Let me introduce you to Hot Spoon, Cold Mango a musical genius who is dedicated to producing breathtaking songs that leave you in awe. One could argue Hot Spoon, Cold Mango is a quirky name, but wait let me tell you how that name came about.
Picture this: a scorching day in D.C., no AC, and a craving for mango sorbet. But guess what? No spoons left. So, in a funny moment, a warm spoon from the dishwasher met the cold sorbet. And just like that, “hot spoon, cold mango” became a catchy name for this artist’s journey. And surprisingly it is the initials of his name and that of his lover HSCM.
This was shared in a recent interview with Mister Styx of Musicarenagh, in the interview a lot of discoveries were made, their responses to the questions are very detailed, allowing fans to catch a glimpse of their live and surroundings.
Hot Spoon, Cold Mango stated he finds inspiration in life itself—everyday moments, feelings, and the way music shaped their world from day one. From an early stage of their life’s, music has played a major role in his life growing up, music was like his TV, showing him how people connect through sounds.
Now lets talk about his recent works which is titled Paws On Ears, before I even begin I must admit coming up with such a name for an album is really creative and mindboggling. Their music? It’s not easy to pin down. Think of it as a trip to a place where reality blurs, where stories unfold between what’s real and what’s imagined. Making music for them is like painting emotions using sounds—they dive into their feelings, let their imagination run wild, and create something personal that connects deeply with listeners.
During the interview Hot Spoon, Cold Mango was asked the main inspiration behind Paws On Ears and this is what he had to say:
“It began with a dog. From there it would grow into a play on the word paws sounding like the word pause. Then there’s the moment when you find yourself surrounded by the love of and support of someone that cares so unconditionally, they are by your side in the long hours as you spiral further and further into madness…”
The album has 18 songs on it, although they have no lyrics, the theme of the song is not left out, you can feel every note played.
Listen to Paws On Ears below
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What is your stage name?
I go under the name Hot Spoon, Cold Mango
Is there a story behind your stage name?
On an ordinary mid-summer afternoon, as my lover and I ventured to the local grocery store during a particularly sweltering day in Washington, D.C., we found ourselves in possession of a delectable pint of Mango Sorbet. Upon returning to our home, a cozy abode without the luxury of air conditioning, we encountered a predicament – all our utensils had been used, and none remained. A stroke of luck intervened as the dishwasher hummed away in the background.
I swiftly opened the dishwasher, only to be met with a rush of hot, humid air, which added an unexpected element of mirth to the situation. Wishing to avoid any further exposure to the sauna-like conditions, I deftly retrieved the nearest spoon within reach and promptly shut the dishwasher door before departing. The spoon’s temperature took me by surprise, causing me to place it on the countertop adjacent to the Mango Sorbet.
Using the warm utensil, I indulged in my first bite of the cool mango delicacy, prompting me to whimsically remark to my lover, “..hot spoon, cold mango..” Our shared laughter marked the moment when inspiration struck, leading to the apt name for my artistic endeavor. Remarkably, this moniker also turned out to be an acronym of our initials – HSCM.
Where do you find inspiration?
My primary wellspring of inspiration derives from the raw essence of existence itself. Within this existence, I’m immersed in a profound sensation that saturates the world around me, an intensity I harness to craft an auditory tapestry. Through the intricate framework of sound and tonalities, I endeavor to encapsulate a mere fraction of the experiences I encounter in the world that envelopes me.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Music is the way I grew up understanding the world you live in. It’s in the same vein as, the kid that grew up on T.V. (television). The sound of each song created a world that allowed me to understand how those around interacted with one another. There was an everlasting tone to the world. It would ring out.
Curving with the sky, beyond the horizon. Out and back. As the times changed from *(uncoincidentally, this seems to currently occur in decades oddly enough) decade to decade, so did the tonalities that resonated throughout everything. This has allowed me to build out worlds starting with a tone.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
In my earlier years, residing in the Netherlands, my parental action figures acquired a magnificent Ibach piano, a pivotal moment in my life. They engaged a music instructor who profoundly impacted my relationship with sound, for which I remain profoundly grateful.
This remarkable tutor possessed a complete set of tuning forks, and with a gentle strike, she would bring forth their distinct frequencies, allowing me to experience their resonance as she intricately described each one. The reverberating tones sent ripples through my mental pathways, setting in motion echoes that continue to resonate within me to this day.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
Spanning more than a decade of classical piano training and countless hours of dedicated experimentation, my journey has been intertwined with the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Additionally, I dedicated three years to an intensive education, from an institution that shall remain unnamed for reasons known to the universe. During this period, I acquired the essential competencies for recording live instruments and delved into a comprehensive study of diverse mixing techniques.
Over the years, I furthered my expertise as a freelance Sound Engineer, specializing in the dynamic realm of live performances, including operas, stage productions, and a wide array of sound engagements across vibrant cities such as Boston, MA, and St. Louis, MO.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I find myself torn on this matter, and the memories have grown somewhat hazy over time. Sometimes, I ponder if it might have been B.B. King during his visit to St. Louis, Missouri. However, I also entertain the possibility that there could have been an earlier experience, perhaps even by accident. Yet, I cannot assert with complete certainty.
No, that would be an overstatement. After some reflection, I lean towards the notion that it was indeed B.B. King. Though, then again, I hesitate – could it have been the Trans-Siberian Orchestra? Yes, that resonates more strongly.
I’m increasingly convinced that the Trans-Siberian Orchestra was the first such experience. Well, at least it’s the earliest memory that surfaces at this point. It was quite an astonishing journey, particularly at a young age.
How could you describe your music?
Lost, somewhere in between. A random encounter. It’s the line that blurs the very notion of existence. Picture it as a fleeting invitation into a realm that might have been, or perhaps even something better. Then, you make your way back.
I’m sorry, but you can’t linger here. These worlds were crafted for visiting, not for a permanent stay. If you were to remain too long, I can’t promise you’d ever find your way back.
Describe your creative process.
The creative process I follow encompasses a multitude of essential steps. It commences with internal exploration, where I navigate the depths of my thoughts and emotions. This internal exploration leads to emotional resonance, as I draw inspiration from the profound sentiments that dwell within me.
My imagination is then unshackled, allowing it to roam freely and spark a wealth of unique ideas and concepts. The process is marked by intuitive expression, guided by instinct and authentic feelings rather than rigid plans. The result is a deeply personal narrative, a reflection of my experiences, beliefs, and values, interwoven into my work.
I embrace unconventional techniques, experimenting with various forms of expression that align with the unconventional nature of my inner world. This process demands vulnerability and offers catharsis as I unveil my inner world to create art. Ultimately, it forges a connection with the audience, inviting them to share in my emotional journey and fostering a deep sense of empathy and understanding.
What is your main inspiration?
The core inspiration behind my music is rooted in a paradox – a profound lack of understanding of the world that surrounds me, coupled with an insatiable yearning to decipher the enigma of our existence as sentient beings. This peculiar juxtaposition serves as the wellspring of my creative journey, compelling me to explore and unravel the intricate tapestry of this strange and bewildering reality we inhabit.
What musician do you admire most and why?
I admire the musicians that remains true to themselves. Be great story tellers. That’s why we are here. To entertain with the varying stories, told in all different dialects derived from all sorts of worlds. That’s why there is such a grand variety in music.
This planet is comprised of so many stories and not everyone will always sound like the other. We all have different perspectives to tell each other. So, the musician that remains true to themselves is whom I admire. Share crazy stories and inspire more art and creativity.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Evolving one’s style is akin to the natural ebb and flow of emotions within a living being. Just as feelings shift and change, so too must artistic expression adapt and transition. A person experiences the gamut of sensations – weariness, hunger, sadness, joy, love, disdain, fear, indifference, and bewilderment, among others.
In my creative pursuit, I earnestly strive to transcribe the sounds I perceive, whether they originate in the tangible world or, as some have suggested, emanate from realms beyond.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
The sole true contender anyone faces is the reflection in the mirror. No one has genuinely wronged another to warrant causing harm in return. It’s imperative to retrace our steps, back to the origins of it all, a violation of the very principles of cause and effect. This perpetual cycle of cause and effect, an unending loop.
You wronged me, and in response, I’ll wrong you. And while I’m at it, why not escalate it? It seems that doing the abhorrent has somehow become the norm, spreading like contagious wildfire. It started to taint all those it encountered. It’s worth noting that, in those moments, who could stand against it? And now, we find ourselves ensnared in a web spun from the anger of one who was first vexed. Let’s pause and consider.
What are your interests outside of music?
My deepest passion lies in the art of exploration. Whether it’s the exhilaration of rock climbing, the serenity of ascending mountains, the immersion in diverse global cultures and perspectives, the thrill of snowboarding, the freedom of cycling, the mysteries of space, or the relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of my imagination—these pursuits ignite my soul. I revel in confronting the terror of the unknown and the chaotic horizons it unveils, forever in motion.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
I awaken within a labyrinth, confined to the center of a box bereft of windows or doors. The air carries the artificial scent of an external world, a simulacrum designed to comfort the newcomers in this peculiar realm I’ve found myself presiding over. Yet, as I long for the gentle caress of rain on unburned skin, I am acutely aware of its absence.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
The journey of being a fully independent artist demands an immeasurable investment of time, financial resources, unwavering dedication, and an unyielding drive. It necessitates a comprehensive education and access to the tools and knowledge required to transform the faintest whispers of creative thought into tangible, real-world manifestations.
The culmination of these efforts and sacrifices has carried me to this pivotal stage in my ongoing journey, where every step taken has been a testament to my artistic evolution.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
In an ideal scenario, I envision a world where the industry’s constraints are cast aside, fostering an era of unrestricted sharing of art and ideas. Yet, I’m reminded that such a paradigm shift comes with its own set of challenges.
The dichotomy between the pros and cons remains an immutable aspect of life, for every advantage carries a corresponding drawback. In my reintegration into the world after a period of isolation, I’ve come to realize that I might not possess the up-to-the-minute knowledge of the present music industry’s standards and procedures, rendering my opinions on the topic less immediately relevant.
As I shed my isolation cocoon, I stand at the crossroads of a changing landscape, seeking to navigate its nuances with a fresh perspective.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
It began with a dog. From there it would grow into a play on the word paws sounding like the word pause. Then there’s the moment when you find yourself surrounded by the love of and support of someone that cares so unconditionally, they are by your side in the long hours as you spiral further and further into madness. Just before the point of no return and you’ve fully lost everything you hold to be real in the physical realm, you are gently brought back by a disturbance. You awake to find the dog paw on one ear, a cat with a paw on the other as you sit on the couch in the afternoon.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
I’m joining forces with the visionary artists Odedwulf and Elko to embark on a journey that pushes the very limits of what can be achieved. After an arduous twelve-year hiatus, our reunion is imbued with an anticipation that’s as exhilarating as it is profound.
As we unite, we eagerly anticipate the exchange of stories and the collective documentation of the countless lessons gleaned from our adventures. Our creative expressions will manifest across diverse mediums, serving as a testament to our shared experiences.
Through this collaborative fusion, we endeavor to construct a new realm, a veritable planet where we may both build and deconstruct—an enduring phoenix rising from the ashes, an emblem of the timeless cycle of creation and renewal.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Communication is Key
