Recently, we had the pleasure of chattin' with the guys of the rockin' new group, Mukala. The trio released their debut album in September, entitled Fiction on Essential Records. I strongly suggest you check it out if you haven't already.
This interview took place on: 11/16/98.  

Jesus freak Hideout: Why the name, "Mukala?"

Dan Muckala: The name Mukala is either:
a) a horrible African disease contracted from the Dung Beetle
b) My Last name (Dan, the lead singer)
You guess which! ;)

JFH: How did the band get started?

Dan: The band got started out of a desire that God gave me to put together a group that, number one, did extremely CURRENT pop music (which is something that frustrated me about the Christian industry at the time) that really was focused on reaching kids and not just playing music either. I've always felt that Christian music should be a medium that reaches into the mainstream, so we would love to see that happen (in God's timing of course), but you can't ignore the very real needs of the youth in our own churches today, either.

JFH: How would you describe your sound?

Dan: Whew! Here goes: It's a trippy blend of Urban mixed with Rock, with what some would call 'Electronica' seasoned throughout. How's that? :)

JFH: What bands have influenced your sound?

Dan: We would say there has been some English influence on our sound, but we don't want to grind that ever-popular axe too much. Definitely some of the great songwriters of our time like The Beatles, James Taylor, but also some hard influences by Beck, Sneaker Pimps, Orbital, and some other more current bands that we really like. YES.

JFH: What is the song "Skip to the End" referring to?

Dan: It's a quirky song about how you can read about the end of the world in 'Revelation.'

JFH: What inspired the song, "Regret?"

Dan: "Regret" is a song about growing up and realizing that there are so many things you can do with your life, and there's just not enough time to do it all.

JFH: What is "Original Sin" about?

Dan: "Original Sin" is merely a commentary on the current 'shock rocker' trend in music and film. People who just want to push the envelope in a very destructive way. I just wonder if they have something better to do with their time than speed up the moral landslide that exists in our society.

JFH: What's the meaning behind the song "Atrocity?"

Dan: Wow! You've picked a lot of the dark tracks on the record. Well, here goes. I would say 'Atrocity' is about leaders who use and abuse their power, and the devastation that it incurs.

JFH: What is your favorite Mukala song?

Dan: I would have to say "Regret", probably because I didn't write all of it. It was a collaboration between Ty Lacy and I, and I had a lot of fun. It also has a great feel. And that's what music comes down to sometimes: It makes me feel great! :) Jason Collum: "Atrocity," because it has an 'edge', and it grooves, so I give it a '10'! Alex Nifong: I also like 'Regret' because it was fun to record.

JFH: What is your favorite Bible verse?

Dan: I know it's probably pretty common, but I would have to say Proverbs 3:5, because I have found it to be incredibly true in my own life: Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge HIM, and he will direct your paths. Jason: Phillipians 4:6 -- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication, let your requests be made known unto God. I get anxious a lot; sometimes I try to take care of things myself, and I realize that I can't do it all myself. Alex: Proverbs 11:25 -- A generous man will prosper. He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. I like this verse because it reminds me how I should treat other people.

JFH: Do you prefer Mountain Dew or Surge?

Dan: Definitely Mountan Dew. Jason: Chocolate Milk. Alex: Mountain Dew!

JFH: What's your favorite movie?

Dan: Don't ask me why, but it used to be Aliens. Now it's probably Forget Paris. See the relationship? ;) Jason: I forget movies right after I see them, so I don't remember. Alex: Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

JFH: What does the future hold in store for Common Children?

Dan:We have secret plans for world domination that we are unable to disclose to the public at this time. It has something to do with Y2K. ;)

JFH: The Jesus freak Hideout site was started out of appreciation for good Christian music. We've set a goal to try to use the site to spread Christian music, as well as God's Word, & show others how great Christian music can be. Do you listen to Christian music? If so, what bands?

Dan: We really respect and appreciate the bands that we have gotten to know as God has opened doors for us as a band. Currently, we are on tour with a couple of really great bands: Bleach and Seven Day Jesus. I think that as you get to know the people behind the music, your appreciation for what they do really soars. Of course, our labelmates are some of our faves: Jars, and Plumb. :)

JFH: I really appreciate you taking out the time in your busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Are there any last comments you'd like to make?

Dan: We want you to know how much we appreciate you seeking us out to do this interview, and perhaps we can meet face to face sometime!