Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Mowgli’s

With over a decade of experiences, hundreds of millions of streams, and several chart-climbing hits, the Mowgli’s are showing no signs of slowing down. Composed of Katie Jayne Earl (vocals), Josh Hogan (vocals/guitar), Matthew Di Panni (bass/vocals), Dave Appelbaum (keys/vocals), and Andy Warren (drums/percussion/vocals), they’ve done it all in their career. But like many bands and artists, they’ve had to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to their partnership with the Knitting Factory and their virtual concert debut. Pop Culturalist caught up with Josh of the Mowgli’s to chat about this milestone and the new music coming our way.

PC: How did you all discover your passion for music?
Josh: Most of us grew up in very musical families, so it’s in our blood. Music has been a great escape for us all, and we are lucky to have turned it into a career.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your careers?
Josh: First of all, music—all kinds of different music. We’ve been working with Candyshop Management since the beginning, and they have always steered us in the right direction.

We love hearing stories from fans about how our music has helped them through hard times or how they used a song at their wedding or other occasion. That’s what the Mowgli’s’ music is all about.

PC: You all have had a lot of success throughout your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Josh: Playing Red Rocks is definitely one that stands out. Meeting Portugal. The Man, Grouplove, and Tame Impala and hearing Ezra from Vampire Weekend tell me, “Wow. You’re having a big year.” When we really start to think about it, we realize how many great moments that we have shared.

PC: If you had to pick one of your songs that best encompasses who the Mowgli’s are, what would it be and why?
Josh: “I’m Good.” The song is about discovery and self-love.

PC: What’s one fun fact about each of you that fans would be surprised to learn?
Josh: Matt is actually an arena football player. David drives for Taylor Swift’s family trucking company. Andy has been directing episodes of the show Law & Order SVU for the last four years and never told anyone. Katie is teaching online dance classes. I used Mad Libs to write “Mr. Telephone.” I’m sorry!

PC: Like many other artists, you all have had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tell us about partnering with the Knitting Factory for your virtual debut.
Josh: When our team approached us with the idea, we were immediately into it. Since the pandemic started, we were trying to adapt, and this seemed like the exact kind of thing we wanted to try.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for the band?
Josh: We are writing music as much as we can and just overall trying to get through the days. We are going to continue to listen and learn and try to be the best people we can be.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Josh: Natalie Lafourcade or Post Malone.

PC: First album you bought?
Josh: E. 1999 Eternal by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

PC: First concert you attended?
Josh: Amy Grant.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Josh: Weezer’s Blue Album really set me on a path of rock ‘n’ roll and emo.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Josh: Madison Square Garden.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Josh: Dogs!

To keep up with the Mogwli’s, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify.