As you immerse yourself in the captivating guitar riffs and gritty, soulful vocals of Blacktop Mojo, you might feel as if you’ve been whisked away to the iconic early 90s grunge scene of Seattle. However, the distinct Texas influence quickly brings you back to the present. This is not a nostalgic trip to the 90s or the Pacific Northwest; rather, it’s a fresh sound that pays tribute to the musical legends that paved the way. The East Texas band shares insights about their influences, notable achievements, and what lies ahead for Blacktop Mojo.
The Origins of their Mojo
The band originated in the small East Texas town of Palestine. While it may seem an unlikely birthplace for a grunge band, a closer look reveals it to be a fertile ground for southern-style metal and guitar riffs, drawing inspiration from iconic southern bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top. Vocalist Matt James and drummer Nathan Gillis founded the band in late 2012, blending various genres and styles, from heavy rock to smooth blues, to create a sound described as “Texas Grunge” by music enthusiasts.
Cultivating their Craft and Cutting their Teeth
With the release of their debut album “I Am” in 2014, the band began showcasing their distinctive sound across local venues in Texas, performing in dive bars, honky tonks, and dance halls. A few years later, as they worked on their sophomore album, “Burn the Ships,” the band committed to elevating their artistry. They focused entirely on their music by quitting their day jobs, turning Blacktop Mojo into their sole full-time pursuit. The band members moved into a shared house, fostering a close-knit bond that allowed them to live and breathe their passion for music.
A Relentless Drive Up the Charts
This commitment has paid off, as Blacktop Mojo has maintained an intense touring and recording schedule since. Their relentless efforts have led to multiple songs charting in the top 40 on both the Mediabase and Billboard Rock Charts, a significant achievement for independent artists.
Despite the challenges, the band continues to push forward, pursuing musical excellence. Blacktop Mojo has steadily grown their fanbase through ongoing touring, delivering their unique sound to enthusiastic audiences, and letting word-of-mouth do the rest. Lead singer Matt James emphasizes their commitment to traditional rock and roll values, stating that Blacktop Mojo performs music “the way it used to be. A group of people on stage playing their instruments right in front of your face. No laptops, no backing tracks. What you see is what you get.”
The Future of Texas Grunge
Perhaps this genuine approach is what has contributed to the band’s success: a nostalgic longing to experience the music and passion firsthand. Regardless, the combination of hard work, determination, and passion has led to remarkable milestones for Blacktop Mojo. Highlights include opening for Bon Jovi in 2016 and consistently charting on top music charts. The band is also looking beyond U.S. charts, boasting 230k subscribers on YouTube and 350k monthly listeners on Spotify.
With their unwavering tour schedule, the band is set to perform in the UK in the spring of 2025. With such relentless ambition, it seems inevitable that the sound of Texas Grunge will resonate globally as Blacktop Mojo continues their ascent.
