“Dude, c’mon. It’s Rudz, there’s cheap and awesome food, beer and liquor. We’re going to have tacos. The music’s going to be good. We’re giving the money to charity. Let’s get together for happy hour once a month, huh?”

That’s Matt Brownlie of Bring Back the Guns fame practically shaking my shoulders off with enthusiasm over his new series at Rudyard’s - H.U.S.H. (Houston Underground Social Hour) – which is a monthly series of happy hour shows with the intent of showcasing some of the city’s best music. The kick-off begins this week with Benjamin Wesley, The Takes, and Muzak John and the $5 cover benefits Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas. We were so intrigued that we sent him a round of questions and then thought that perhaps we should follow those up with some real questions. Here are his responses to both sets of questions:

FPH: Matt, what is your fucking problem?

Brownlie: My fucking problem is that I missed the show at the Double Dave’s pizza joint up the street from my house last week. What the fuck, how did I forget that?! I’ve wanted to book shows there forever. I am stupid.

FPH: Why do you hate the music scene so much and why are you killing it?

Brownlie: Killing the scene jokes are killing the scene, Ramon.

FPH: Do you miss the funky smell at Rudyard’s?

Brownlie: I used to tend bar at this super fancy restaurant in River Oaks. Incredibly stark, minimal decor and Nouveau Comfort Food. Chic as fuck, right? About two months in, something went wrong with the sewer line and there was this persistent reek coming from one spot behind my bar. So you’re sitting there drinking $12 apple martinis, waiting for your buffalo meatloaf or whatever, and constantly sniffing a port-a-potty. It was hilarious and torturous.

FPH: Yes or No. Is Rick Ross the biggest boss that you seen thus far? Why and if not, who is?

Brownlie: My personal motto is, “Every other day I’m hustlin’.”

FPH: OK Matt, some real questions now. Give us the scoop; what brought about the idea and what is the goal?

Brownlie: The goal is to see some bands I’ve been meaning to see and hopefully get a bunch of people together for a fun happy hour. What brought it about? My lack of ability or desire to stay out late for rock shows. And how quickly that disconnected me from the scene. I’ve always thought that occasional early shows are a good idea and knew that I could book ‘em.

FPH: Your kick-off has Muzak John. How well do you think people open up to experimental music after a hard day at work?

Brownlie: Dude, I have been asking myself that question from the get-go. I guess it’s just that I love watching live experimental stuff and hope others feel the same. And maybe that sort of stuff goes down easier in a context where it’s mixed with other genres? Anyway, it would be nice to see further scene cross-pollination, wouldn’t it?

Either way, I’m just booking what I’m curious about or into. Hopefully others will be curious about or into it as well.

FPH: When you use the word Houston Underground, what are you including? Will we also be seeing Underground Metal, Hardcore, Hip-Hop, Rap, etc.? Or is this primarily geared as Underground Indie Rock?

Brownlie: Hip-hop definitely. I honestly know next to nothing about the metal and hardcore scenes, and that stuff is less my bag. But I want to stay open to good music from any genre. Anna Garza was throwing some good stuff my way just yesterday.

FPH: Looking back at Matinee shows their success seems to be mixed. What do you think makes one successful; and others less so?

Brownlie: I don’t know. I guess I’m hoping that making these a regular deal will help them be successful. I’m hoping that the fact that they’re cheap and benefiting local charities will put people in the mood to hang out.

Thursday, August 6
HUSH @ Rudyard’s, 2024 Waugh Dr.
Food & drink specials at 5:30pm, bands at 6:00pm