J Mascis: The Quiet Force Behind Dinosaur Jr.'s Roaring Sound

Renowned for the seismic volume they unleash, Dinosaur Jr. fronts an unexpected figure as their lead, J Mascis. Known as a man of few words, Mascis's laid-back presence belies the roaring intensity of his performances. At 58, his appearance — a hodgepodge of a casual t-shirt, a satin bomber jacket emblazoned with a cartoon ant, a baseball cap, pink glasses, and a silver mane — matches his known reticence in conversation. More often than not, his responses are tersely initiated with 'I don’t know.' This characteristic makes Mascis infamously tough to interview amongst music journalists.

Guitarist, Cyclist, and Devotee

Contrary to his on-stage persona, Mascis embraces a surprisingly outdoor lifestyle. From golfing, skiing, to cycling over thousands of miles annually, he finds solace in physical activity, even claiming it serves his mental well-being. His hometown, Amherst, Massachusetts, keeps him close to his roots, situated not far from where he spent his childhood.

Off-stage, Mascis turns towards meditation and spirituality. His devotion to Amma, India's 'hugging saint,' has played a significant part in his life since the mid-90s, seeking solace in her embraces — over a hundred to date. His journey with Amma even included musical performances at her milestone birthday celebrations.

From Drums to Legendary Guitarist

Though Mascis wields his guitar with indomitable prowess now, he initially started his musical journey as a drummer. His reverence for drumming shone through in encounters with Charlie Watts, the late Rolling Stones drummer, considered a hero by Mascis. Their discussion veered towards the mundane topic of heating wood, a common interest arising from geographic proximity.

Mascis, despite Dinosaur Jr.'s success, once turned down an opportunity to join Nirvana before their ascent to fame. His rationale? The simple comforts of regularly sleeping in hotels rather than on floors, a luxury Nirvana had yet to afford at the time.

Wondering about what Nirvana might have been with him as a guitarist prompts Mascis to ponder, but ultimately he suggests it would have been much the same, with perhaps a few more guitar solos thrown into the mix.

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