Best known as the remote frontman of the influential indie trio Dinosaur Jr., bJ Masciswas also an occasional producer and film composer. Born December , in Amherst, Massachusetts, he first emerged as a member of the hardcore unit Deep Wound, founding Dinosaur in . Over the course of acclaimed LPs like 's You're Living All Over Me and 's Bug, the group emerged among the most highly regarded in alternative rock, with bJ Mascis/b' creaky, Neil Young-like vocals and monolithic guitar leads becoming primary influences on the burgeoning grunge movement. The group temporarily disbanded in , largely to allow the legendarily non-communicative singer the opportunity to dismiss bassist Lou Barlow, who went on to form Sebadoh; in the meantime, bJ Mascissat in on drums with a series of bands, among them Velvet Monkeys and GobbleHoof, even producing the latter's eponymous LP. Upon re-forming Dinosaur Jr. in , he scored Allison Anders' independent film Gas Food Lodging a year later, making a cameo appearance in the picture itself; he and Anders became regular collaborators in the years to follow, most notably on her feature Grace of My Heart. In the meantime, bJ Mascisalso produced records for pals including fIREHOSE , and in issued his solo debut Martin and Me. After 's Hand It Over, Dinosaur Jr. disbanded. Keeping on with his personal musical eclecticism, bJ Mascisand his new outfit a issued More Light in fall . Featuring appearances from avant garde guitarist Kevin Shields and Guided By Voices vocalist Bob Pollard, the record was a fine return to form that excited Dinosaur Jr. fans who had been disappointed with his acoustic record. A tour with Elf Power followed, featuring longtime friend Mike Watt on bass and Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton at several tour dates. It was his riff-heavy jams with Asheton and Watt that inspired much of the music he started writing for his follow-up, as well as several skydiving experiences. When he stepped back into the studio, he kept the guest appearances down to a minimum and recorded Feel So Free for a release.
