Interview with Gena Mason, by the ArtistFirst Network in January 2003

AF: This is the ArtistFirst Network...A frigid night outside the ArtistFirst studios, temperatures in the single digits, but we're warm in the studio because we've got hot artists and hot music, and it's another featured artist special on the premier station worldwide for the best new music you've never heard...of course, that's us here at ArtistFirst...and tonight we've got two back-to-back, and the first comes to us from California. We've got a young lady that's going to be joining us here in just a moment, and she's quite an interesting gal. I think you're gonna enjoy her life story so far...Joining us shortly is a lady who is described as possibly "a mad genius, a dangerous influence, or a ruthless rumor mill manipulator." Let's listen to Gena Mason.

[plays "I'll Be Your Mirror"]

AF: Well, folks, does that sound like the doings of a "mad genius, a dangerous influence, or a ruthless rumor mill manipulator"? On that note, let's welcome to the ArtistFirst studios Gena Mason, all the way from California. Hey, Gena.

GM: Hey, Scott, and everybody out there, thanks for having me on the show.

AF: We're speaking to you in L.A., and I wish I was in L.A. tonight, Gena.

GM: I wish you were, too, Scott! It's cool, I mean, it's not cool, it's warm actually, I can't complain, it's been in the mid-70s all week, and having grown up in Indianapolis and lived in New York, I hear where you're coming from.

AF: Folks, Gena is an interesting, interesting gal. First of all, Gena, give out the website, because our listeners log on and surf. Where can they go?

GM: The address is www.genamason.com. I did it all myself, and I'm always working on it.

AF: Gena, I just gotta say, you're a hot-looking babe.

GM: (laughs) Just call me "Hot Gena."

AF: I got the photo page going on. OK, Gena, many of our listeners will have never heard of you before, some very well may have. Let's go back to the beginning. You were born in Chicago, grew up in Indianapolis, and -- I was reading the line out of your bio, I like this: "psychedelic college experiences..."

GM: Enough said, right?

AF: Wait a minute...as if that's not enough, it says: "...included a year in Paris on scholarship."

GM: Yeah, I did have a scholarship to school, so fortunately I don't have to pay for that on top of my credit card debts...but yeah, it was good to get to Paris and get that experience when I was so young, too.

AF: Well, we started off the show with a cut from your Goldmine CD, and by the way, she has a couple, we're going to play some cuts from both. And we ran the tune "I'll Be Your Mirror." So, since you didn't get a chance to set that up because we played it before we introduced you, is there something you'd like to tell our audience about that cut?

GM: Well, how it all came about...I worked on it for a little while, and then it all just came together in one rush...it was inspired by a few different things. I had recently reread The Odyssey, by Homer, and I'm a poet, that's my background, that's how I first became known in New York, and...anyway, I actually read The Odyssey for fun, which may be kind of scary to some people out there, but, hey, kids, school is good for you, so do this at home...you could get some hit songs out of it, hopefully! Anyway, I was rereading The Odyssey, and just happened around the same time to see O Brother, Where Art Thou? again, which is based on The Odyssey...so I started getting a song together, but then I started thinking about my own life experiences, too, and bringing that into the song. Most of my songs are love songs, when it comes down to it; I think that's what motivates the world, in general, and this particular song is written from the perspective of a siren. When I was going to art school, I had to get some money together, so I worked as an exotic dancer for a few months. I got a different perspective on things.

AF: I bet you did!

GM: Yeah, a lot of people are scared of that world, and I just kind of jumped right in. I was curious. So all these influences just started gelling, and I was really fascinated by the part in The Odyssey where the sirens are tempting Odysseus and his crew, and they have to plug their ears just to keep themselves from jumping into the water after these beautiful women. So it all kind of came together, like I said, in one rush, and I got this song out of it. It's from the perspective of a siren, and it's called "I'll be Your Mirror," which is also the title of a Velvet Underground song. They were an influence on me, when I was younger especially; like in high school I listened to them a lot, and in college.

AF: As you can tell already, we have a live one here, we have an intellectual...look at the depth you go to write lyrics for a song. I mean, "Who Let the Dogs Out?" now...

GM: Woof, woof-woof-woof: I can do that, too!

AF: I mean that kind of music irritates me, because it takes away from artistic people like you.

GM: Well, I think the difference is that they see, or at least somebody involved with the camps of those kinds of commercial acts, sees their songs as product. And, OK, it is product, and I completely realize that, and I know how to play the game. But on the other hand, I don't do this because I'm paying the bills making music. I do it because I have to and I love it, and even if I have to work full-time for the rest of my life, I'm still going to do it. So it's a growing experience for myself, as well as for everybody else, and I try and reach a special place with each song that I write.

AF: By the way, folks, Gena writes all the music, plays all of the instruments most of the time...so you're a one-woman band.

GM: Yeah, well, they say necessity is the mother of invention. I don't have a band, and I find that when I write songs I hear them in my head already...and I just feel that until I find the right people to play with, as long as I know what I want, and I can play all the instruments, then I may as well just do it, it's the fastest way to go at this point.

AF: Well, we're going to get into some interesting things you've done and people that you've seen. But let's give the audience another taste. We're going to run "Queen" next. What's the setup on that?

GM: Well, "Queen" was written during a year when I was listening to a lot of hiphop music, and you're talking about "Who Let the Dogs Out?" Well, there is a formula to that kind of music, to hiphop and rap, and during that year I was also really involved with the Poetry Project at St. Mark's Church, that's where I kind of got my start as a performer. I was performing with rock poets like Patti Smith and Jim Carroll, and so on. So it was kind of a combination of these influences, 2 sides of a fence but all focused on the word. So what I wanted to do was give a slightly different, skewed take on the hiphop formula. The hiphop song is basically a braggadocio kind of thing about: "I'm this, I'm that," and it's usually about money and guns and women, but I figured I'm about something else...so, without further ado, let's just play the song.

[plays "Queen"]

AF: Hey, who played the violin?

GM: This talented young musician named Dylan Williams played viola. You know how I found him, actually he studied at Juilliard, but I guess he didn't finish, and he ended up playing the subways in Manhattan and in Brooklyn.

AF: That's kind of going from feast to famine, isn't it?

GM: Yeah, and he's probably starving as we speak, but he's very talented, he has a great ear. We only had 2 rehearsals before we did this session, and he just improvised the whole damn thing.

AF: Now, which of the CDs came first?

GM: 911 came first. That's just a demo CD, I haven't really released it, but the recording quality is pretty decent. And Goldmine I'm releasing right now, as we speak.

AF: Right this very minute, they're putting it in the trucks, it'll be in your stores later this month!

GM: Uh, sure. The stores of your memory, at least. (laughs)

AF: If you're just joining us, this might be a memorable featured artist special. We're talking with Gena Mason, artist extraordinaire: poet, lyricist, composer, very interesting bio, she's got some great stories to tell us...There are so many questions that I want to ask you, but let's start with the writing thing. We've already touched on the fact that your background was in poetry, and obviously you've demonstrated a depth of knowledge, you're putting something into your lyrics. But let's talk about influences. Who were the big pillars of your foundation?

GM: I never can answer that influences question, because I think that each of us is influenced by everything that we experience every day. I can tell you a few groups that I've listened to obsessively, there have been different artists every year that I've maybe become obsessed with or influenced by. But on the other hand, people never tell me that I sound like the artists that I've been really into. They tell me I sound like other things, and I think those were also influences, the other ones that I really wouldn't have thought of...And I've always listened to every different type of music. I'm not one of those people who says I'll listen to anything. I don't listen to just anything, but I listen to every type of music. I always have. I had different phases as I was growing up. I was brought up on pop and rock radio, of course, like almost everybody else, but I was also in conservatory for a year, and studied music theory, all the classical composers. I channel-chase like crazy every day on my way to work. I have an hour commute, so I go through 3 stations each way because I lose the reception. I go from the indie/college rock station to the jazz & blues station to KROQ. There are a few artists, I guess...I'm sorry, I'm terrible at this question!

AF: Yeah, if the human mind works the way I think it does, I think every piece of music and every line of poetry you ever hear becomes...

GM: ...yeah, your influence.

AF: There is certainly wonderful music within every conceivable category.

GM: Absolutely. What I can do is tell you with specific songs certain artists that I was listening to or influenced by at that time. Like I said with the first track, "I'll Be Your Mirror," I listened to the Velvet Underground, especially when I was younger. And they were also part of that artsy scene that I was in when I lived in New York. I mean, I'm going to go back to New York, because I'm still a New Yorker. I love New York.

AF: You're insane!

GM: And "Queen" was written, like I said, when I was listening to a lot of hiphop, and on this Missy Elliott CD I bought there were a couple of great tracks with Eminem, Eve, Nas, and other rappers. And "Queen" grew out of those. The next song on the EP is called "Heir," and that was influenced most by Nirvana, actually. I bought a Nirvana songbook, because I'm in awe of Cobain as a songwriter. I don't really listen to Nirvana a lot. I mean, when they're on the radio I turn it up to 11. I don't listen obsessively to their music, but I do think that Cobain was a very talented songwriter. So I learned all of the progressions in the songbook and started playing around with a few that I liked. And the song "Heir" came out of that.

AF: Why don't we run it?

[plays "Heir"]

AF: That's "Heir," from the artist Gena Mason. She's in L.A., where it's warm, unlike here. Check out her website. Gena is a remarkable lady. The more you listen, the more you find out what an interesting character you are.

GM: (laughs) That I am.

AF: You can read her bio online.

GM: Yeah, it's under the "rap sheet" link, haha.

AF: So on your commercials for this spot, you say, "Tune in to hear what the rumors are about." Okay, so it's time to tell us. Is...the government involved?

GM: Yeah, it does involve the government. That's probably the main rumor that people have been talking about these days, though I've always inspired rumor. It's just a personal trait.

AF: Is this a revelation? Do we need to stop the tape?

GM: No, keep rolling! No, I don't want to go into much detail. I don't think it's wise. But I can make a few general statements, if you don't mind my getting on my soapbox for a minute.

AF: Sure.

GM: I think what it comes down to is that, basically, we need better leaders in this country. (interviewer applauds) It seems like for the last couple of decades we've had administrations that have espoused a bully mentality. And what that comes down to is that I've seen a lot of predation upon, and exploitation of, the most vulnerable members of society. And human nature being what it is, it's had this trickle-down effect where everyone follows the leader, and I think our whole society is moving in that direction. I've seen that tendency lately where people have been trumpeting that attitude of preying upon those who are more vulnerable. I think we need to get a handle on it. As far as my situation goes, from what I understand, it started with an individual that I met a number of times when I was in New York City, and -- as with everything in my life -- it just escalated and snowballed from there. So now I'm being bullied by some people who are too cowardly to pick on someone their own size.

AF: Don't you just hate that?

GM: Yeah, I don't like bullies. Like I said, it's about people following the leader. If we had better leaders...it sounds simplistic, but I think it would make a major change in society.

AF: I agree. Gena, do you want a job at ArtistFirst? We could use someone who thinks like you do.

GM: If you wanna move out here to sunny California, then I'm in your office every day!

AF: We share similar thoughts on the way this country's being led into oblivion. Nothing against Bush, I think he'd be a fine guy to have a beer with, but the man is clueless.

GM: Yeah.

AF: I could go on for hours. But, folks, you're listening to a thoughtful and intellectual artist tonight, and she's already probably led more of a life than many of us ever will.

GM: I've packed a lot in my years!

AF: For instance, your first rock gig was at Hollywood's Roxy Theater. How cool is that?

GM: It was pretty cool. It was my first rock show ever. I had just left New York because I got run out of town, because of this whole business. I was staying with my mom in Indy, and had recorded my first demo before I split. I sent it out, and got a response from the Roxy, and flew right out there. Out here. It was my first trip to Hollywood, my first trip to California, and I was completely unprepared. I had no car, no job, I didn't know anyone. I figured I would spend the summer, and that's what happened, I did meet my goal, but in the most surreal and roundabout way that anyone could possibly comprehend.

AF: You're a driven individual.

GM: Like I said, it's a matter of priorities. It's what I love doing, and I couldn't imagine -- I mean, I can imagine, you see it around you every day, people who are miserable with their humdrum lives because they're too afraid. Fear and laziness hold people back so much. I think fear more than laziness. People are just so afraid to do anything that they really want to do. I can understand that, because the system makes it difficult for you, too...but anyway, that's what drives me: my passion. I could never imagine living in a way where I couldn't express that. So anyway, I came out to L.A. and played my show at the Roxy, and ended up on the street because I had no money. (laughs) I literally was on the street. I walked for about 3 days, for fourteen hours a day, because I ran out of money to stay anywhere. I started out in decent hotel rooms, then went to hostels, then ended up just walking down the street at one a.m. and freezing, and walking in through the open doors of strange guys and asking if I could crash for the night. Eventually I stayed in a couple of homeless shelters. One was overnight, that was very surreal, it was on Skid Row downtown. And then I stayed for 4 weeks at kind of an "upscale" homeless shelter, hahaha.

AF: Is that where you were with the Chinese nuns?

GM: Yeah, it was run by Chinese nuns.

AF: I didn't know there were Chinese nuns!

GM: Yeah, they were all pretty much Chinese, and let me tell you, the stories they tell you about nuns are not untrue. They are not generally very nice people. I think sexual repression really can damage you!

AF: Not a real big sense of humor in the Chinese nun category.

GM: No...

AF: And you're doing this because you're driven to be an artist.

GM: Because I'm driven to be an artist. Right now I'm working on a full-length album. Goldmine is an introduction for everybody so they know where I'm coming from when I do release the full-length. Around summertime, I said to myself, if this was the last year of my life, what would I really want to do? How would I want to spend it? And, yeah, there's going to Hawaii and everything, but this is one attainable goal. I can make a great record. So that's what I'm working on.

AF: That's a great question. From now on, I'm going to ask every band I interview that question: if you knew you had exactly a year left to live, what would you start doing that you're not doing now?

GM: I think people should live their lives more like that. Like I said, I'm driven by my passions, and it makes life very difficult at times. But in the end, we're all gonna die. (laughs)

AF: I think a lot of musicians, myself included...I have an album half-finished. When you said that, I thought: I'm going to finish that album!

GM: All right! It makes me happy to know that you were inspired to do that, because I think one of the major roles of the artist is to inspire people to take action.

AF: Let's run another track, "Dirt Angel." What's this about?

GM: Being depressed! (laughs) Actually, not really depressed...like I said, all my songs are pretty much love songs, in one way or another. This song is written from the perspective of feeling...you know how, when the object of your affection doesn't care about you, it makes you feel like you're nothing? Like you're completely worthless. I was thinking of the things that we hold as most worthless, like dirt, saliva, feces, all these things that we see as terrible or without value...but like the air we breathe...there's no price on that, but it's invaluable.

AF: We need it badly.

GM: We need it badly, we need the dirt badly, we need saliva badly, we need these things that we ignore and step on every day. So that's where I was coming from with this song: just saying to this guy, hey, you may think I'm nothing, but I mean everything to you.

[plays "Dirt Angel"]

AF: That's the music of Gena Mason. Add a dot-com to that, and you've got the website. We've got it up here on the studio PC. As you can see, Gena is...she's a babe. (GM laughs) Doesn't hurt to be a good-looking babe in the music business, does it?

GM: No, it definitely helps you get your foot in the door, haha.

AF: There's a good question: do you believe that being an attractive young female has helped you, or has it been a hindrance in the music business?

GM: It's not that it's been a hindrance, but it's kind of a double-edged sword sometimes. Yeah, it helps with meeting people, because guys wanna meet an attractive woman, but on the other hand, then they just look at you as a sex toy, and don't want to take you seriously as an artist. A lot of guys have just tried to treat me like a groupie or whatever, and -- nothing against groupies, but I'm not one, I'm an artist, and I'm a person to be taken seriously. And there's a lot of hostility from guys sometimes when you're like that. But I think they respect you more, in the end. It just makes it a longer, harder road.

AF: The endless string of maggots and rip-off artists...it's the stereotypical male world that takes advantage of females, in all situations. But you seem tenacious enough and smart enough to know what you're doing. And your life experiences have put a lot of arrows in your quiver. You've done a lot of stuff.

GM: Hahaha yeah, I've got a lot of ammo.

AF: Let's talk about the recording process. Since you play everything, how does that whole process work for you?

GM: It's different every time, but there is a general process that I go through. Actually, I get a lot of input while I'm sleeping. I'll wake up in the middle of the night with a song in my head, or with a melody fragment. If I just play with that for a while, I get progressions, then eventually the lyrics. The lyrics usually take me a little longer. Maybe because I'm a little more particular about that, having the background as a poet. I mean, I've always been a musician, too, but for some reason I'm just pickier with the lyrics, it takes me longer. With the progressions, it's instinctual, it comes very easily to me, I just get them down. Then usually I do some recordings at home, listen back to them as long as it takes, then I might do a little pre-production with my 4-track. Next, I take it into the studio. What helps is performing live, at least a few times, on every track, before recording it. Nothing can replace that energy from the audience. You learn so much more about the songs and maybe how you could better perform them. Just the energy level that comes from the audience, that goes into you and into the songs. So I like to get out, even for just an open mic, and road-test a song before going into the studio.

AF: We're going to switch to the demo CD. Let's hear "Drive-by Baby." What's the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear "drive-by?"

GM: Violence. It's a love song (laughs)...of course. Hahaha. I guess it's another one about an unattainable object of your affection...it's hard to describe this one. I guess there's the element of love and death, and blah blah blah, but, hey, just play it.

[plays "Drive-by Baby"]

AF: The next cut is "City of Night." Tell us about that.

GM: I should write country songs. This is another broken-hearted love song. It was inspired by an affair that I had with this teenage boy. I was assisting his mother, who is a poet in New York City, and I was staying at their place, and the parents were away, and he and I were alone...and, well, nature took its course! Hahaha. But it was very brief. He dumped me for--well, I found out later he had a girlfriend already, and she was wealthy, so...natural choice. At that time, I was also reading a book called City of Night, by John Rechy. Again, a lot of my songs are inspired by literature. So my song title is taken from the book title. It's a book about a hustler, a male bisexual hustler, and I really related to this character in some ways. I had done a little bit of hustling while I was working as an exotic dancer, and I got a taste of the life. I also related to the perspective of this character, who was a writer, too...again, my influences come from everywhere. So it's the result of all that. This song was my first demo track, actually the first track I ever recorded in the studio.

[plays "City of Night"]

AF : Well, folks, time has run out. We look forward to having you back, Gena. The last track we're gonna run is called "Smokestack Lightning." Set that one up for us.

GM: That one's a cover of a Willie Dixon/Howlin' Wolf tune.

[plays "Smokestack Lightning"]

AF: It's been a pleasure having you. I wish I could have just read the bio. You made all that up! No one could have a life like that!

GM: No, it's all true!

AF: I'm joking. You've had a wonderful experience, and life has been an adventure for you. Wait until you get old, it gets boring.

GM: No, my life will never be boring, I promise. You'll always have good stuff to read on my bio pages.