Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Kendall Lujan. Together we discussed greetings, their creative process, Portland, their newest single “Forget Me Knot”, and so much more!
1. Mustard is grateful to have you join them at Music Shelf. How you doin’?
I’m doing great ! It has been a busy time these last few weeks but all is well !
2. “How you doin'” is a common human catchphrase to greet one another. Is this your favorite introduction? How did this introduction influence your song of the same name?
I love saying ‘how ya doin’, definitely one of my favorites. I woke up one morning and asked myself that question and at the time was borrowing a keyboard from my roommate. I played three chords then started to sing my song titled ‘how ya doin” and I send it to my friends when i’m checking in on them or I know they are feeling down.
3. Mustard wonders what your relationship with music was growing up.
I was very involved in sports growing up and didn’t put much into it. Although I always sang but was deathly afraid to sing in front of people. My mom put me in piano lessons, and unfortunately I hated it. My teacher actually didn’t want to teach me anymore because I never practiced. Now looking back I am upset I didn’t stick with it. Sorry mom…
4. Who would you consider some of your influences?
I would say the top ones are Karen Dalton, Billie Holiday, Julie London, and Feist.
5. What is your creative process?
It really depends. I type a lot of notes on my phone from things I see out in the wild. Then I usually go home and start messing around on the guitar and start singing what I have. But I find my favorite songs that I have written have just come out when I hit record and play them through the first time that way, of course with some changes and usually going back to write a bridge.
6. Is there a song or album that had a significant impact on you?
It’s hard to choose but Possibly Feist’s Album “Let It Die”, And The Ink Spots “The Anthology” because every song starts the same and i think it is genius and that album is just a classic.
7. When did you begin singing harmonies for The Shoulderpads?
I met AC Sapphire June 2022 probably had our first rehearsal mid July and we have been singing together ever since!
8. You are one half of the duo “Caliko” whose debut show is on February 23rd. Could you share some more information about this show?
Yes! We are extremely excited to have our debut show at Mississippi Studios on 2.23.23! (lucky numbers) with Hannah Glavor and Johnny Franco ! We have brand new songs and new tricks up our sleeves so come for a great time!
8. Moving to Portland allowed you to work more on your original music. How has Portland influenced your music?
Moving to Portland during the pandemic left me friendless, so all I had was music. Looking back on it was one of the best times to turn inwards and finally start songwriting and getting what was going on in my head out.
9. Can you confirm if the humans of Portland are still dreaming of the 90s?
I would have to say yes. We are all dreaming of a lot of things here. It’s a beautiful mess.
10. If you could craft your music into a quilt, what kind of design would it have? What fabric would you use?
Many many flowers, birds, teapots and anything burnt orange and yellow.
11. Last week you released “Forget Me Knot.” What was the inspiration behind this single?
This was a song I wrote while looking out my dining room window during the pandemic and longing to feel creative again. I remember waking up every day and just waiting to feel creative again felt like a rainy Portland groundhog’s day. I was also just missing my friends.
12. Humans sometimes have to tie and untie knots. Do you have a favorite type of knot?
I would have to say a bowtie.. Although this may not be the answer you are looking for. Definitely the cutest knot in my eyes.
What are the benefits of knots?
Knots hold together what you cannot (see what I did there)\
13. What can fans expect from your upcoming EP?
They can expect to hear my songs in a way they have never heard me play them live. They are full band recordings.
14. Where can readers listen to your music?
Everywhere ! Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, you name it, it’s there!
Music Shelf With Mustard 