30 YEARS WITH THE MOTHER HIPS
Some artists have made a successful career out of establishing a signature sound and then sticking with it over the course of their entire catalog. Other artists take a potentially riskier approach, following their muse wherever it takes them. The latter description certainly fits Northern California group the Mother Hips: across 10 studio albums, the group have recorded and released music that can be variously described as alternative rock, jam, folk rock, psychedelic, Americana and even power pop. And along the way, the Mother Hips have built and cultivated a loyal fan base.
Last year marked the 30th anniversary of the band’s formation in Chico, California. In the absence of a tour — the COVID-19 pandemic made that impossible — the band instead launched a reissue campaign in February; the entire catalog will be reissued one title per month. And for the first time, the band’s albums are being pressed onto vinyl.
Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Tim Bluhm addresses the point about the Mother Hips’ ongoing stylistic metamorphosis. “Some bands have had a lot of success making the same records over and over again,” he observes, “once the label and the band have found an equation that is successful.” He chuckles when he successful.”
