J Mascis, founder of Dinosaur Jr. is finally set to release his first solo album, 'Several Shades Of Why' in mid March. A man of many talents - skier, golfer, skateboarder, songwriter, producer and musician - Mascis seems to have few peers. The serpentine sound of his drum, guitar and vocal talents have helped fuel bands, namely Deep Wound, Gobblehoof, Velvet Monkeys, The Fog, Witch, Sweet Apple and Dinosaur Jr. which may be why we've had to wait until now to hear this incredibly sincere and beautiful record, performed with a delicacy not always associated with his work.

The album will follow on from the release of his debut single, 'Not Enough', which will be available next week on Sub Pop Records. To celebrate both, the forthcoming single and album, J Mascis will appear at London's Cargo for an intimate performance to help kick off a European tour in April - dates of which can be found here.

Mascis did not use drums to produce 'Several Shades Of Why' resulting in the album taking a new direction from which was originally imagined. Instead, it is nearly all acoustic, aside from the use of a tambourine on one song, which creates a series of traditionally English sounding folk music spliced with that sunny West Coast style beach melody.

Below is a video interview with J. Mascis where the man himself gives us a tour around his home studio… Enjoy.