*JASON** **McMASTER***

*Broken Teeth, Dangerous Toys, Watchtower *

*Interview by: **Cameron** **Edney***

**

**

*One of the most underrated bands in Rock n' Roll would have to be eighties
sleaze rockers Dangerous Toys. Hailing from **Austin**, **Texas**, Dangerous
Toys always had to overcome mile high obstacles to play the music they loved
most. The band formed in 1987 and was one band that outlasted many of their
peers, touring with the likes of Motorhead, Judas Priest and **Alice** **
Cooper** **Dangerous** Toys proved they could cut it with the best.
Celebrating there 18th anniversary in May 2005 Dangerous Toys took to the
stage once again with a live performance that left many fans asking when
would the next tour be? Front man **Jason** **McMaster** fronted the group
Watchtower for seven years prior to his gig with Dangerous Toys and built up
quite a reputation for his outrageous stage antics and powerful vocals. In
Recent years **Jason** has been working with his band Broken Teeth who last
year released their third album 'Blood On The Radio' which is the bands
first live album and certainly won't be the last. I recently caught up with
**Jason** to talk about the good old days with Dangerous Toys, his rockin
Acdc style band Broken Teeth, working with Shadows Fall on a Dangerous Toys
classic and much more. Enjoy it rock fans!*

* *

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** First of all thank you for putting some time aside to
answer the following questions for all of our readers. I would like to talk
to you first about your rockin band Broken Teeth. Can you tell us how the
band got together?*

* *

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* Broken Teeth got together much like all bands do,
but it was first an idea to sort of rip off Ac/dc and Motorhead to bring
more fire to rock n roll. To stamp out the sad state of what major labels
and radio were bringing to the masses, and get back to the "teeth" that rock
once had. We got it going in 1999 with Perris records, and it just
snowballed from there.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** Last year saw Broken Teeth release there first live album
'Blood on the Radio', are you guys currently working on new material?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* Yes, we have about 10 new songs, we are working them into
the set mainly so we can see which ones are gonna work out better than
others and just stick to the ones that go over well in a live set. The
'Blood on the Radio' cd has one new song on it, "Bonfire", which will be on
the new studio cd for sure. We definitely are overdue a new studio cd, but
we are working on it. We are very happy with the response of the live cd,
'Blood on the Radio'.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** A lot of bands don't like doing live albums because they
feel that they don't capture the sound of their live performance. What is
your take on this and do you feel 'Blood on the Radio' defines a live Broken
Teeth experience?*

* *

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* On the contrary, our live cd is exactly that, all
live and real, not over dubbed "fake live". It is a true representation of
what we do live and we are proud to say that it actually sounds better than
our studio cd's. That's hard to believe since most live recordings do not
give you the truth of the band or the song, we got lucky in this case.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** Every artist has their own way of creating music, when it
comes time to prepare for a new album, what comes first the lyrics or the
music?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* Good question, most of the time it starts as a riff, but
sometimes the hook of a lyric will be written on a bar napkin, or a small
scratch of paper before it turns into a real song. The verse sometimes come
first before the music or the chorus hook but, sometimes I feel inspired
while driving, or while doing something unrelated to the music, so it just
depends on the flow of creativity. There is no one way to write rock n roll.
Sometimes the song you don't like will end up being your favourite by the
time the record is finished.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** Broken Teeth are currently playing some dates, how are the
shows going & can we expect an Australian tour anytime soon?*

* *

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* It would be a dream come true to play in Australia!!
I love Rose Tattoo and The Angels (Angel City). My old band 'Dangerous Toys'
have done well there back in the day with sales, but we were never invited
to play there. I believe Broken Teeth would do great there with the right
line up on a bill. We would love to play shows there, so if any promoters
need a good Texas rock n roll band influenced by Rose Tattoo, we are ready
to go!!

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** I know that Dangerous Toys get together from time to time
to do a few shows, with the recent onslaught of eighties hard rock/metal
bands getting back together for tours, can we expect a full blown Dangerous
Toys tour anytime soon?*

* *

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* Dangerous Toys do not have a plan to tour at this
time. Some of us are very busy with other projects, but I would do a tour
with the 'Toys' if the time and offers were right. Our fans never forgot us
and that's an amazing thing these days with so much music out there.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** Shadows Fall recently released a cover version of the
Dangerous Toys track 'Teasn Pleasn', I know you laid down the vocals for the
new version, can you tell me how that all came about?*

* *

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* Wow, yes, the Shadows Fall guys contacted me asking
if they could do a cover of the toys song, of course we were honoured to
even be asked by such a great band. They sent the tapes to me in Texas; I
cut the vocals and sent the tapes back. Originally Brian Fair, Shadows Fall
singer, was to lay down his vocals over mine and mix them to sound huge and
heavy, but when they heard mine, they loved it so much as is so they left
it. I sure was looking forward to having Brian on the track with me, but, it
just didn't happen. I'm just glad they were happy with my work. I recently
visited with the guys on the Ozzfest tour in Texas, they are doing so great,
and it has been great to get to know them. They have my full respect.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** After all these years in the business what goals have you
set for yourself these days?*

* *

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* The only goal I have is to stay true to my art and
that is just rocking as hard as I can for as long as I can. So far, so good.

* *

*INS**IDE_OUT666: What comes to mind when you look back on those early
experiences with Dangerous toys?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* We had such a great experience, from touring with our
idols, Motorhead, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, The Cult, etc.., recording
with producer Max Norman (Ozzy Blizzard of Oz, Diary of a Madman, Megadeth,
etc..) we came to love the road and truly enjoyed the spirit of rock n roll,
it was a dream come true, I wouldn't change a thing.

**

**

*INSIDE_OUT666:** Can you tell us a little more about this and your first
encounter with the guys?*

* *

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* I had met the guys in the 'Toys' when they were
called Onnyx and had a girl singer. They were one of the better rock bands
in Austin, Texas where for the past 7 years I was fronting the progressive
thrash band, Watchtower. They had lost their singer and asked me to fill in
for the shows they still had booked. I agreed and thought it would be a part
time gig for fun. Well, that was an understatement, I had a great time, and
as soon as I saw things happening for the band under my nose, it was hard to
juggle both 'Watchtower and the Toys at the same time, the rest is history.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** You were heavily influenced by a lot of the same bands I
grew up listening to. Do you feel you have played a large role in
influencing a lot of the newer metal bands?*

* *

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* It was interesting to hear from people such as the
Shadows Fall guys who were fans of the Toys as well as Watchtower. I don't
know if I would call it influence or not, but, people have given respect to
both bands, I am proud to hear when people were into my recordings with
both, over the years.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** In a few words can you tell us the first thing that comes
to mind when I mention the following Dangerous Toys/Broken Teeth tracks?*

* *

*Scared: *The last song we wrote for the debut record.

* *

*Gunfighter: *Finished in the studio days before we recorded it.**

* *

*Outlaw: *Probably the first song we wrote together, lyrics were written by
Tim Trembly.**

* *

*Hangin By the Skin: *My favourite song from Broken Teeth's Guilty Pleasure.
**

* *

*Pull The Plug: *This song is actually about posers.**

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** I would like to talk to you a little about touring! Is
life on the road still as crazy now as it was during the eighties?*

* *

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* No, it's all about resting and making sure you don't
leave any gear behind. Touring is expensive when you're using your own money
instead of tour support, so you're always making sure you don't lose your
ass out there. You have a small crew and its very hands on. We sell our own
shirts; book our own shows, etc. The fun part is meeting the fans and just
being out there as a tribe of Indians and looking out for each other. We
play at bars mostly, so there is always some sort of party.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** What is the most ridiculous thing you have ever asked for
on a tour rider?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* Probably condoms, socks and black towels, which none are
very wild to ask for I guess.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** Over the years you have shared the stage with so many
great bands. Who have you enjoyed touring with the most & could you share a
funny road story from the tour?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* I loved seeing Judas Priest, Motorhead and Alice cooper
every night. I went to Disneyworld with Ian from The Cult that was a trip,
people recognized me and not him, and he was laughing at me signing
autographs! I remember he tried to bring a bottle of water into Disneyworld
and they wouldn't let him. Ian said to them "god made water, not
Disneyworld". Also, Lemmy from Motorhead was such a classic English
gentleman. I respect him so much. He is hardcore, but he is intelligent,
it's impressive. I had to laugh though, when I saw him tanning in a red
Speedo in a lawn chair outside his tour bus with the marquee reading "slow
death". Ahh, some great memories!!

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** Do you remember the first show you ever played; can you
tell us a bit about it?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* The first show I played would've been in a backyard party
when I was 15 years old in Corpus Christi Texas with my band 'Rampage'.
Those were crazy times for a young lad. We played Judas Priest and Ac/dc.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** Do you do anything specific to warm up & prepare for a
show?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* I have a 'psych myself out' routine that varies, but, I
give a few good shouts and screams outside the venue, or scream and yell for
a few of the opening bands to get my voice warmed up. It's a way to show
support as well as warm up my voice. Some stretching helps as well. I use a
netipot as well, warm sea salt water up the nose and gargle, it's all a
routine.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I hear you
have a love of computer games.*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* I have a few Playstation games I like, mainly role
playing, but, I don't consider myself a gamer. I work at a guitar shop, and
a cd shop, so I'm busy, writing songs, working and touring, that's about it,
and I love it.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** In your honest opinion what do you think about the
direction that Hard Rock & Heavy Metal music has taken over the last few
years?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* There are too many bands taken in by the major corporate
rock world that sound exactly the same. It's all a wash but, the public are
like cattle, they like whatever you feed them. It's very sad that people
have no desire to discover new rock; they just take whatever is pushed into
the air waves and on the TV. On another hand, the Indie labels have done a
great job with metal. From Shadows Fall to Strapping Young Lad, Century
Media has done well. Those are two of the bands that I completely respect.

**

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*INSIDE_OUT666:** Are you currently listening to any of the newer bands, if
so who?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* I don't listen to much new stuff. Mainly old Priest,
Maiden, Motorhead, Elton John, Rhinobucket, actually the new Alice cooper is
pretty fucking good. I got into the Kings of Leon's first record; I still
like that a lot.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** To become a star these days it seems the only way to make
it would be to go on a reality music show like Idol or Pop stars (if you
wanna call it that) like Rock Star Inxs etc. What do you think about the
mass wave of reality shows looking for so called "Talent" and do you watch
any of them?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* I stay away from all of that, it is a train wreck and
people like to watch that. I don't think people are watching it because they
think its good, unless they just don't know any better, and unfortunately,
that may be the case. It's my experience and belief, that to get a gig, you
send a sample of your music, you set up an audition, and you get the gig, or
not. Setting up a huge ordeal on a reality TV show to find someone for your
band is retarded, unless you want to sell back catalogues of your music,
which is what Inxs did. Once again, it's not the way to find a singer, it
makes you look desperate and in it for the wrong reasons.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** What advice would you give to up and coming rock/metal
bands?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* Play and write music for yourself. The money you make
playing music, spend on your music, your touring and merchandise (shirts
etc, things you sell to promote your music). Keep it all grassroots if you
can, make your own records if you can. The less money you have to pay
someone to work for you, the better. Promote yourself as much as you can
afford to without hiring a publicist. When you've worn that option out, you
can move to another level when it is time. Make music for the right reasons,
don't make music just to get girls, or money, make music because you love it
before all.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** Which Album or Song would define **Jason** **McMaster** to
a complete stranger?*

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* Dangerous Toys - The Rtist 4merly known as
Dangerous Toys.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** Over the years you have worked with many different
musicians, who have you learnt the most from?*

* *

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* You're always learning, you learn things like it's
not always important to know how to sing high or play fast before you learn
basic playing or singing styles. Things like timing and singing in correct
pitch or key is the most important to learn. Also, learning songs by
training your ear is a stronger more long lasting lesson than learning to
read music. Training your ear to know what note is being played just by
hearing it, is more important to me.

**

**

*INSIDE_OUT666:** What would you say have been your greatest achievements to
date?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* Being asked to play reunion shows 24 years after you first
started your band means something. That confirms success to me, to be a part
of something that will never die.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** What can we expect over the next year or so from Broken
Teeth?*

* *

*JASON McMASTER:* A new studio cd and more touring.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** If you could put a band together consisting of musicians
passed and/or present who would they be and what would you call the band?*

**

**

*JASON McMASTER:* Wow, hard to say, Lemmy, Bon Scott, James Hetfield, Vinnie
Paul, John Bush, Scott Ian, Geddy Lee, Rob Halford, Jason Newsted and Gene
Hoglan. I just made this up off the top of my head. The band would be called
HUMANGOD.

* *

*INSIDE_OUT666:** Any last words you want to share with our readers?*

* *

*JASON** **McMASTER**:* THANKS for everything, thanks for this interview,
and please bring us to Aussie land!!!

*Broken Teeth are currently on tour. You can catch them at the following
venues:*

**

**

*9/28/05** **Cabo** **Wabo** **San Lucas** **Mexico**
Www.Cabowabo.Com<http://Www.Cabowabo.Com>For More Info
*

*10/07/05** Backroom -2015 E. **Riverside**,**Austin** Broken Teeth And **
Dixie** Witch*

*10/08/05** **Voo** **Doo** Customs Party @ Trophys On S. Congress Broken
Teeth*

*10/08/05** Voo Doo Customs Party Tba*

*10/15/05** **Acadia** In **Houston***

*10/21/05** **Hanovers** **North Austin***

*10/25/05** **Mikes** **Tavern-** **Kansas City** **Mo.***

*10/26/05** Vnuk's Lounge **Cudahy**,**Wi**. Broken Teeth*

*10/27/05** **Penny** Rd. Pub (Barrigton,Il.-Chicago Suburbs*

*10/28/05** **Clarksbar**, **Ohio***

*10/29/05** **Lee** Dogs Locker Room, Marysville ,Oh.*

*10/30/05** Melody Inn (**Indianapolis**,In.)*

*11/5/05** Headhunters **Austin** **Tx**.*

*11/12/05** Sunken Gardens In **San Antonio***

**

**

*For all the latest news on **Jason** **McMaster** you can visit the
following websites:*

**

**

*http://www.brokenteeth.com*

*http://www.dangeroustoys.net*

*http://www.marathoncd.com/watchtower*

*http://insideout666.mysite.freeserve.com*


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