J Mascis has nothing better to do
J Mascis on stage during Dinosaur Jr.’s Baby’s Alright show in NYC. | Photo: Terrence O’Brien Dinosaur Jr. frontman J Mascis is known as something of a slacker guitar god. He stands stoically onstage, barely moving, as he seemingly effortlessly works through deft guitar solos and lopsided riffs. Unfortunately, Mascis has developed a similar reputation as an interview subject, quietly sitting and offering deft…
Key points
- J Mascis says Dinosaur Jr.'s original lineup keeps going because "I guess we have nothing better to do."
- The band recorded its new album There Near without long sessions, using prepared demos and quick takes.
- Mascis addressed his 2023 AI-made video for "Old Friends," calling it "a slippery slope."
Dinosaur Jr. frontman J Mascis has spoken to The Verge about his band's new album There Near, its long career and his relaxed approach to recording and gear. The original lineup of Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Patrick Murphy is still releasing records and is currently touring the US behind the new album, which is out now.
Mascis said there is no grand secret to the band's longevity more than 40 years in. "I guess we have nothing better to do," he said.
A quick approach in the studio
Mascis said the band "just didn't push it" on There Near. There were no eight-hour sessions, and he brought fully prepared demos so recording could start immediately, even while Barlow and Murphy were still learning their parts.
The same easygoing attitude shapes his gear choices. He described himself as "kind of a tube purist guy" but said tubes are sometimes inconvenient, so he uses whatever works, mixing and mastering to tape while tracking in Pro Tools. On signature Fender instruments, he said he keeps things simple and relatively cheap so players can customize them, with the neck his main concern.
I guess we have nothing better to do.
— J Mascis
AI video and loud shows
Two years ago, Mascis released a video for his solo track "Old Friends" made with generative AI. He told The Verge, "Yeah, just some kid did it," adding that he thought it looked cool and later admitting, "I guess that's a slippery slope." He said he does not believe AI belongs in music making but that it is here regardless.
Mascis was more animated about the band's famously loud live shows. He said audiences seem "more desperate for something kind of reality-based," noting the band uses no in-ear monitors or click tracks, just amps. He also criticized modern sound setups, saying soundmen now create the sound rather than capture it.
