Words and interview by Kyra Jade
I don’t know many people who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to interview Mastodon’s drummer Brann Dailor. We all have our bucket list interviews and this had Simon, AKA HEAVY MAG'S 'Professor of Mastodon', written all over it. The universe had other plans this time and Si’ was living it up in Bali. This meant it was my turn to jump in and make the most of this chance to ask all the quirky questions that have been burning a hole in my brain. Oh, and hopefully make our Professor proud…
This year hasn’t been without intense heartache and loss for Mastodon with the passing of Brent Hinds. I couldn’t publish this interview without firstly expressing my deepest condolences to all band members and commend the way they’ve held themselves whilst navigating such a hard time. As adoring fans we may feel we are so connected to our favourite bands through their music that we lose sight of reality sometimes. I think it’s important to remember that to the members of Mastodon Brent wasn’t only a fellow band member, he was family. Their bond built through years of experiencing massive highs and crushing lows together; ultimately building a brotherhood only they understand. For this reason I made a decision to respect Brann’s space by keeping my questions light-hearted in hopes this might give him somewhat of a breather.
There’s no shortage of things I wanted to talk about. Sometimes it takes me forever to write merely four questions to ask in an interview, for this one I was wondering how I would cram two pages of questions into 20 minutes? Things like… What was the scoop on their gig at Georgia's Aquarium, are fish a tough crowd to play for? Why would someone who doesn’t know how to draw decide to illustrate a different clown each day of COVID totalling a whopping 101? Why?! What’s it like having your song picked on Drumeo? The list goes on…
Brann is not only a huge fan of Ozzy Osbourne, he’s blessed with a treasure trove of memories I can only dream of; including being invited to play at the Back to The Beginning, Black Sabbath's farewell concert! Who better to watch gush over the Godfather of Metal and geek out with than this guy, right?! I’ll shamelessly take any and every opportunity to talk about Ozzy. Having conversations with people who were in his orbit somehow makes me feel like I’m a part of their world, if only for a second.
Mastodon’s new album Marrow Deep is very close to its release date of August 28. Though it may technically be my job to share my thoughts on new music, I don’t think it’s necessary to try to sell this one. I’ll simply be stating what you already know deep down inside. It’s a masterpiece. It may be fiercely complex and deeply thought provoking, although it still manages to give you that sprinkle of crazy we crave - all while being generous in sharing their raw emotion and feelings.
Hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.
Until next time, legends!
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