Jason Trioxin. Singer and Guitarist for the Horror-Rock band Mister Monster.
Alright so, lets begin with the most obvious question you probably get asked the most. When will we hear new music from Mister Monster?
Sooner than people think. I can't say anything right now but we will make some big announcements soon. One big one in particular. I can't believe how loyal our fans are. Since we released our full length "Over Your Dead Body" over a decade ago, we've released an EP and a 2 or 3 singles since. But for some reason people still come to see us play and they're not sick of these songs. They seem to mean a lot to people.
I remember seeing something a couple of years ago that, according to someone, you were working on a solo release. Is it true and, if so, is it still in the works?
Yes. We have a song called "Transylvania Mania" and a lot of my musicians friends have told me I need to do an entire album of songs like that one. My producer said it to me when I was recording it and (Argyle) Goolsby said the same thing just the other day. It will be in the same vein as Mister Monster but not exactly the same. More of a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds/Dave Vanaian and the Phantom Chords type stuff. However as of right now my sights are set on a new Mister Monster record.
Recently you played bass for the Brickbats at their reunion shows. As a fan, how did it feel playing those songs live?
It was a dream come true. I couldn't believe it when they asked me to take over as bassist. Those songs are iconic to me. I've loved them for as long as I can remember. Corey is an amazing songwriter. After Paul Morden's passing I never thought I'd get to see them play live again. This is even more than I could have asked for. And Paul Morden's bass lines are insane. Definitely have my work cut out for me. But I'm learning new songs they added to the set list right now cause we have some shows coming up in NJ/NYC this summer.
This summer, at Ghouls Night Out, you and Mister Monster will be performing Over Your Dead Body in its entirety. How does it feel all these years later that many Horror Rock fans see the album as a classic?
I really don't know but from what I've gathered in talking to the fans over the years is that these songs, and lyrics, are VERY important and personal to them. They've gone through some rough patches in life and these songs have gotten them through it. As a musician I really couldn't be happier with that.
What do you think makes these songs stand the test of time?
They're timeless songs. The next Mister Monster album will sound like the first one. We aren't trying to reinvent the wheel. This music has been done before and it will be done again. But I think because I grew up on Doo-Wop music you can hear that in my writing. I don't set out to write a song that "sounds 50"....it just happens organically for me.
As an artist what inspires you {Music, movies, books etc)?
As a kid I would use movies as metaphors for something I was going through. If it was a break-up with a girl or being abandoned by my father. I didn't come right out with it. But as I got older I started writing more personal stuff and didn't make it quite as hard to figure out for the listener. I don't really care if they know what the songs about, I like to leave it open to their own interpretation. As I get older (I just turned 36) I realized the shit I have been through and I'm lucky to be alive. I have faced my own mortality many times and I realized I still have a lot to say. And I want to say it while I'm still part of this planet.
What got you into this?
Nothing in particular. This isn't a hobby for me, It's just something I do. I'm forced to do it. I have no choice.
So, as someone who has been in Mister Monster, Blitzkid and Wednesday 13 the list of musicians you have played with is like a dream team for Horror Rock. In this two part question, is there anyone that you have played with in the past that you would like to work with again?
I'm not really looking to go back to anyone I've played with in the past. Some of those names have called me to come back and I declined. Some of them I still talk to and if they wanted me back and the time/situation was a good one than I'd definitely go back. I do this for fun or money. If I'm not having fun I better be making money. And if I'm not making money I better be having fun. Otherwise there's no point. I've been at this too long to bend or kiss anyone's ass. You have to realize this is a business and there are certain people (Managers and Promoters) who are talentless hacks but they want to be involved somehow so they become a manager or promoter. Those people suck but sometimes you have to smile and play the game to move forward. I'll do that to an extent. But I ain't gonna be treated as worthless or expendable. I'd rather just stay home and record my own songs and release them to my fans.
As well, is there anyone that you would dream to work with or would like to work with that you haven’t living or dead?
I'd like to work with the singer/guitarist of a band called Glasvegas. I think we'd do some great songs together. That may happen one day. If you told me in High School I'd be touring with The Misfits, Alice Cooper, Hanoi Rocks and Type O Negative and playing sold out shows in front of 10,000 people I wouldn't believe you. But I've done all that in the matter of a year. So I never know what the future holds. I try to stay humble but I don't sell myself short either.
As a legend and world renowned and recognized artist, what is your current assessment of the scene from when you first started?
Who's a legend? When I first started it was the new wave of Horror Punk. There was a handful of us. We all knew each other and helped each other. There was no competition or shit talking. Just support. And there still is with those bands to this day. There's some new bands out there that are great. I hate to say it but most of the stuff I hear now is shit. Don't wanna sugar coat it. I just think some of these people don't belong in Horror Punk but they just throw on some make up and add some "whoas" to the chorus and they try and invade the scene. But these fans are smart. And they are loyal. The fake bands never last. At the same time it is very refreshing when I hear a new band that grabs my attention.
Is there any new releases (music, movies, etc.) that you are looking forward to?
My fiancee and I are going to see Dion (Dimucci) in July in NJ. Other than that I don't really know of anything.
Along with music, in case some don’t know, you run Trixion Custom where you make custom cloths based on your stage gear. How did you start in this?
I make all my own stage clothes and after years of people asking me to buy my own I just started making stuff for them. Now its a business.
What inspired you to create your stage look?
Lots of different things. It took me a while to find my "look" but really I just take something that's already around and put my own twist on it. Kinda like my songs.
What goes into designing something either for yourself or a customer?
See above
So, with music, producing and the clothing that you’ve designed in the past, is there anything that you would like to do that you haven’t attempted yet like writing, acting, movie etc.?
I'd like to do some film down the road but as for now I am happy with where I am. I would like to do some more producing down the road too.
Thank you once again for this honor. Are there any parting words for the readers?
Just a huge Thank You to you and to any one reading this who has stuck by me over the years. I cant thank you enough. JT
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