Quarantine Questionnaire: Bleeding Raven

At the start of 2020, musician Dean Mason set out to create a new sort of project.

Heavily inspired by industrial and grunge sounds, Mason took a step away from his main band Gnostic Gorilla to pursue a solo project focused on ambient noise, black metal and what he calls “dungeon trash.” Thus, Bleeding Raven was born.

Officially debuting in mid 2020, Bleeding Raven has since released 15 singles, three remixes, and two music videos. And as the latest edition of our Quarantine Questionnaire series we had the chance to chat with creative force Dean Mason to hear about how the past year has impacted the project’s trajectory as well as his own wellbeing.

You can read our full interview below, and be sure to stream Bleeding Raven’s latest single “Blood River Rage,” out now.

Second Society Report: How are you holding up during this insane time? Hopefully your friends and families are staying safe and healthy!

Dean Mason: Hello. Thanks for having me on “Second Society Report.” It is absolutely an insane time. People think that 2021 will magically be better right away, but that’s not the way life works is it? That said, I do believe that we are headed for better times, but I suspect it will be Spring or Summer before we are seeing our way out of this pandemic and back to life as normal.

Just last month (January 6^th) however, there was that insurrection in Washington on Capitol Hill. That was totally horrifying and disgusting. I don’t want to get overly political but let’s just say that hatred seems to be the order of the day lately and it’s disgusting! These people, including those who encouraged them are motivated by hate. There’s no other way of looking at this. These are dark times.

Second Society Report: Did you have any big releases or tours that were put on hold because of the pandemic? How has that affected you? (could be personally, financially, morale wise, etc.)

Dean Mason: First of all, I’m not a live act, so it hasn’t affected me that way. Many of us are affected in the workforce…of course. (Music isn’t my career…I have a career) “Morale”? Well…it’s been a mixture. But, as a chap who suffers in general with a major depressive disorder…it’s been extra dark. Yeah.

Second Society Report: How have you been spending your newfound “downtime” while the world has been essentially shut down?

Dean Mason: I’ve been feeding the squirrels and knitting socks for the NHL players. Hahahahaha Ok, not the socks thing but I do feed the squirrels. They’re getting demanding and pushy now too. The other day, one of them was on my window sill and said, “bitch…where are the peanuts you cheap bastard”? haha (ok. That part may be fictional. SEE? I guess I’m getting shack happy) Haha

Second Society Report: Have you picked up any new hobbies while quarantining that you’d like to share?

Dean Mason: I have but, you need to subscribe to my “ONLYFANS” page to know the answer to that. Haha, just kidding! God…why so serious?!…haha

Second Society Report: Have you worked on any new releases during this time? Any that are already out or that we can get a sneak peak of?

Dean Mason: Yes. Lots of new stuff recorded since the start of this shit -fest. Where to start? So, sit down and grab a tea, take out the bong, and let me tell you about my ventures lately. Ok, but seriously, in the Winter/Spring/Summer of 2020 I recorded a lot of material for Bleeding Raven. I will leave you with a link but most importantly has been the release of my EP Blood of Innocents and single “Verrtrandt.”

My second most recent track as Bleeding Raven is a track I did just a few weeks ago called “Seth.” You can check it all out here. Also, some really neat stuff happening with my other project, Gnostic Gorilla, namely the release of vinyl singles and albums and CDs on Geishab0y Records! This is all very exciting for me. That label is really up and coming and they also have on their label Global Citizen, who is an inspiration for me. So, this is all happening now and into the rest of the year. You can view Gnostic Gorilla’s releases here.

Second Society Report: If already out- what was the inspiration for the release? Have you written any songs specifically about the state of the world right now?

Dean Mason: So, back to Blood of Innocents…that EP deals with all the dark realities we have seen lately…the pandemic (Violet Plague) and the state of affairs with the rise of hate and racism.

Second Society Report: How has it been being an artist in a time when you cannot tour? How have you been working to promote your music and expand your reach?

Dean Mason: As I said before, I’m not a live act. In fact, I barely have a pulse- Call 911! Haha. No but, as for promoting music? That’s really difficult. Let me tell you something, I’ve learned that most people are not interested in what is ‘new.’ Most people want replicas or mimics of what is already popular. It’s a rather fickle world to be frank… or Peter or Tom.. (haha).

But seriously, it’s extremely difficult to get people to notice new music because you need a huge publicity machine that spoon feeds people what is ‘nouveau.’

Second Society Report: Do you have any words of advice for fans that are feeling particularly bummed out about the live music world coming to a halt?

Dean Mason: Well, first of all, take it one day at a time. We will get through all of this and things will return to normal in a few months or possibly a year. To those who have suffered in any way, I think of you every day and my heart aches for you! Many have lost loved ones or have lost their businesses. It’s so heartbreaking. I wished I was a billionaire—I’d help out so many people. But alas, all I can offer is my empathy.

Second Society Report: Is there anything you wish your fans would know about you or about the current state of the music world?

Dean Mason: Actually, since I’ve more or less given you a good idea of who I am, I’m going to mention the fact that Gary Numan, who is a huge inspiration to me, has a new album coming out and the title track “Intruder” is already available! This man is a genius and I’m so excited for him and HE WILL be touring ASAP! Check it out and enjoy and good luck to the godfather of electronica!