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By Mark Mothersbaugh
Published as the Centerfold of Issue 126, June 2024
Mark Mothersbaugh is one of this era’s most unique and prolific composers. Deeply aware of the ability of precise, multi-faceted artistic expression to deliver vital social commentary, he has perpetually challenged and redefined musical and visual boundaries. Mothersbaugh co-founded influential rock group DEVO, and then parlayed his avant-garde musical background into a leading role in the world of scoring for filmed and animated entertainment, interactive media and commercials.
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![Mark-Mothersbaugh,-Untitled,-May-1,-2003,-ink-on-vintage-postcard_GRASSHOPPER by Zac Dunn | Art by Mark Mothersbaugh & Daniel Whittington](https://www.birdymagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Mark-Mothersbaugh-Untitled-May-1-2003-ink-on-vintage-postcard.jpg)
As an award winning composer, his credits include Moonrise Kingdom, 21 Jump Street, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Enlightened, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic, Pee Wee’s Playhouse, and the hugely successful Rugrats television, stage and film franchise.
![MarkMothersbaugh_Untitled,February6,2004_096_BirdyMagazine_My Existential Doctor Herb, Part 17 By Brian Polk](https://www.birdymagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MarkMothersbaugh_UntitledFebruary62004_096.jpg)
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Through his multimedia company, Mutato Muzika, Mark has scored hundreds of commercials. Mothersbaugh received the BMI Richard Kirk Award for Outstanding Career Achievement at the organization’s 2004 Film/TV Awards. He can currently be seen as the art teacher on the hit television series, Yo Gabba Gabba!
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Check out Mark’s May install, Booji Boy holding DEVO’s first 7″ Vinyl Single, or head to our Explore section to see more by this talented creative.