The Untitled Interview #51: Starring Steve Mason

I love Domino Records, The Beta Band, and most things Scottish. So it stands to reason that I am so beyond excited to be able to share this here interview with you, my little lambs. Steve Mason, former Beta Band-ian, has taken once more to recording (not that he really ever stopped, mind you, but now he's operating under his own name as opposed to a King Biscuit Time-esque moniker), and this makes me quite a happy girl indeed. Boys Outside is the record in question, and I'm quite sure that as gentlemen and ladies of discerning taste you'll want to plump for it immediately.

But first, Mr. Mason was kind enough to marinate a moment or two on those same ole questions I always ask. Here's what he had to say. His thoughts on Trent Reznor, record stores, and nostalgia just might surprise you.


Les Enfants Terribles: How the hell are you?
Steve Mason: After defying death many times on my drive from Scotland to London in the snow and ice, I am optimistic.

LET: What was the last song you listened to?
SM: Dominique Young Unique - "Show My Ass".

LET: Playing music is:
SM: Hard to do, but harder to stop.

LET: What album most made you realize you wanted to make music?
SM: I don’t think it was an album, I just didn’t want to be a car mechanic anymore.

LET: Beatles or Stones?
SM: Pistols.

LET: Top 5 albums (of now, of this month, or of ever):
SM: Nas- Illmatic, Stone Roses, Vangelis- Blade Runner soundtrack,
U.N.P.O.C - Fifth Column, AC/DC - If You Want Blood.

LET: Favorite music-related movie?
SM: Beat Street.

LET: Half-full or half-empty?
SM: Smashed.

LET: Which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days?
SM: I don’t know who my peers are! But they need to try harder whoever they are, cos I ain’t heard of them.

LET: What’s the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning?
SM: I really don’t know. I just hope something good happens I suppose.

LET: Little-known Steve Mason fact?
SM: I invented Dub Reggae.

LET: The greatest record store in the world is:
SM: Closed!

LET: Shaken or stirred?
SM: It matters not a jot my friend.

LET: Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
SM: Keep running.

LET: If you weren’t a musician you’d be:
SM: A car mechanic.

LET: If you were so inclined, whom would you form a tribute band in honor of?
SM: I just wouldn’t. Nostalgia is for people who have lost their way.

LET: Describe Boys Outside in ten words or less:
SM: Imperative.

LET: Best song ever written?
SM: By me? “Boys Outside”. By someone else? “Hurt” - Trent Reznor. Possibly!

mp3: All Come Down (Steve Mason from Boys Outside)