Uncle Moldy's House of Socks: Press

Uncle Moldys House of Socks

Date: July 27, 2006



"When I was a teenager it was to get chicks!" thats how Mike Barton, on half of Uncle Moldys House of Socks, expressed why he got involved with music. Another reason was just to get his feelings and thoughts out and it was a great way to have fun. The other half of the duo is Johnny Trotta. Johnny says, "...the more you play, the more confident you become."

Mike has been playing bass since he got his first bass for Christmas in 1982. He has also been playing guitar and singing for one year now. Some of his inspirations include Rush, Iron Maiden, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, WIllie Nelson, and Jim Croce. "One of the things I like about Cash and Dylan is that they are story tellers and I like to do that when I write," says Mike. He and Johnny each do tell many hilarious stories of situations that have occurred over the years.

Johnny has been playing guitar for thirty years and harmonica for six months. "Playing for thirty years give you a lot of different influences, the longer you play the more appreciative of the different artists you have now then when you were younger."-Johnny. Some artists have a favorite experience while playing but for Johnny, he says that playing wise doesn't matter because each situation is good whether the people enjoy it or not, it's the actual performance of trying to play the perfect set that always inspires him and Mike.

The band is currently recording their very first EP titled Tales From the 'Dalk. Some of the bands songs are based on the experiences that they had growing up over the years and the many characters that they encountered in life thus far. Their music is suitable for audiences of all ages. Some of their songs that seems to be their favorites, and their fans favorites, would be 'The Fromms are Landing' and ' The Dirtball Twins.'

If you are a musician that would like to get your music out to the public or just starting out playing- here's some advice from Uncle Moldys House of Socks:

1. Check out the open mics in your area. You will see a lot of people like you out there, they will give you an inspiration.

2. Have a back up plan. Get an education and some viable skills you can use to support yourself. Very few get to earn a living doing this. Don't quit your day job.

3. Do what makes you happy and stick to your guns. Express youreself. Let the world know what is inside og you.

4. When it is not enjoyable anymore, give it a break. Search your soul and find that groove. Life is too short to dedicate yourself to something that doesn't make you happy.

5. Join www.staticchain.com

6. Don't take crap off of anyone!!!

Every week Static Chain selects an "artist of the week" based on the number of unique clicks an act receives. This weeks top honors go to "Uncle Moldy's House of Socks," the unofficial first artist to sign up with Static Chain. Their music is a blend of rock, folk, and country with a lot of slide guitar and strange lyrics. People have described them as Johnny Cash meets Bob Dylan meets Tenacious D. They sing about lots of things, but more particularly about characters from the neighborhoods they grew up in, and other strange childhood events. Recent developments include the addition of an operatic style female vocalist and delving into serious style lyrics. This is their fourth time receiving artist of the week honors on Static Chain.


Catch them on November 22nd at Static Chain's ThanksGathering at The Arbutus FireHall. The show starts at 9 pm and features, King Belvedere, Juice Box Heroes, Pasadena, Pikesvillain, The Mad Attix and Gregory T. Scruggs. Tickets are $15 with a canned food donation and once you are in the doors beer is free all night.


Visit UMHS on Static Chain