The Mulligan Brothers

The Mulligan Brothers is an Americana Folk-Rock band from Mobile, Alabama. In golfers’ terms, a “mulligan” is a second chance, and the band represents a second chance for each member of The Mulligan Brothers. Veterans of other bands, this is where they found the music they always wanted to play.

The songwriting and warm, honest, straight-to-the heart voice of lead singer of Ross Newell draws listeners into the group’s signature sound, where the harmonies of Greg DeLuca, Ben Leininger and Melody Duncan make the songs soar or haunt from the shadows. De Luca plays drums and Leininger is on the bass. Fiddler Melody Duncan recently joined the band, bringing a female voice and perspective.

The group’s new single, “Divine Design,” is about being taken advantage of by the person you love. “The offender doesn’t see it as hurting someone else, but as helping himself or herself,” says Newell. “It is a terrible feeling and I want the song to create an awareness of what it is like to be treated that way, whether it is intentional or not. I want the listener to think if this is a song about them or the people around them. If this is divine design, then divine design is behind the times.”

I feel like a suit of second-hand armor. It can protect you but may never wear a shine. Every time you see me you know I’ll be there when you need me, never thinking of the dead man left inside. Pay no mind to the dead man left inside. - “Divine Design”

“Writing songs is one of my favorite things, but I take a while to write a song,” says Newell. “If a line seems forced or anything but honest, then I have to scrap it. I have to live through something or feel strongly about it to add authentic details. I have to sing these songs hundreds of times a year and it is important to me to identify with that song every time. Fortunately the songs take on a life of their own and people are willing to listen and read more into the lyrics that what was said.”

“We have to make music that stays true to ourselves.”

The Mulligan Brothers have released two albums, The Mulligan Brothers and Via Portland (recorded in Portland with Grammy-winning producer Steve Berlin) and will soon begin working on their next album.