Little Band of Sailors. Photo Credit: Mike Dote.

One of a kind musician, actress, and accomplished sculptor, Rachel Mason, has dabbled in several art forms. But now, her most recent project evokes much interest: a musical project entitled, Little Band of Sailors.

Fortunately, GALO Magazine had the opportunity to discuss Mason’s most recent and intriguing project before she left for a tour in Los Angeles. Below is an interview discussing her inspiration regarding Little Band of Sailors, her sound advice to aspiring musicians, and other artistic endeavors she foresees herself completing in the near future.

GALO: When and how did your latest project Little Band of Sailors come together? Are there other members in your band, and if so, what instruments are used?

Rachel Mason: The name, Little Band of Sailors came out of thin air. It developed from a bass line that Dmitriy Ivolgin came up with. The band itself is a rotating cast of characters, Dmitriy and multi-instrumentalist, Chris Haack has been a part of the project for a few months now and he played all of the songs on our recent tour through the Midwest.

GALO: I heard that you were a Yale educated sculptor. What influenced your interest in performing? Were you always involved in performing music?

RM: Yes, I studied sculpture at Yale and I continue to make work, and I have always done both consistently. Composing music and making sculpture are extremely similar processes for me and nearly all of my visual pieces have a musical counterpart that was developed in tandem.

GALO: What genre of music would you say Little Band of Sailors falls into — if any?  Is this genre one that you have always had an interest in?

RM: I’m influenced by early heavy metal and gospel music — but all kinds of religious music.  Recently, I’ve been listening to Russian folk singers. Mahalia Jackson is a huge inspiration to me. I also love Megadeth.

(Article continued on next page)