brand. I buy my stuff used anyways, the older the better.
Mulder Playing Gibson Les Paul.
SCB: Who are some of the musical greats you like to study?
TM: I grew up listening to Incubus and Tool, (go figure). But Iâve always been a die-hard fan of Prince and Robert Fripp. Others artists like Joni Mitchell, John Frusciante, and an endless list of songwriters. I donât listen to much guitar music for influence. I probably listen to trap music more than a do anything else lol.
Gibson/Epiphone Les Paul STANDARD PLUS-TOP PRO Electric Guitar with Coil-Tapping, Heritage Cherry Sunburst
SCB: Has moving to Atlanta influenced your style at all?
TM: Not directly, but people change with growth. Music ages like a fine wine.
SCB: Talk us a little bit about creating music for Samurai Shotgun vs. your own personal music project?
TM: Samurai Shotgun is an equal effort. I write for my instrument, as everyone else in the band writes for theirs. Me or Bryant (Bryant Harp, Samurai Shotgun bass player) might bring a concept to the table, but everyone is responsible for writing their own parts. For my personal stuff, itâs up in the air and under development.
Samurai Shotgun Members X Nardwuar
SCB: How involved are you visually or sonically as far as the band goes?
TM: I try to offer the best I can for my band, but there are five of us. Itâs like a marriage so everyone deserves to have their voice heard. I love the business of music, so I offer what I know to help with the overall vision. I try to learn as much as I can to help the flow of things and help develop the band.
SCB: Where can the good people of the interwebs find you and your work?
TM: Just google and stream Samurai Shotgun on all platforms, my art page is @tkm_art on Instagram. More secret stuff in the works so stay tuned.
Mulder has found success in the creative space by taking responsibility for his passion. What Separates The Artists From The Starving Artists might force you to be the odd man out at times but also allows the world to be your canvas.
CANVAS PANELS 12 PACK â 8âłX10âł SUPER VALUE PACK Artist Canvas Panel Boards for PaintingÂ
Through the ups and downs of life and when you hit creative roadblocks, the ability to collaborate and understand others will further open your mind while helping to maintain your sanity.
Last but not least, not everything has to be planned out, sometimes it good to be in the air and under development and not fully know what youâre doing (short term) but know that youâre really devoted to your belief (long term). Donât be afraid to idle a bit to appreciate where you are, before moving on.
For more of Mulderâs art â-> Instagram Page
 Samurai Shotgun will be opening up this coming Sunday, April 29th at The Orpheum  for Andrew W.K.
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What do you do when you're not playing SXSW? Recently we had the opportunity to talk to Samurai Shotgun lead guitarist and full time starving artistâŠ
