Stereomud

Most of Stereomud’s lineup—vocalist Eric Rogers, bassist Corey Lowery, drummer Dan Richardson, and guitarists John Fattoruso and Joey Z—arrived with considerable experience in heavy rock. Richardson had already logged time in both the Crumbsuckers and Pro-Pain, Joey Z had played with Life of Agony, and Lowery’s earlier band was Stuck Mojo. Because the musicians came from either New York or Georgia, the five-piece maintained a presence in both locations while sharpening its heavy yet melodic approach through live gigs and appearances on the short-lived Farmclub television program. The group soon landed a deal with Loud Records, an imprint of Columbia, leading to the 2001 arrival of its first album, Perfect Self. Three established producers shaped the record—Don Gilmore (Lit, Linkin Park, Eve 6), Rick Parashar (Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Blind Melon), and Howie Beno (Ministry, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sister Soleil)—while Jay Baumgardner (Papa Roach, Godsmack, Orgy) handled the mixing.