Brann Dailor, drummer and vocalist for Mastodon, recently addressed fan feedback about his vocal contributions on the band’s latest album. He shared his perspective on Revolver Magazine.
A fan had suggested that the band’s songs would benefit from more vocals by Brent Hinds instead of Dailor and wrote, “Would like it more if Brann would sing less often. Most songs would have been improved if Brent were doing the vocals instead!”
Rather than dismissing the comment, Dailor acknowledged the sentiment. He explained his approach to balancing his dual role in the band.
“I actually agree with him, I always want to sing less, playing drums and singing is really hard, but I showed up, put the work in to find melodies and wrote lyrics,” Dailor said.
He went on to clarify his creative contributions to the album. He noted that he played a significant role in shaping Hinds’s vocal performances as well.
“Even the stuff Brent did sing on the album was written by me, and I laid down vocal templates for him to follow. He definitely made them his own as he had a very soulful and interesting, unique voice, but the hardest part for me at least is coming up with meaningful content and fitting it in the spaces provided in a catchy and cool way that’s pleasing to the ears of the members of the band,” he continued.
Dailor’s candid remarks highlight the unique challenge of performing as both a drummer and vocalist simultaneously. This dual role has defined much of Mastodon’s sound over the past decade and a half. His willingness to engage with fan perspectives reflects his thoughtful approach to songwriting and his commitment to the band’s creative direction.
Dailor began contributing vocals to Mastodon starting with their 2009 album Crack the Skye, as documented by Wikipedia. He initially provided guide vocals that were usually re-recorded by other band members before his vocals became a permanent part of their songs. This gradual integration of his voice into the band’s lineup marked a significant shift in how Mastodon approached vocal duties. The band expanded beyond the primary vocalists, bassist Troy Sanders and guitarist Brent Hinds.
The transition wasn’t immediate. Dailor first sang lead on the track “Oblivion,” which represented a turning point in the band’s approach to vocal arrangements. Over the years, Metal Injection reported that Dailor has worked hard to improve his live vocal performances. He has taken voice lessons and treats his voice as an instrument that needs practice and care. He has acknowledged earlier struggles in live vocal delivery but views recent performances as his best so far.
The physical and mental demands of singing while drumming remain significant. Metal Injection noted that this dual role makes him a distinctive feature of Mastodon’s sound and performance style. His vocals enrich the band’s prog-metal sound with greater complexity and depth. The band benefits from richer vocal harmonies and a more complex sonic landscape.
His recent comments suggest that even as he continues to develop as a vocalist, he remains open to stepping back when it serves the song. This collaborative spirit demonstrates Dailor’s maturity as both a musician and a creative partner within Mastodon. Whether he’s writing vocal templates for Hinds or acknowledging when another vocalist might better suit a particular track, his approach reflects a commitment to the band’s artistic vision.
