INTERVIEW: MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS prepare to make UK live debut

MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS (Masudore) have been one of Japan’s top exports of noisy pop infused alt-rock for over a decade.

After the release of the band’s debut self-titled album in 2008, Masudore quickly became a staple of Japan’s alt-rock scene and a cult hit internationally.

Reuniting in 2015 after a 3 year hiatus, the trio made waves once again in 2018 with their independently released 4th album No New World.

Known for their energic live performances and heavy melodic sound, Masudore are set to finally play their first ever UK live set at this year’s ArcTanGent Festival.

We caught up with Natsuko (lead vocals and bass), Naoya (guitar), and Isao (drums) to chat about how they’ve been affected by the pandemic and their upcoming UK live debut.

---

It’s been nearly 7 years since the band reformed. How is everything going?

Natsuko: We have just recently finished recording our 5th album, and I feel that we’ve entered a new phase, we’re in a very good mood.

Naoya: We recorded an album. It’s pretty good.

Isao: We are not able to perform as much as we would like due to COVID-19, that includes overseas shows too, but now that we have the recording, we are looking forward to the future and hope that people will listen to it soon.

What music have you been listening to recently?

Natsuko: Utada Hikaru BAD MODE, and David Byrne American Utopia.

Naoya: INO hidefumi In Dreams and Song Album.

Isao: MESHUGGAH IMMUTABLE.

Because of COVID-19 you couldn’t perform for a long time. How was it starting live performances again?

Natsuko: I love live performances! I love people! Basically, I don’t want to create something by myself, I want to make music based on what I feel by interacting with people.

Naoya: I thought I wouldn’t be able to do this for a long time, so I am thankful that things are slowly picking up.

Isao: I realised again that both artists and the audience want to experience a live performance and share in the moment of that experience.

How do live shows feel these days compared to earlier in your career?

Natsuko: In the early days, I think I just let my impulses take over and did things to liberate myself. Rather than playing music, I felt that music was a way to liberate myself.

Lately, I feel that I am able to perform while loving and respecting the music and the audience, and I’m able to face them with a firm resolve. It is still a place to liberate myself, but I feel as if the composition has changed.

Isao: This can be said of the song writing as well. However, when compared to the early days, we’re placing more importance on the songs and wanting the audience to hear those songs. It’s because of these feelings and songs that the intensity and performance that has always been typical of Masudore is still there. I think this balance is what makes the current live show so good. 

During the pandemic your crowdfunded demo album NAKED ALBUM got a lot of support by your fans. Did you expect such a big response?

Natsuko: I never expected this. I had been physically and emotionally drained from not being able to do any real activities and having this opportunity to connect with our fans was a great encouragement.

Naoya: I didn’t expect it. I was glad that the fans cared about more than the success of the crowdfunding. I am very grateful for everyone’s support so far in the midst of the hardship of the COVID-19 disaster.

Isao: I think I speak for everyone, but I was surprised because I didn’t expect it at all. I was grateful that the fans cared about Masudore even while stuck in a pandemic.

Your music has been massively influential to a lot of bands. I know tricot have mentioned you a lot. How does it feel knowing your music has inspired a wave of new artists?  

Natsuko: I am very happy and honored. However, to be honest, I don’t really feel like I did anything, and I get embarrassed every time I hear such words.

Naoya: It is a great honor.

Isao: I often receive live offers from young bands, and in their e-mails they write nice things like, “I have been listening to Masudore since I was a student”. It honestly makes me happy, and I want to continue to be a band that people admire.

After 2 years of waiting, you’ll finally be performing at ArcTanGent Festival this August. Are you excited to finally perform in the UK? Is this your first time?

Natsuko: Yay! I felt like “I can finally go!”. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to. This is my first time in England. I’m really looking forward to it!

Naoya: This is my first time playing and going [to the UK], and I’m very happy to be able to perform in the UK.

Isao: My first time in England! I’m fact, it’s our first time in Europe! Anyway, we just have to give our best performance and give a live show that we are satisfied with and that the audience thinks is the best!

Are there any bands at ArcTanGent you hope to see perform while you’re there?

Natsuko: Lightning Bolt is a must-see. I’ve been using them as the soundtrack for my live performances for a long time. I haven’t seen them live yet, so I’m really looking forward to it.

Naoya: I’d like to see all the bands, but I’m looking forward to seeing THE LOCUST which I missed during their past visits to Japan.

Isao: OPETH, ENSLAVED, IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT, Lightning Bolt.

Word has it you were planning a North American and European tour prior the pandemic. Do you hope to do this in the future?

Natsuko: Next year we’re planning to tour Europe!

You mentioned earlier you just finished recording your 5th album, when can we expect to hear it?

Naoya: We are planning to release a new album in July, so please check it out.

---