Michigan based band Mason Proper just wrapped up a nice little run through the west coast, playing a bunch of shows with New York’s own Stellastarr. The band has been busy, with their debut album Olly Oxen Free released last year on Dovecote Records and a free, brand-new remix EP, the band is now taking a well deserved break. Mason Proper will return on the 17th of September for Pygmalion Fest with Iron & Wine, RJD2, the amazing Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos and many more.
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This week’s Kuestionnaire features lead vocalist Jonathan Visger as he puts in a good word for ol’ San Francisco.
1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
My name is Jonathan Visger and I sing and play samplers and stuff.
2. How would you describe your sound?
It’s a spacious kind of experimental pop. Nice melodies, not cluttered (anymore), very “open.” All the songs have a pretty good groovy beat to them too, nothing too straightforward.
3. What is your favorite local band?
There are a bunch I love, but always jump into my mind first. They do this great melting guitar thing… really something special.
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
Nothing in particular as of late. Last concert I saw was Animal Collective at the Royal Oak Music Theater. I had a great vantage point to pick apart what they were doing, which is a favorite pastime of mine with bands that don’t just play guitars… and I will say that Panda Bear’s extended drum solo thing was pretty incredible to watch!
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
David Lynch and Edward Gorey, big time! We take a lot of cues from them in a few areas.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
Very profitable.
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
I think we could do some serious damage with Clara Rockmore!
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Four Tet – Rounds?
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
On this last roadtrip, I particularly enjoyed “Run” by Air, “Nothing in this World” by the Kinks, “Music for 18 Musicians” by Steve Reich, and “Punchbag” by the Bees (Band of Bees in the U.S. I think).
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
I have absolutely no idea, outside of one way or another still trying to make the best music we can. Other than that, no clue!
11. What is the last book you read?
Just finishing “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle,” by Haruki Murakami, and in love with it.
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
It’s not a factor in actual MUSIC, but it can be a factor in the music BUSINESS. We suck at it and choose to just be ourselves. It probably isn’t a waste of time to consider if you, you know, want to be successful or something, ha ha. It can enhance people’s perception of the music though, if it’s something a band has naturally… I’d say if you’ve got it, great. If not, you can’t worry about it too much.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
We were playing at a venue in New York at CMJ, and the microphone was horribly shocking my face, and the sound guy couldn’t fix it, and the show was already really late, so I took off my sock and put it on the mic and sang into that. Kind of gross, and the mic still shocked me thru the sock. Not my finest moment, but we have a good sense of humor about things like that.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Our recent show at Slim’s in San Francisco was great! Absolutely one of my favorite venues now, and the crowd was great to us too.
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
Underslept and muddled, but happy.
Mason Proper – 
Fog from Olly Oxen Free (2008)
Mason Proper – Safe For The Time Being (Wallpaper Remix) from Remix EP (2009)
Javelins – Out On the Sand from Heavy Meadows (2008)