We had the good fortune of connecting with CJ Hoty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi CJ, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I came from Cleveland, Ohio and had a self titled band there for 4 or so years.

My wife and I moved to Athens about 9 years ago and have ingrained ourselves in the music scene ever since. I met some incredible musicians and friends along the way and without them and their talent the band wouldn’t be what it is today. I think the band feels good in it’s own skin and we are writing some fabulous new tracks to share later this year.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Really what sets us apart is the blend on screamo/alt rock that we bring live.

Sometimes it fits with the medley of bands we are with at a show- sometimes not- but it’s us. Also i think in the last couple years we’ve learned to loosen up and truly enjoy every moment with our audience, no matter the size. We are grateful for each person who listens and claps at the end of the show! Life and on stage sets are too short to stress about perfection. Energy means more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Athens is such a rich little city to visit, with small pockets of joy all around.

When my friends and family visit I take them out to Jittery Joe’s for coffee in the morning, The Royal Peasant for lunch and Clocked for dinner. As for bars, Nowhere, Cutters, and my back patio are top spots.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Man, so many musicians, friends, and club owners deserve credit. I’ve mentioned before how we wouldn’t still be playing here in Athens without the shot that Bryant Williamson gave us at The Caledonia Lounge. He continued to welcome us for years back into his awesome club and we miss it (it fell to hard times like many did in 2020 and has since closed). Also great local bands like The Good Looks, The Grawks, The Getaway Company, Olde World Monkeys, and many that i forget. Also thanks to the many musicians that started in MTM and came and went in the past 7+ years!

Instagram: @murderthemood

Facebook: Facebook.com/followmtm

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zSfAhIYtzBg&list=PLanx_GiphIpfRgLQXB_1BnOV-_buGDqAc&index=1

Image Credits
Photos courtesy of Kenny Davis and Joy Elizabeth

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