Noise as eternal language.
It's been 10 years since the last time Dinosaur Jr. played in Mexico. The legendary band from Amherst, Massachusetts, returns to the country to perform at the festival Hypnosisaccompanied by names like Pavement, Spiritualized and Japanese Breakfast. In the middle of a conversation full of pauses, nervous laughter and characteristic silences, J Mascis He talked about the years that have passed, his way of putting together the setlistshis rituals before playing and his aversion to museums.
Indie Rocks!: Jay, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We are very excited that they are finally returning to Mexico. How excited are you to return after so long?
Dinosaur Jr.: Yes, I'm very excited, I love it. It's been quite a few years, I think the two times we played there were good. I don't remember which one was first, but yes, it was a long time ago. I would like to play there more often, it's just a matter of getting the right offer.
GO!:And now they come to the festival Hypnosisa very special event with bands like Pavement, Spiritualized and Japanese Breakfast. Was that the right offer you were expecting?
DJ.: I hope so. It looks great, I saw the poster and I remember Pavementthat was the first thing that caught my attention. A few months ago I played alone and the same promoter told me about the festival, so we said “yes, we are ready to come back.”
YoR!: Since your last visit they have released albums like Give a Glimpse of What You're Not and Sweep It Into Space. What do you plan to play on this one? show?
DJ.: There is no plan yet. Let's see how it feels. We usually play the songs we've been playing at the time. Sometimes someone asks for something and we learn it. We've played entire albums, so we have a lot of songs to choose from. It's hard to decide.
GO!: Fair farm recently had their anniversary, and they also released the song “Whenever You're Ready” in 2024. With so much material, how do you decide what goes into the setlist?
DJ.: I think about many things: there are people who want to listen to the same songs always, and other times we want to vary. I try to balance that.
GO!: They've been active since the eighties, something few bands can say. What do you think is the secret to staying together after so long?
DJ.: I think we have a special energy when we play together. We've played with other people and we realize there's something unique about our sound. We're just trying to keep it alive.
GO!: Many people consider them one of the most important bands in history. Do you feel part of that category?
DJ.: No. (Laughs) Some people love us, others don't. That's all I know.
GO!: Do you care if people like what you do or not?
DJ.: Not much. If I like it, I hope others do too. But I have to please myself first.
GO!: Do the songs you like the most usually coincide with the audience's favorites?
DJ.: Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Anything can happen.
GO!: What would you say is the best Dinosaur Jr. song?
DJ.: Maybe “Raisins.” I think it's our best song.
GO!: In your last show In Mexico they played a cover of The Cure. Will there be any this time?
DJ.: Could be. Everything is possible. Sometimes I accept requests on the spot.
GO!: How do you do it? Shouts or signs?
DJ.: Signs work better. When everyone shouts at the same time you don't understand anything, but if someone holds a sign with the name of a song for a long time, I remember it.
GO!: Speaking of favorites, you once mentioned Black Sabbath as a big influence.
DJ.: Yeah, I've been thinking about them a lot since he died. ozzy. It was a great influence. Once I got to interview them on the phone, it was exciting. I asked ozzy who wrote the lyrics and told me that almost always Geezeralthough some were his. We also talk about Sabotage, which is my favorite album, although he hates it because it reminds him of a time full of lawyers in the studio. I can understand it; There are also albums of mine that remind me of bad times.
GO!: Does that make you not play certain songs live?
DJ.: Sometimes yes. But “Freak Scene” We always play it. That can't be missed.
GO!: How do you feel before playing live? Do you still get nervous?
DJ.:Yes a lot. I'm afraid to see the public. I get nervous and never know what to say between songs, so I prefer to just play.
GO!: Isn't there anything to help you with that? Any ritual before show?
DJ.: I do vocal exercises, that worries me more than the guitar. Sometimes the voice just doesn't come out, and it's stressful.
GO!: What vibe do you feel about the show in Mexico after so many years?
DJ.: I'm excited. The fans in Mexico are great, so I think it will be good.
GO!: You are a calm person, but your songs are very intense. Do you feel like there is an alter ego on stage?
DJ.: No. People say I'm quiet, but I don't perceive myself that way. I talk a lot, just maybe not in the moments they expect.
GO!: I hope that this time it won't take another ten years to see you again.
DJ.: (Laughs) I would love to come back more often. We just need the offer.
GO!: And are you going to stay to see Pavement or Spiritualized at the festival?
DJ.: I don't know yet. I like Spiritualizedbut it's rare to see a band from the side of the stage because with the in-ears nothing is heard anymore. Bell & Sebastian They lent me some to listen to once, and it was great. I wish everyone did that.
GO!: Do you use in-ears you too?
DJ.: No, I don't need them. I have my amps, that's enough.
GO!: How is a soundcheck from Dinosaur Jr.?
DJ.: I like to do it. I play with a type of Pavement and he never wants to do soundcheckI am the opposite. I like to hear how everything sounds, see if the equipment works. I've had the same engineer for over twenty years, so he already knows everything.
GO!: Lastly, anything you want to say to the Mexican public before seeing you in Hypnosis?
DJ.: I'm just happy to go. I hope you have a good time. And don't expect to see me in any museum, because I hate museums.
