Broken Teeth - More than a Mouthful

Does the name Jason McMaster ring any bells? I really hope so, otherwise you´ve missed one of the best pipes in the metal world. He first got a shot at fame and cult fortune in WATCHTOWER only to switch to AC/DC-ish sleaze rockers DANGEROUS TOYS. The music industry being the way it is neither band got the recognition they deserved but both are still in there, one way or another. But Jason is back in many ways, not only as a cover boy of the new Perris Christmas glam CD but also in BROKEN TEETH together with former DIRTY LOOKS guitarist Paul Laine. What´s the story, morning glory? Jason took the time to answer my questions just after the latest BROKEN TEETH release on Perris Records.

The Pre-History
First question for you Jason; What happened at the tail end of Dangerous Toys?

- DANGEROUS TOYS never officially broke up. We still play shows every couple of years.
The most important thing is that we are all still close, and its technically
only one member who is not original.

I wasn´t sure about that but now I´m really updated by the voice himself. Furthermore they have no plans to write and or record a new CD, mostly because of the state of the music business, Jason continues.
They are more content to play shows periodically and play the songs for the fans who made DANGEROUS TOYS what they are today.

The Main Effort

But back to BROKEN TEETH, how did you meet up with Paul Jason?
- Paul is a great friend, he moved to Austin in 1994 specifically to play in DANGEROUS TOYS.
We are all DIRTY LOOKS fans from way back. We met at a hometown (Austin)
DANGEROUS TOYS show, he was hanging around backstage, DIRTY LOOKS was playing
in Austin the same night at a different venue. after our set we went to see
them, and we stayed in contact ever since. We have been song writing partners
for 11 years now.

It also turns out that BROKEN TEETH came to life thanks to Perris Records and producer Darin Fleming. They wanted an AC/DC-sounding band with Paul on guitar. When Jason was approached for the vocal duties he accepted without the slightest hesitation. But that was supposed to be all for the temporary band. Swell sales caused them all to re-think. To complete the lineup they called in bass player Mike Watson (DANGEROUS TOYS) and PARIAH guitarist Jared Tuten. All friends of each other since long. Later bass duties were handed over to Brett McCormick when BROKEN TEETH started to take up more time than calculated.

The Latest Release

But back to Jasons own words, how did the live CD get the title “Blood on the Radio”?

• “Blood on the Radio” is an actual BROKEN TEETH track that just happened to be used for title purposes. The show itself was broadcast on a local radio station called The Rock, on the show Local Licks. That is the connection to the radio theme. The tracks were culled from both discs, apart from an unreleased song by the name of “Bonfire”.

So that was the idea, I was a bit off track as to the title.

Aspirations for the Band and the Future

But back to the Teeth, how would things turn out if Jason got to decide?

Jason explains that the goal of the band is to make fun records and tour, to play in front of old school rockers into bands like ROSE TATTOO. Or as Jason puts it;

• It´s important to remember that good music is from the heart and comes naturally.

I Couldn´t have said it better my self.

It also seems that all members of the band have known each other for a long time, they sound more like a family than as a band. To write songs and travel together sure sounds utopian for some of the major bands of this world. BROKEN TEETH handles all their affairs together, funing themselves with money from their shows and sales. But all that aside Jason is very convincing stating that is the best spent hours in the world, the time on stage.

Finally

Jason McMaster is a many of very different bands, so finally, how come you´ve been in so opposite bands as DANGEROUS TOYS and BROKEN TEETH vs. WATCHTOWER?

Jason rapidly elaborates;

• I like all sorts of music, all styles. I grew up on QUEEN and ELTON JOHN and I never planned on being involved in one certain type of projects only. I do play bass in metal bands too, stoner, death and speed metal which is my favorite style to play. But most people know me as a front man, and my vocal style is familiar. Like I said previously, it is very easy for me and the TEETH to write in this style for fun.

Well it seems they get good fans too, and the album is very capably played and well worth your AC/DC-ish attention . So why stick to one brand of guns only? But without saying too much abut the other guns and their possibilities there is still a chance to see DANGEROUS TOYS in 2005, they will play their home town of Austin, Texas in April 2005.

To sum things up, record companies and managers will break your bones… But Rock´n´Roll will never hurt you… All the best Jason and keep the good music coming