Unveiling the Lighter Side: Troy Sanders and Mastodon’s Hilarious Antics in ‘The Making of Hushed & Grim’

In an exclusive outtakes video from Mastodon’s critically acclaimed documentary, The Making of Hushed & Grim, fans are treated to a deeper look into the beloved band members’ personalities, particularly the “goofball” humor of bassist and vocalist, Troy Sanders. This fascinating glimpse, initially shared by HollywoodLife, showcases Sanders’ comedic timing as he takes viewers on an absurd tour of his rather unconventional, “lush and luxurious” living conditions, defying all expectations of a rock star’s lavish life.

“I like to start my day by cleaning up the messes that I’ve created,” a deadpan Troy Sanders quips, clad in a robe, as the exclusive video begins. This opening line perfectly sets the stage for the mockumentary-style segment, highlighting the humorous self-awareness that permeates the band’s off-stage antics. For the iconic Mastodon bassist and vocalist, the “mess” is quite literal and extensive in this fictional scenario. The skit sees Troy awakening from a makeshift bed in the dirt parking lot behind West End Sound studio, the very place where the band – Troy, along with drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor, lead guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds, and rhythm guitarist Bill Kelliher – meticulously crafted their monumental 2021 double-album, Hushed & Grim. After humorously tidying up his outdoor sleeping arrangement, Troy, with a straight face, guides the documentary crew through his “home,” which he wryly notes is “definitely a work in progress.”

The “tour” of Troy’s peculiar abode is a masterclass in comedic understatement and absurdism. With mock pride, he gestures to a gaping, roofless section of the garage, explaining, “Over the past two months, I’ve had some work done to allow 100 percent organic natural sunlight.” He champions this unconventional architectural choice as “the way of the future,” boasting, “Less material, less cost, less overhead.” The tour continues with equally preposterous revelations. Troy points out the glaring absence of running water, casually mentioning that a mere “sandpaper or a screwdriver” should be enough to get the pipes flowing. His minimalist interior design includes an oversized, solitary hook adorning a bare wall, a future “organic herb garden” which currently consists solely of a few green onions, and a designated “study.” With a twinkle in his eye, he remarks on the latter, “Hope to have some bookshelves, some actual books, and some reading skills in the near future.” This entire segment is a brilliant parody of celebrity home tours, showcasing Sanders’ dry wit and the band’s collective willingness to embrace the ridiculous, providing a stark and hilarious contrast to their intense musical output.

This “goofball” skit is merely one of many delightfully fictional and absurd moments interspersed throughout The Making of Hushed & Grim. While at its core, the documentary is a profoundly sincere and often poignant exploration of the creation of Mastodon’s eighth studio album, these comedic vignettes offer a crucial balance. The double album itself was born from a period of immense grief and reflection for the band, following the tragic loss of their longtime manager and dear friend, Nick John, to cancer. The full-length documentary meticulously chronicles the album’s demanding creation process from start to finish, yet thoughtfully weaves in these unexpected oddities to lighten the emotional weight and showcase the band’s authentic personalities. For instance, one memorable skit features rhythm guitarist Bill Kelliher as the enigmatic leader of a bizarre running cult. In another, lead guitarist Brent Hinds embraces the role of a street busker with an oddly intense obsession with trains. Drummer Brann Dailor contributes a genuinely personal touch by displaying the clown drawings he famously made during the COVID-19 pandemic – a creative endeavor he actually pursued, which fans can explore further in Brann Dailor’s 101 Clowns of the Coronavirus book. These moments are not just random comedic relief; they reveal the unique coping mechanisms and individual quirks that bind the members of Mastodon, providing a deeper understanding of the artists behind the formidable music.

Continuing the theme of playful absurdity, another skit highlights Troy Sanders in a completely different, equally outlandish role: a seafaring captain. Driven by the ambitious dreams of becoming a successful contestant on an “Alaskan crab boat fishing show,” his nautical pursuits take an unexpected and hilarious turn. Instead of reeling in the coveted crustaceans of the Bering Sea, the skit culminates with Troy comically throwing a fishing net over a completely random, bewildered kayaker. This scene perfectly encapsulates the band’s penchant for subverting expectations and finding humor in the most unexpected situations, proving that even in a serious documentary, there’s always room for a good laugh.

This willingness to be silly, even amidst the profound creative undertaking of Hushed & Grim, is a core aspect of Mastodon’s identity, as Troy Sanders himself eloquently explained to HollywoodLife in an exclusive interview. Conducted just before the band embarked on an extensive arena tour with Ghost, Sanders emphasized the delicate balance they strike: “We’re obviously very passionate about our music. All aspects — the songcraft and our lyrics subject matter — our livelihoods based around Mastodon, we take that very, very seriously. We’ve built this thing from the ground up, and we’re very proud of it.” This statement underscores the unwavering dedication and artistic integrity that defines their musical career. However, he quickly followed up with a crucial clarification that sheds light on the documentary’s lighter moments: “But outside of that seriousness, we’re a bunch of goofballs.” This duality is what makes Mastodon so compelling – artists capable of creating incredibly complex, emotionally resonant heavy metal while simultaneously embracing their inherent lightheartedness.

Expanding on this, Troy delved into the band’s collective love for humor. “We love cracking jokes and laughing and being silly, and comedy is our favorite type of movie,” he revealed. This shared appreciation for comedy isn’t just a casual pastime; it’s deeply ingrained in their personalities and, by extension, their creative expression. “So, it’s only natural for us to attempt being funny. It’s absolutely a part of an extension of our individual characters in the band.” This insight is pivotal, illustrating that the skits and comedic interludes in The Making of Hushed & Grim are not forced inclusions but rather authentic manifestations of who the band members are as individuals. They serve to deepen the narrative, offering fans a more complete picture of the creative ecosystem within Mastodon – one that thrives on both intense musical focus and the freedom of comedic relief. This ability to switch between profound seriousness and unadulterated silliness is arguably one of the secret ingredients to their enduring success and the genuine connection they forge with their audience.

Beyond simply showcasing their vibrant personalities, these inventive skits are Mastodon’s heartfelt way of giving some extra love and recognition to their families and friends. For Troy, his “Deadliest Catch” inspired skit features a truly special cameo, subtly connecting to the Wolf-Face shirt he famously wore for Kerrang’s Sept. 2021 cover story. This seemingly small detail reveals a deeper personal connection. As Troy explains, “Their bass player [The Good Wolf] is one of my best friends in the St. Petersburg, Florida, area.” The interwoven relationship highlights the camaraderie that extends beyond the band itself. When The Good Wolf isn’t delivering hard-hitting, infectious punk rock dynamite alongside his bandmates – lead vocalist/guitarist Michael J. Wolf, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Rain-Wolf, and the distinctively named drummer Wolf-Fart – his human alter-ego can often be found at Rock Garden Studios. This studio holds particular significance, as it’s a place where Troy frequently records and collaborates, underscoring the deep professional and personal bond between the two musicians.

The collaborative spirit and enduring friendship are palpable in Troy’s further remarks about The Good Wolf. “I work with him a lot. I’ve cut lots of Mastodon demos with him,” Troy affirms, emphasizing the long-standing creative partnership. Beyond their shared musical endeavors, he praises his friend as “just an overall fantastic dude.” This mutual respect and affection are further highlighted by The Good Wolf’s involvement in the documentary itself. He was not only an extra, adding authentic flavor to Troy’s captain scene, but he also worked behind the camera for many of the other segments, making him an integral, albeit often unseen, part of the documentary’s production. “So yeah, that’s Wolf-Face,” Troy concludes, acknowledging the deep and multifaceted connection. This personal touch adds another layer of authenticity to the documentary, showing that the band’s world is rich with supportive friendships and collaborative ventures, extending their creative family beyond just the four members.

Fans eager to catch Wolf-Face in action should note that they are slated to be part of The Fest, Gainesville’s long-running and highly regarded punk rock festival, an event celebrated for showcasing a diverse range of powerful acts. As for Mastodon themselves, they have successfully concluded their impactful tour with the acclaimed band GHOST, leaving fans eager for their next move. To stay completely up-to-date on all future announcements, including potential new music, tour dates, and any more hilarious behind-the-scenes content, fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on their official social media channels or, even better, to sign up for updates directly through their official website. Mastodon continues to captivate audiences worldwide, not just with their groundbreaking music but also with their refreshingly authentic personalities and the undeniable camaraderie that shines through every facet of their creative work, proving that even the most serious artists can find profound expression in a healthy dose of “goofball” humor.