J Mascis has unveiled plans for new solo album ‘What Do We Do Now’.
The incoming record – his sixth solo record across a two decade span – is out early next year, released through the fine folks at Sub Pop. Out on February 2nd, it comes as Dinosaur Jr complete a global tour toasting the 30th anniversary of seminal album ‘Where You Been’.
Picking up his acoustic, the new record pushes J Mascis into a different space. “When I’m writing for the band,” he says, “I’m always trying to think of doing things Lou and Murph would fit into. For myself, I’m thinking more about what I can do with just an acoustic guitar, even for the leads. Of course, this time, I added full drums and electric leads, although the rhythm parts are still all acoustic.”
“Usually, I try to do the solo stuff more simply so I can play it by myself, but I really wanted to add the drums. Once that started, everything else just fell into place. So it ended up sounding a lot more like a band record. I dunno why I did that exactly, but it’s just what happened.”
Recorded with a raft of guests, J welcomes Western Mass local Ken Mauri of The B-52s on keys and Ontario-based polymath Matthew “Doc” Dunn on steel guitar.
New song ‘Can’t Believe We’re Here’ is out now – with pulsating lead guitar and a plaintive vocal, there’s a bittersweet feel to the songwriting that is just right for Autumn. The video was edited together by Adam Bale at Ballad Pictures, utilising short clips of J (and a few friends).
Tune in now.
Tracklisting:
1. Can’t Believe We’re Here
2. What Do We Do Now
3. Right Behind You
4. You Don’t Understand Me
5. I Can’t Find You
6. Old Friends
7. It’s True
8. Set Me Down
9. Hangin Out
10. End is Gettin Shaky
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Fowler