Mass Datura- Sunshine Doom music
Interview conducted on July 1, 2020
By Dan Locke
London band Mass Datura their sophomore album ‘Wish Untitled’, out on 10th July on All Types of Slime Records.
Band Members
Thomas Rowe – Guitar/ Vox
Joseph Colkett – Bass
Leanne Roberts – Violin/ Vox
Patrick Bartleet – Drums
Joshua Hayward – Pedal Steel Guitar
What is your upbringing?
Thomas Rowe: I was born on Vancouver Island, I grew up in a small logging town called Port Alberni, my house was right next to the Nuu Chah Nulth First Nation Reservation.
How was it to be a sponsored skateboarder?
It was really exciting, I loved every moment of it, it was a great ticket for me to move away from the Island, meet lots of interesting artists, musicians, and travel. I still push around from time to time.
How did you become a shoemaker?
I first started making shoes the 2nd year of living in London, I just got really into it and it was a good way to “slow down” a little, it’s very meditative and also everyone loves shoes. I feel very strongly about local community-based shops and makers etc.
Also, is this a dying career?
It’s been dead for 40-50 years, but it’s on its way back in a big way. I teach about 30-40 new students every year, the numbers keep growing, a lot of my private work is for Film, Theatre and other clients like Madame Tussauds.
How did you discover music?
I guess it would have been through my father or my grandfather… My father played a drunken harmonica and my grandfather a drunken navy slide guitar. I listened to a lot of ’50s / Doo-Wop music growing up as well.
How did you start to write music?
I started to write when I was 15, my grandfather gave me his typewriter before he died and I just started to write a lot of poetry on that, and then started playing guitar little by little.
What was your first performance like?
Ever?? ha-ha, I imagine shit! I still get pretty nervous, it’s less nerve-racking now with a full band who are amazing musicians.
What was the title of your first original song?
The Golden Touch Lays Underwood
Did you record it?
No, but I released a little book using the title and the poem was included in the book.
How did you start the band?
Mass Datura was formed in 2015/16, I think?
How the band did get its name?
Datura is a plant. The folklore behind it was that witches were able to levitate when ingesting it. Mass as in gathering. I liked the sound of the words more than any profound meaning to me.
Your sophomore album “Wish Untitled” is being released on July 10. Why did you decide to record it straight to tape?
We all love the sound of analog tape machines. I have recorded an album 12 years ago onto tape and just loved the process.
What is your favorite track on the album?
Well, they are very personal to me, and they all sound and feel pretty different, they are their own little journey and vibe in my mind. But I really enjoy playing ‘Eternally Sold Separately’ and ‘Lady Equal’ life. I really enjoyed writing ‘Cats for Kings’ lyrics, which were written during the recording of the album.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
Well, a bunch of us are veggie/vegan so we try our best to go to nice places… but usually end up at Gregg’s.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
I feel fine about it, it’s a good way for music to get out there and to find new stuff. I usually stream then buy the Vinyl.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Vinyl
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
I think it’s great. America needs to fall, then rise again with better leaders and it’s time to weed out all the racists and war pigs.
What song from the past is in your mind right now?
Buddy Holly – ‘Girl on my Mind ‘
And what is the meaning that song means to you?
I used to sing along to Buddy Holly a lot when I was young, I didn’t really realize that he had a great country singer’s voice until later. he’s like a Hank Williams.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
It’s hard to say really what the long-term effects will be, but I think it already has affected the music industry massively from venues to festivals.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I refinished two guitars (a lot of work!) I started a new business with an old student of mine called London Sneaker School. I bought a new motorcycle
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I’ve been doing a lot of collage art lately, but I always sort of go through phases of doing a lot of writing, collage, or guitar playing. All when I’m feeling it or get inspired by something.
Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. What are you planning to do?
We were planning on that at the start cause our show was canceled but then lockdown happened so it was canceled. Joseph, our bass player, lives in Worthing so it’s been a bit tricky for us to get together for an online performance.
Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
I don’t think so. unless people were donating money to the band?
This week Live Nation announced their first-ever U.S. drive-in concert series — LIVE FROM THE DRIVE-IN — This will bring fans a live music tailgating experience unlike any other, kicking off July 10-12 in Indianapolis, IN, Nashville, TN, and St. Louis, MO. Brad Paisley will headline performances in all three cities, marking the start of a much-anticipated return to in-person live events. Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi will also headline the series. Is this something you would be willing to do?
Yeah, why not, sounds like a blast.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it may be the end of the music fest for the next couple of years?
Yeah, I imagine it will be tricky for them to keep people apart once the drinking and drugs come into the mix, it’s very unnatural for humans to stay apart for this long.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
You gonna pay for that?
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself continuing to release albums, my art building, and my bespoke cordwainer business and hopefully touring all of Mass Daturas material.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Well, thank you for your time writing this interview and we hope you all enjoy the listen to this new album of ours ‘ Wish Untitled’ as much as we enjoyed the writing and recording of it. We put our hearts into it.
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