Nuke The Soup‘s Mark Davison has released his new single “Network,” which touches on Davison’s frustration with commercialism in society, and Davison plays the part of “both helpless consumer and puppet master.” “Network” is the first single from Nuke The Soup’s recent album, Deeper, which features original songs by Davison, showcasing his indelible songwriting.
The album features such prolific talent with drummer Chester Thompson of Zappa and Genesis, guitarist Garry Leonard of David Bowie, and produced by Kevin Killen, who’s work is featured with David Bowie, Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush. The album was also produced by Fugazi drummer, Brendan Canty.
We discussed Nuke The Soup’s outlook on commercialism in society, his new single and music video, “Network,” from his album, Deeper, his writing and recording process, and our classic fun questions.
With your new single “Network,” you take on a huge issue of commercialism in society. Can you elaborate on this?
Nuke the Soup: Yes. The advent of the 24 hour news cycle meant filling up space and finding the advertisers to pay for it. Doing so led to the trivialization of serious issues, such as war, to sell ad space. The end result is that society is now more calloused towards human tragedy. We see it all – everyday.
Was the theme behind the music video for “Network,” your idea or a collaboration of a variety of ideas?
Nuke: The words and music of the song are mine. I collaborated with director Rob Fitzgerald on the story line for the video.
“Network” is from your latest album, Deeper, out in May of this year. You enlisted some top-notch musicians to play on the album. How did you connect with them originally?
Nuke: I am fortunate to have known drummer Chester Thompson for many years. He’s originally from Baltimore and a friend of a friend. Guitarist Gerry Leonard is a good friend of producer Kevin Killen, so we recruited him for this record.
Can you share with us the recording and writing process of Deeper?
Nuke: The album started with the song, “Feel of the Ocean.” Once I wrote that, I felt the need to keep going. The song, “Deeper,” was mostly written during the last Nuke the Soup project, but I finished writing that next and it became the focal point which I wrote other songs around. We recorded 4 songs, then another four, including Network, and then three more to finish the album.
Deeper focuses on the theme of mortality; what led you to explore this theme?
Nuke: It was not intentional, but I guess when you reach a certain age these thoughts start to filter into your consciousness more often. During the recording, I went through a period where I thought I had something seriously wrong with me. And after months, I did discover a serious infection that required a major root canal for a molar, but fortunately nothing life threatening.
What’s next for you? A tour perhaps?
Nuke: More videos! The next video to be released will be the song “Deeper.” After that, “Feed the Fire.” I plan to play some acoustic dates at some radio stations we are getting airplay on. Still open to bringing the band out again for special events.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert?
Nuke: The Supremes, Baltimore Civic Center
What was your first album on vinyl, cassette, and/or CD?
Nuke: I think Hermans Hermits was one of my first albums. I had a number of Beatles 45s. I think Paint it, Black and “Ruby Tuesday” were some of my early Stones.
What five albums or artists would you not want to live without?
Nuke: Roxy Music’s Avalon was on my CD player for quite a while. I think The Shins’ melodies are amazing. I am floored by the emotion in some Sufjan Stevens tracks.
Do you have a guilty music or entertainment pleasure?
Nuke: Only thing I feel guilty about is listening to too much CNN on satellite these days, instead of music.
