Ep 7: Muck Sticky on Finding Strength in Being an Independent Artist

Host Grace Askew chats with the prolific, eccentric artist Muck Sticky on all things being a working artist. His story of finding strength in being an independent artist, staying true to his path - no matter how high his level of success - will truly inspire you.
Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Muck Sticky comes from a long line of musicians. His great-grandparents founded one of the first gospel bluegrass quartets in 1929 known as The Wayfaring Strangers, and both of his grandfathers were well known musicians. One was Gene Lowery of The Dixie Four who often recorded at Sun Studios in Memphis, and sang backing vocals for artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Charlie Rich.

Between the ages of 16-23, Sticky was employed in many different fields including carpentry, restaurant service, bricklaying, water park lifeguard, and ice cream truck driver. In the year 2000, with the money he earned from his manual laborer job at a local convention service company, he bought an 8-track recorder and began creating his first album. In January 2001, he gave his first live performance at a “Battle of the Bands” concert in his hometown Memphis, TN. Since Sticky recorded all of his music alone, he decided to attach wigs, hats, sunglasses, and instruments to 6-foot tall floor lamps and call them his “band”. To this day he frequently brings them on stage during his shows, but the show has grown to include his mother, sister, best friends, and his fans.

Sticky was featured on the MTV series $5 Cover, which centers around the careers of singers from the Memphis, TN area. The show is produced by Craig Brewer, director and writer of the 2005 movie, Hustle & Flow.[1]

He has released a feature film entitled Muscadine Wine.

A review described Sticky as an artist who "comes across as a backwoods midpoint between Beck and Mungo Jerry...somewhere between Slim Shady and Weird Al."[2]

Watch his 2nd feature film, "Dig That, Zeebo Newton," here.
Curated Spotify playlist for Muck Sticky can be listened to here.
Muck Sticky on Instagram.
Grace Askew on Instagram.

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Outside of these inspiring interviews, Grace offers further artistic growth opportunities through semi-annual songwriting retreats held in Memphis, TN and 1:1 Zoom coaching! All details can be found at her website: GraceAskew.com