a friend on facebook suggested that i post an AMA cause i guess people have questions - i dunno. i will try to be as candid as i can so let her rip...
Posted Oct 3, 2010, 9:37 PM UTC
blt baby! lots of mayo on a croissant... everything's better with bacon
everything's better with bacon
A popular sentiment round these parts.
It helps when you're replying to a question to click on "reply" directly underneath the question. That way, people can see what it is in response to.
i'm catching on - thanks
I actually kind of like that reply out of context.
As do I.
Are you sober?
I don't understand the downvotes, it certainly was a valid question.
I don't understand them either. Anyone who is familiar with Mustard through O&A knows that alcoholism is an issue. I thought it was a valid question to ask.
An random internet fuckwad who is completely unfamiliar with Mustard could have easily asked that question just to be a dick.
still sober - little over 5 months now
I want to know the day count as well.
april 29th is my sober date and still sober as of today - you do the math
Great job man!
Also the raw passion in your voice is fucking awesome.
This was on one of the youtube video's of him:
7/30/10 Daniel "Homeless" Mustard has been sober 93 days when he came back in to perform Gnarls Barkley's
I know it's been a couple months, hopefully he doesn't mind answering.
Shut the fuck up and have some respect for him. (You can go die in a fire now bitch)
The two of us crossed paths one night at Montclair State University. You were staying with someone on campus because of a blizzard, and when this girl I knew said she was going to hang out with you later that night I convinced her to get you and your friend to come over to my apartment on campus to hang out. You met us in the train station, then we went over to my apartment for some drinks. I offered you the remainder of a bottle of Svedka, which you accepted and consumed. Then we all went outside and you watched us have a snowball fight.
I never told you that I knew who you were, but I definitely was starstruck that whole night. I love all of your covers, and I really wish I gave you my guitar to play a song or two in my apartment. I would have loved to jam with you as well (since I'm a guitar major at MSU). Maybe during some other blizzard our paths will cross again.
i remember that night - i was crashing with russell and he had this big crush on one of girls we were hanging out with. i don't remember which one. which one where you i'm now wondering... thanks again for the svedka
It was my pleasure to provide you with the svedka. I was the longer haired gentleman who was drinking wine with Theresa (the girl whom Russell had a crush on). I could imagine you perceiving me at the time as a wildly drunk man who was wearing a hoodie.
Keep up the music my man. It's the most beautiful and innocent act a person can engage in and you truly have a blessing in transmitting that magic to others.
thank you man. i hope our paths do cross again
Shouldn't be that tough to get a gig after the Chili Peppers, John.
Thanks for doing this AMA, I saw the video of you on O&A when it came out and was amazed.
How has your life changed since gaining internet stardom?
it is a real trip being recognized on the streets. that one still gets me. mostly though it's given me the drive and determinism to get off the streets and motivation to really get my shit together
You are really talented. There is a friend of mine, paul - 24 years old, he is an amazing guitarist. He lives on the streets, in and out of prison - meth addict, but I just wish he had the determination to get his shit together. I'm glad that you see the light. Alcohol will never get you anywhere in life. But, your music + reddit will. Keep it up and you're an awesome musician!
Reddit will get you nowhere... but keep on moving forward with music!
With talent like yours, all you needed was the exposure. Glad to hear you plan to make the best of it! You rock!!!
Determination :)
Edit: Everyone should be corrected whether they are young, old, homeless, wealthy, black, white, etc. I mean, if no one told him the right word because "oooh he's homeless, that's rude!" he'd go on using the right word. Jeez. Its not like I was a douchebag about it.
-cue montage music-
You're the best, AROUND! Nothing's gonna ever keep you down!
You corrected a homeless man. Congratulations.
story of my life... thought these questions would be simpler like what's your favorite color? red
Nah, although someone may ask you to describe your ideal sandwich.
You've caused an endless loop.
heheh
dude... I'm a 42 year old man who works as a computer programmer all his life (well since 23) and has never had the balls to ever play live in public even though I've played guitar since I was fucking 9 years old... so someone like you would be my total fucking opposite. I sit in my room and live in fear of someone hearing me play (I stop playing when I hear someone in the hallway outside my apartment and let them pass before starting again) and never leave my house. I also have this incredible fear of being homeless so I get up every day and go to work as a computer programmer even though it bores the hell out of me and I'd much rather be playing my guitar and writing songs and trying to become the next Leonard Cohen (or the white Fred MacDowell) but no I go to work every day because the idea of being homeless freaks the fuck out of me. You have more talent than I do, though. I can play but you're better. And you're a better singer. And besides nobody wants to hear my shit anyway. Rock on for the both of us, man.
This makes me sad.
ok... then I guess I made this for you and one other guy in this thread. I'm sorry for my choice of shitty file hosting sites and I'm sorry for my poor recording skills which left this recorded at a low volume. Generally I'm just sorry about a lot of things. Forgive me in advance like most people and we'll get along great for the duration of our relationship. thanks.
Cosign.
i'm sure if you put it out there and gave it your all you'd be really surprised by how many people want to hear your shit - i was. i used to play alone in my room too terrified that someone would hear it. now all sorts of people want to hear it. the fear of failing can be enormous but if you don't even try then you've already failed - give it a shot man
You don't know that people don't want to hear your shit. A lot of people that aren't musically inclined love nothing more than to sit and listen to someone play. (like me, I can't play a damn thing, and lets not discuss singing)
Don't let the fear control you.
I want to hear you sing and play ... come on, I dare you. Give it a shot.
Just for context: I'm 44 and about three months ago I gave up a steady job as a reporter to start my own freelance business - best move I ever made.
So, come on! Show us what ya got :)
just between us, k?
http://www.filefactory.com/file/b3d0g2d/n/resoTake8.mp3
sorry I didn't know where else to put it... I realize now they're a terrible 'wait to download' site... urgh so sorry. God and to top it off it's recorded at a really low volume... jeez you'd be a saint just to listen to it.
Jess - I can call you Jess, right? Cause I feel like we've had a bit of a moment here, if you know what I mean - that was great, man. Seriously! It was hard to hear your voice but the guitar work was great, I had the speakers cranked up and I was straining to hear your voice over the strings... that's when I realized that my feet were tapping along with my fingers beating on the desk to the rhythm you were putting down. Good stuff.
I know what you're thinking: "This guy is just trying to make me feel good" - not so. I truly enjoyed that and I'm honored to be your first audience - now go find some more. You've got nothing to lose.
Change your ID to "GreatIdeaSon"
I didn't recognize the music. Was it your own?
thanks, that's very nice of you. I appreciate the kind words. The song is "an original" (although with that chord progression I'm not sure how original it really is...) Again, thanks for the encouragement. I won't quit playing now. You've done a lot for me.
no, thanks. I actually decided to let Daniel Mustard live out my fantasies of being a rebellious rock star who says "fuck it all" and goes for broke. I'll stick with my middle class life, boring as it may be. I'm even giving up playing guitar - I don't see the point anymore. People like Daniel are the real musicians, I'm just a computer programmer with a hobby, that's all.
/end discussion.
please don't quit playing dudeman - please
Check it out, dude... either way, you're going to die. Why not just do it? You're gonna die anyway if you don't do it.
I'll be interested in hearing you play, just record it and throw it up on youtube.
no, going to keep to myself. No reason to make a fool of myself in public.
What about make a throwaway youtube account, record your music and then upload it without video.
Where can I usually find you to buy you lunch next time I'm in NYC?
hit me up on facebook - we'll make a date. i could use some real food
There are people who have facebook but not food. Just think about that 2010, have a little think.
I work in a homeless shelter... Everybody there has facebook. and yup, no food. Facebook, as Mr Mustard pointed out is actually a link to food sometimes. and jobs, and places to live. If I were homeless, it would be way scarier to be homeless without internet use. Harder to get your needs met!
Daniel, I am a big fan!
woed dude... i can get on line for free at apple stores and libraries but food's another matter
I didn't mean it as a criticism of you, i meant it as a criticism of society.
not just some, internet is free in so many places that food isn't that I wouldn't be surprised if there were more people with an email adress and no/shit food than people with an email address and real food.
cerrtainly i would think there are more people with an e-mail adress than a real one
You got some honest song in your soul. The Creep video on O&A was incredible.
i;m a soul singer that's for sure
And you're a blues singer as well Red.
[deleted]
Hey, just saw this on your Facebook! Awesome!
I think I'll preempt everyone and ask: can you give us some of your background story? How'd you end up homeless? What do you do during the day in NYC when you're homeless? When's your new album out? Will it include your creep cover?
This!
how are you doing with the sobriety thing? big props for that, by the way. keep it up.
sobriety is coming along - mostly i'm bored and depressed all the time but it's better than passing out in the gutter in a puddle of my own piss
[deleted]
it's all your ;)
Saw that video, the one with Creep right?
His Britney Spears cover is better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_Nc41ft6i4&feature=related
i could barely see that morning i can do soooo much better. i love singing that song cause nobody expects it. nyu girls would stop and stare and question each other, "is that britney fucking spears?" too funny
That's pretty fucking hilarious. Have you thought about doing other pop songs like that?
i used to do a whole set of over the top pop songs for that very reason. oassis, macy gray, britney... i was fun
What's with the hammer and sickle star on your hat? ARE YOU A COMMUNIST?
well i did grow up around a lot of hippy types who support a more communal way of living but the pin was actually a gist from a friend who was born in the former u.s.s.r. and more for his sake than any politiacal statement on my part
Yup.
Hey dude! Love your songs on youtube, I listen to them all the time. How about the brief story of your life up to this point, and how things are going now?
better
Brilliant.
[deleted]
influences... well i grew up on the beatles. my mother was a hugh fanatic. in my house as a kid the word for music was the beatles. i also grew up with older sisters so their music was always playing - led zeppelin, james taylor, the bee gees, supertramp, chicago, jim croce, reo speedwagon, 10cc. the popular music of my youth was really hip-hop; l.l. cool j was king and queen latifah still rapped. my favorite records where digital underground's sex packets and arrested development. m.c hammer managed to kill that for me - it was then i started getting in to the alt scene; sonic youth, pixies, violent vemmes, lemonheads, concrete blonde. then the grunge thing hit and i was all over that shit! i was completely in love with pearl jam, nirvana, blind melon & alice in chains. a few other names i must throw out there; bob dylan, van morrison, ricki lee jones, joni mitchell, paul simon, elliott smith, leonard cohen, michael penn and aimee mann. i'm sure i'll be kicking myself later about whoever it is i've forgotten.
i knew i'd forget the soul singer; otis otis otis, etta james, bill withers, marvin gaye, aretha nd janis - yummy
Forgot Neil, too! :) My Girlfriend and I think you are fucking incredible, and wish you the best of luck.
i have great respencr for mr young but i wouldn't count him as an influence although many have said otherwise. i really never listened to him much... but a truly great artist
damn, that was a hell of a good list.
[deleted]
[deleted]
When can i hear you cover any of those older artists? The Beatles are my favourite band, and In My Life is my favourite song of theirs. What's yours?
i do in my life with russell this guitar player/friend from jersey - i can't play it but i love to sing it
Are you still homeless? What is one thing (when you are sitting on the street) you wish a passerby would give to you (not money).
th ebest thing i ever got while pan handleing was in phili - i was mierable worst experiance of my life. i was sitting on a corner about to fucking cry cause i had no money and nothing to eat i had just been mugged the night before - literally nothing. the young woman, i didn't even see her coming, hurried up to me and gave me a ten spot then she said to me, "do you want a hug?" "YES" i said and she gave me this great love from the heart really meant it kind of hug. that really made all the difference and got me through the day, week, month...
is someone cutting onions again?
Awesome, thanks.
What's going on with you and Opie? Is he still working with you?
no i'm working with a producer who saw a show i did at a place called groove. i promoted the show on o&a and plan to promote the e.p. on their show too. keep an ear out
Groove NYC in the west village?? That place is fucking awesome
Which well known singer/songwriters do you hate? (Musically. Personally if you have a good story)
i hate three bands with a passion; hootie and the blowfish, queensryche and rush. everything else i can find something to admire. of people i've met i'll say michael penn is a real sweetheart and so totally gracious. ryan adams: a real pretentious dick. though i am big fans of both
Aw. I love you and I love Rush. :(
Hell yeah, hootie and rush- fuck both those bands. I cannot stand them either.
upvote for support. How can people listen to Rush
Because we like them. Crazy huh?
even nickleback?
no comment
WTF is wrong with Rush? couz they got a cool song called Working Man?
They caall me the working maaaaannn!
I must ask, what makes you hate Queensryche? They used to be one of my favorite bands, but they've slowly fallen from my grace and I rarely listen to them at all anymore.
are we talking new rush or old rush? (pre/post moving pictures). post rush, I can't argue with ya.
Woah woah woah, why Rush?! :(
You don't like Rush? Wow. Ok, other than that, you're still rather awesome :D I've shown your youtubes to a few people and everyone's really been impressed. Best wishes on everything going forward, and I will say that I hope you stick around reddit!
There's two kind of people in this world. People who hate Rush and retards.
word
rush don't give me a rush
LEAVE HOOTIE ALONE!
the darius rucker is like only the most souless black man in america
You seem to be technologically savvy... why not upload an album to torrents or something and have a paypal link?
I am sure reddit (with its generosity) would set you up a website.
Yeah please post your paypal details, I'd love to donate to put you in a warm bed.
www.thehomelessmustard.com has my paypal link... i'd much appreciate
I've been listening to your version of Creep nonstop since I found it a couple days ago. I get paid Friday. Have dinner on me then man.
Any updates on when your record is coming out? I know on YouTube you said mid October.
i don't lmow what a torrent is i'm really not that savvy - it took me days and help from peeps on fb to get this ama posted. thanks for the support though
Hey Danny, my name is Dino and I've been friends with your sisters since high school. You were kind of young back then so you probably don't remember me. I just wanted to say that I think you have a lot of talent and i hope it works out for you. You're right about getting your head strait before you can do anything else. Hopefully you're getting that worked out. Reddit is an awesome community and already a big fan of yours. When you did the XM show last year someone posted links to that and it might have made the front page, or at least it came close, and I saw a lot of people wanting to buy your music. Reddit might be a good place to help you turn your talent into money. It's probably a good place to meet people who used to be homeless too, if you think that might help. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. Congratulations on 2 million youtube hits, by the way. That should make any artist happy.
yo dino, i certainly do remember you. i was quite fascinated by my sisters and their friends growing up. you all seemed so cool - now i know better ;) i appreciate what you said and i do hope to turn all this into something. thanks for listening
how long have you been playing guitar and singing?
been singing all my life but i came to the guitar a little late in life - about 25. most of the guitar players i know have been playing since they where zygotes ;)
25? Awesome! I started when I was late 23. Now I'm late 24 and things are starting to slowly piece together.
just keep at it - when i was firs tlearning i played the thing everyday whether for two minutes or two hours but a little bit everyday. eventually the things that seemed so hard at first become second nature
That is great man, I'm 26 and just starting myself, it's a little intimidating cause everyone else started so young...
I'm pretty sure the guy from The Strokes didn't start playing until he was 18 or 19, and got a deal in his early twenties. Never too late to start!
[deleted]
cmon, the first queensryche album was pretty good
sorry got no love the ryche - there was this one album about a junk addicted cia agent that a friend of mine used to play all the time and just drove me nuts... maybe someday when i'm old and can't hear to well anymore
Daniel, loved you on O&A.
For reference:
Mustard performing Creep
Mustard performing Boys Don't Cry
Mustard performing Baby One More Time
Mustard performing Crazy
Mustard performing Last Time
Saw the Creep youtube video a while back. Honestly, feel that Mustard performs a much better rendition of the song than Radiohead. The emotion and genuine intensity is heart-touching. He captures the meaning in a way that Radiohead was simply unable to. Ex. Jimi Hendrix's rendition of All Along the Watchtower vs. Bob Dylan's original.
I just thought it sounded like he was trying really hard to have an actual tone through all the fucked up voice.
truth is i was wasted terrified and it was 6:30 in the morning
Nothing against you for it, everyone loved it.
Not my cup of tea though. Thanks for doing it though! :D
I won't downvote you, but the fact you think Thom can be beaten at his own game is laughable.
Don't worry I'll downvote him for you.