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By: Jen Dan
Photo By Matthew Spiegelman
Renowned and creatively innovative multi-media artist Rachel Mason has made a bold impact on the art world with her politico-econo- sociologically relevant and fantastically imaginative live performances, sculpture, videos, and music.
Mason has shared the stage with numerous artists, mounted exhibits at various renowned art galleries, and composed music in a variety of formats including 13 albums and 3 operas (most recently the rock opera The Lives of Hamilton Fish).
Her latest endeavor is the upcoming album Das Ram, which she created with long-time artist partner Jeff Hassay. Striking lead single “Tigers in the Dark”, available on Cleopatra Records, and its accompanying video directed by Matthew Spiegelman were unleashed at an immersive event at the LTD Los Angeles gallery.
(((o))): Hello Rachel! It’s a true delight to have this opportunity to interview you and find out more about your striking new single (and video for) “Tigers in the Dark”, your upcoming album Das Ram, and all the creative seeds that are sprouting and flowering in your imaginative garden. Where’s your head at these days, and where is your body?
Rachel: I’m working on the next project actually!
(((o))): You have been vibrantly active in the art and live performance world for nearly twenty years, moving between your home base of L.A. and the bright lights of NYC. What prompted your decade-long stay in New York City, and what sparked your recent return to Los Angeles?
Rachel: Well, it’s been more like 10 years of my performing and playing music, and more seriously in the last 5 years. I am of late immersed in ancient fiction.
(((o))): You are a multi-talented creative who has left a mighty impression in the fields of sculpture, singing and songwriting, visual art, live performance, and – goodness, I’m probably missing other categories! What drives you to juggle such a varied array of artistic disciplines?
Rachel: The work itself is what takes me into the places that I go, the last major project being a feature film, The Lives of Hamilton Fish, which was also an album. It was something that was entirely driven by the story of two men who coincidentally died on the same day.
(((o))): Your wild new single “Tigers in the Dark” comes across as an encapsulation of the artistic life where the individual is only truly alive when pacing the floorboards of the stage and where the creative spirit fades in real life. At least that’s my interpretation of your lyrics and video for the song. Would that be an accurate summation? Or am I off the mark or simplifying your message too much?
Rachel: You’ve perfectly described “Tigers in the Dark”. I probably couldn’t describe it any better!
(((o))): As a writer, I find it difficult to shut off my thoughts and scribblings and (re)enter the real world. How easy is it, or not, for you to move from the artistic realm to the daily grind? Is there a method you’ve adopted for shifting your concentration from creating to running errands/doing chores/being present in real life? Inquiring minds want to know!
Rachel: All of the work that surrounds promoting one’s art takes you in a very different headspace from creating. I take my work with me wherever I go and whatever I do. Some of the best ideas come from times like standing in the grocery line.
(((o))): Can you spill some details about Das Ram? From what I’ve read, it’s your 14th studio album and you created it with your long-time artistic partner Jeff Hassay. What is the overriding theme of the album and what can the listener expect for the sonic aspect?
Rachel: The Das Ram project comes out of this idea of morphing between bodies, human, animal, and other spirits. Jeff Hassay is almost like an extension of my songwriting body – but he has a very stylized aesthetic that has matured over the last few years and I really love working with him. The aesthetic is a blend of synth-pop, glitter rock from the ‘70s, and maybe a bit of an early ‘90s dance style along with my vocals.
(((o))): You presented the video for “Tigers in the Dark” at an event recently held at LTD Los Angeles. You gathered an eclectic and renowned bunch of artists and guests together, including Rodney Bingenheimer, who was the owner of the English Disco nightclub that once stood in the 1970s where LTD Los Angeles is now located. And artist Dennis Hoekstra even recreated the English Disco venue as an installation at the event. Very surreal! How else would you describe that night?
Rachel: Epic. Really magical. But then again, that was me from the inside experiencing it.
(((o))): Are you currently at work on other projects or is all your energy and attention focused on the impending release of Das Ram?
Rachel: I’m working on a new expanded performance project which weaves together ancient folktales with songs. I’m also continuing to develop a script all about stars. But indeed, I’m delighted that the Das Ram album is complete and will be coming out in October on the super LA-based label Cleopatra Records, with a special cassette edition by an awesome artist-run project called Practical Records.
(((o))): Some of your live performances and sculptures are decidedly political in nature – thought-provoking and challenging the political system (and certain political figures). In your experience, what were the differences between being an artist under George W. Bush’s regime as opposed to Barack Obama’s current tenure?
Rachel: Under Bush I was in a constant, daily state of anger toward my government. Under Obama I’m constantly thinking about institutionalized racism and white supremacy in all areas of life. I try to not participate in shows which are entirely white or in which I’m the only female.
(((o))): A live performance of The Lives of Hamilton Fish, a rock opera which you created and directed last year as a film (with accompanying soundtrack), took place July 20th at L.A.’s Night Gallery. What was it like to dive into the role of film director? Do you enjoy being the artistic ringleader or do you prefer working as a solo act?
Rachel: I have been directing art videos and music videos for years before making this film, so it wasn’t a new role, but producing the film was a hugely different thing. It basically was insane. I don’t actually enjoy being a ringleader, but I find that it’s necessary to carry out my vision sometimes.
(((o))): Musically, you not only sing and compose songs, but are a multi-instrumentalist who can play the guitar, piano, drums, and accordion. Am I missing any other instruments? Are you a self-taught musician?
Rachel: I took piano lessons as a kid and I also took a few guitar lessons. But I have taught myself the other instruments just from playing with a lot of friends and in bands over the years.
(((o))): Is your music group Little Band of Sailors still navigating the waters or is it sunk for now?
Rachel: Nothing’s ever sunk! We’ll see what happens with it… Moving to LA basically took me away from my favorite bass clarinetist in the world, Mara Mayer. Her contribution created our signature sound, and also a rotating cast of amazing performers who jumped in and out, namely Dmitriy Ivolgin and Chris Carlone.
(((o))): Were your sculpting studies at Yale the launch pad for your trajectory into the art world? Or were you conjuring up creative endeavors before your time at this prestigious university?
Rachel: I was creating since the day I was born… But indeed Yale introduced me to the New York art world where I was able to do a few things. My sculpture Kissing President Bush was made while I was a student there. For a minute it was a pretty famous piece – the New York Times published it on the front page of the Art section in 2004.
(((o))): How do you view your creative process and product? Is it a way to come to grips with yourself and/or the world? Do you feel enlightened or relieved when what once existed only in your mind comes to tangible fruition?
Rachel: The creative process is just life. I simply try to get out of the way so that I can do the very best work. When I’m finished with something I am usually on to the next thing by the time it is done. I hate to look back at anything I’ve made.
(((o))): What’s on the horizon for you? Do you have some shows lined-up in the near future?
Rachel: August 12 I’m performing at this amazing Victorian house called HM157 which is like a bohemian fantasy headquartered in east LA. It’s a venue where a bunch of artists live and put on shows and the night will feature the reunion of one of LA’s greatest uncategorizable bands from the late ‘90s early 2000s, The Centimeters. Nora Keyes is the lead singer and she is truly one of those very humble living legends of Los Angeles music who seems to be everywhere all the time. I love her so much.
