Dinosaur Jr. frontman J Mascis is known for his quiet, unassuming stage presence and equally subtle interview style. Yet, it turns out he has a surprisingly witty side, sharing tales of youthful mini-golf regrets and his decision to abandon sports for music. The band's longevity, he claims, is simply a matter of having 'nothing better to do.'

For their latest album, There Near, Mascis and his bandmates adopted a similarly relaxed approach. They avoided marathon recording sessions and fine-tuning, preferring to record when the songs felt ready. This hands-off method extends to their gear choices and even their Fender signature instruments, with Mascis prioritising practicality over luxury.

However, this laid-back attitude has also drawn criticism, particularly over his use of generative AI for a recent video. While he admits to being cautious about AI in music, he acknowledges it as an inevitable part of the industry. 'I guess we’re learning how to deal with it,' he mused, adding, 'But yeah, I guess that’s a slippery slope.'

During a recent tour, Mascis noted an audience craving authenticity. He bemoaned the reliance on high-tech sound systems and the use of in-ear monitors, preferring the raw, visceral experience of live music. His indifference to AI, juxtaposed with his appreciation for live performance, leaves one questioning the future of creativity in a digital age.