Mute Math Explains Its Equation

New Orleans-based Mute Math has traveled a long road to reach the seemingly sudden success of its major-label debut. Vocalist/keytarist Paul Meany, drummer Darren King and bassist Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas have played together for more than seven years. After the demise of their Christian rock group, Earth Suit, King and Meany began the long-distance songwriting collaboration that would become Mute Math. In 2005, the duo completed its debut EP, then brought Mitchell-Cárdenas back and brought guitarist Greg Hill in to complete an album.

In an unfortunate scenario that's become all too familiar, that record languished in how-do-we-market-this limbo for nearly a year before Warner Bros. helped release it about a year ago. Since then, the band has bolstered its already impressive reputation as a live act by headlining tours, playing the late-night-TV circuit and even opening for pop monsters the Fray. Mute Math's quirky yet accessible approach to powerful, melodic rock has drawn comparisons to U2 and the Police. We recently grabbed a few minutes with King to discuss the band's history, the musical merits of basketball and the joy of speeding tickets.

Westword: You and Paul have played together for a long time. How did you meet?

Darren King: We met in Springfield, Missouri, where I'm from, as Paul was passing through. I joined his band, Earth Suit, in the summer of 2000, the day after I graduated high school. A mere month and a half later, I was relieved of my duties because I was not good enough — and I was too hyper.

Where did that energy come from?

When Paul and I met, it was in my home church, which was a charismatic church in Springfield. Church was where I found acceptance, where I was allowed to play drums loudly while people danced around with streamers and banners, and that was my joy.

How did you start drumming?

I had a very quiet childhood. Just imagine me sitting in my room with crickets chirping and wondering what to do with myself. I had five basketballs in my bedroom, aired out to different pitches, and I would play them along with CDs.

How does performing live feel for you?

I get so excited, and like the great song says, I just can't hide it. When an audience is totally with you, it makes me want to hit the drums so hard! It's the same when I drive a car. Any time I've ever gotten a ticket, it's been when I'm happy. I speed out of joy.

Does Christianity still inform Mute Math's music?

There's so much of a chance for great music in the emotional expressiveness of that community, but it's often stifled by guilt or fear that it isn't helpful, practical or useful to people. At some point, we all realized that it was unnecessary to limit ourselves to the Christian contemporary music scene, and it was actually detrimental to our creativity. I want very badly to not ostracize kids like me who grew up in that unique little world, and at the same time, if I could help them see the joy of not taking themselves too seriously and enjoying all of this great music that's available, I feel like I'd be doing something good.