Puddle Of Mudd vocalist/guitarist Wes Scantlin has penned a piece for Artist Waves, discussing his long road to sobriety, the band’s forthcoming new album “Welcome To Galvania” and more. He in part commented of the journey that led him to this new record:
“…Getting to this point was not easy. Over the past ten years, there were a lot of people that were bitter and a lot of stuff that happened that was wrong. I felt there were some people who wanted to keep me down. I had to power through a lot.
Everyone was hearing what’s going on and I understand the interpretation on the listener and watchers’ part, but if people really knew what was actually happening with me, they would understand that I was being slammed and ridiculed by some of the people who helped start Puddle Of Mudd get going. There were some moments of wanting to run and hide. I am no angel, but I did feel there were some people who felt – ‘Get Wes, get Wes!'”
He later continued:
“There was a point where I was getting retirement music insurance papers sent to me and it crossed my mind that maybe I wouldn’t play anymore. Maybe Puddle Of Mudd was finished. Then I realized that to me, retiring at this point in my life would feel like a death sentence. I rather just keep going for a long as I can – as long as I can play shows and tour the world and meet different people. I love being a rambling man.”
Reflecting on his current sobriety, he stated:
“This is a new beginning for me. I had to change every playground and every playmate. I’m 23 months sober right now – my voice is back in shape and enabling me to feel like I’m singing great. My body, mind and soul are all healthy and we are just going to keep trucking – putting on shows, writing and recording.”
“Welcome To Galvania” is the band’s first full-length album in a decade and will arrive in stores on September 13th. It follows a string of legal incidents and meltdowns often attributed to Scantlin‘s problems with substance abuse.
