J Mascis Says Dinosaur Jr. Has Nothing Better to Do—and Keeps Making Records

A band still moving forward

Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Patrick Murphy remain the band’s original lineup and continue to release records. Mascis offered no elaborate explanation for their endurance: “I guess we have nothing better to do.” His understated manner can seem like indifference in interviews, but the story presents that relaxed outlook as part of how he approaches work. He tends to roll with circumstances rather than overthink them.

Recording without overthinking

For the new record There Near, Mascis said the band “just didn’t push it.” They avoided marathon studio days and detailed back-and-forth over arrangements. Mascis arrived with prepared demos, and the group began recording while Barlow and Murphy were still learning their parts. The method left room for the songs to come together quickly.

Practical choices in the studio

Mascis described himself as a tube-amplifier purist, but said inconvenience can lead him to use whatever works. He mixes and masters to tape while also recording in Pro Tools.

He takes a similarly straightforward approach to his Fender signature instruments. Mascis said the neck and jumbo frets matter most, while other parts can be changed, and he prefers keeping the guitar affordable and uncomplicated.

AI video and live shows

Mascis addressed the generative-AI video for his solo song “Old Friends,” released two years ago. He said a young person made it, that he thought it looked cool, and described AI as “a slippery slope.” He said he does not believe AI belongs in music-making, but acknowledged that people will have to learn to deal with it. Mascis also spoke about audiences wanting something “reality-based” and showed stronger feeling about Dinosaur Jr.’s famously loud concerts.