Interview © PlugInMusic.com November 8, 2010

by Corinne

Interview: Masters of Reality's Chris Goss

How are you? I'm just dandy, thanks.

It's been about five years since we last saw Masters of Reality, and a long five years indeed. But you've been busy musically in the meantime producing as well as working with your other projects such as Goon Moon. What made you decide to return to Masters of Reality now?

I'm really looking forward to playing the material on the new album, "Pine/Cross Dover," as well as lots of music we've never had the chance to get to. Not to mention I turn on the radio and really really hate what I hear. We're coming to save the world from shit music!

Let's talk about the new album. "Pine/Cross Dover" definitely has the stamp of the Masters of Reality. It's very consistent with your previous albums and the band's sound in general. Is that something that's important to you?

Well, I suppose that means that the core of the band's sound is melodic hard blues rock. The decorations that get hung on it, if you will, differ slightly with each record. But over the years the consistent factors; John's drums and my vocals and guitar playing, as well as the songwriting probably keep the consistency you're hearing.

The album is in two halves -- "Pine" and "Cross Dover." Could you explain the concept?

Probably the philosophical obsession with duality. Balance. Since 9/11, the mood of the world has become very negative and bleak. I'd like to help start pushing the pendulum back to hopefulness, if only just for one reason, our children. One other reason too; living in fear sucks for everyone.

Where did you draw your inspirations for "Pine/Cross Dover?"

The same place as always, EVERYWHERE.

In your experience as a producer, who has been the most fun to produce?

A bunch, first, the young Kyuss, they were an absolute riot. Josh Homme was just 17 years old and a really brilliant physical comedian at a young age. Nick Oliveri also was just out of control hysterically funny. That continued until they were Queens of the Stone Age, when we made "Rated R." Then after that, big success came and things got pretty serious, as is usually the case when there are millions of dollars at stake. The Brit band "Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster" was also a pure pleasure to work with. I'm having a lot of fun now working with a band called "Firebug," and my actor pal Missi Pyle, I produce her musical projects and we spend most of the time in the studio laughing. That makes my producer job a sheer delight.

We mentioned some of your other projects. What's the status on some of them, such as Goon Moon and The 5:15ers?

Both projects discussing plans for next year.

What's up next for you and for Masters of Reality? I know you have some dates planned. What can fans expect?

The cute ones can expect a good buggering against the dumpster behind the theater! Did I mention I'm hopelessly romantic?

Do you have any influences you think listeners would be surprised by?

Stravinsky, Mussorgsky, Wendy Carlos, Joe Zawinul, Nina Simone, Kraftwerk, Nelson Riddle, Giorgio Moroder, Cat Stevens, Morrisey, Nat Cole...on and on honestly.

Who are some underrated bands that you think we need to check out?

Deerhoof, Soulwax/Too Many DJ's, and their friends also from Belgium 'Drums are For Parades,' Joanna Newsom, The Band of Joy and the aforementioned Firebug.

What have you been listening to recently?

All of the above.

If you could have written any song what song do you wish you had written and why?

Kurt Weill's "September Song," it sums up the brief preciousness of experiencing true love.

Anything you would like to add?

Enjoy it while you can.

Thanks very much for your time!