The Hidden Influences Behind Mastodon’s Sound: A Deep Dive into Their Musical DNA
What if I told you that the members of Mastodon, a band known for their complex riffs and progressive metal soundscapes, have musical tastes that span from psychedelic rock to Barry Manilow? It’s a fascinating paradox, and one that reveals something deeper about how artists absorb and reinterpret their influences. In a recent episode of Amoeba Music’s What’s In My Bag?, the band members—Brann Dailor, Troy Sanders, and Bill Kelliher—offered a glimpse into their eclectic record collections. What makes this particularly fascinating is how their choices not only reflect their personal histories but also hint at the unexpected layers beneath Mastodon’s music.
Brann Dailor’s Psychedelic Nostalgia
Drummer-vocalist Brann Dailor’s picks are a trip—literally. From Coil’s Love’s Secret Domain to Björk’s Selma Songs, his selections are less about mainstream appeal and more about personal resonance. Personally, I think this speaks to a broader trend in music: artists often gravitate toward the underrated, the overlooked. It’s not just about what’s popular; it’s about what sticks with you. Dailor’s mention of LSD trips as a backdrop for Coil’s album is intriguing. What many people don’t realize is that psychedelic experiences often shape how musicians perceive sound, texture, and emotion. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about how those formative moments become embedded in their creative process.
Troy Sanders’ Family-Centric Vinyl Revival
Bassist-vocalist Troy Sanders’ story is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Losing his home and belongings in a hurricane forced him to rebuild his collection, but with a twist: he chose albums for his family. Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard of Ozz for himself, Barry Manilow’s Greatest Hits Vol. II for his wife, and My Chemical Romance for his daughter. What this really suggests is that music isn’t just a personal escape—it’s a way to connect. In my opinion, Sanders’ picks reveal something profound about how we use music to rebuild, to heal, and to share pieces of ourselves with the people we love.
Bill Kelliher’s Musical Coming-of-Age
Guitarist Bill Kelliher’s selections are a masterclass in storytelling. Rush’s A Farewell to Kings isn’t just an album to him; it’s a memory of learning ‘Xanadu’ as a young guitarist. Metric’s Synthetica? A soundtrack to Mastodon’s early tours. One thing that immediately stands out is how Kelliher’s picks are tied to specific moments in his life. This raises a deeper question: how much of an artist’s identity is shaped by the music they grew up with? From my perspective, Kelliher’s choices show that music isn’t just something you listen to—it’s something you live through.
The Broader Implications: Why This Matters
If you take a step back and think about it, Mastodon’s episode of What’s In My Bag? isn’t just about albums—it’s about the stories we tell through music. A detail that I find especially interesting is how their picks challenge the stereotype of metal musicians as one-dimensional. From psychedelic rock to pop hits, their tastes are as diverse as their sound. This isn’t just about influence; it’s about the fluidity of creativity.
What This Says About Mastodon’s Future
Mastodon is currently gearing up for their ‘Poisonous Weapons’ tour, and I can’t help but wonder how these eclectic tastes will manifest in their live performances or future albums. Will we hear a Barry Manilow-inspired ballad? Probably not. But what we might see is a band that continues to defy expectations, blending genres and eras in ways that feel both familiar and utterly unique.
Final Thoughts
In the end, what Mastodon’s What’s In My Bag? episode teaches us is that music is more than just notes and lyrics—it’s a tapestry of memories, influences, and connections. Personally, I think this is why their music resonates so deeply. It’s not just about technical skill; it’s about the stories they’re telling, both on stage and off. So, the next time you listen to Mastodon, remember: behind those heavy riffs are decades of records, memories, and a love for music in all its forms.
