Brann Dailor, drummer and vocalist for Mastodon, recently responded to fan feedback regarding his vocal presence on the band’s latest album, sharing his thoughts in an interview with Revolver Magazine.
A fan had commented, “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 brushing off the criticism, Dailor acknowledged the opinion and offered insight into how he balances his dual responsibilities 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 elaborated on his creative role in shaping the record, noting that his contributions extended beyond his own vocal parts.
“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 reflections highlight the unique challenge of performing as both drummer and vocalist—a defining aspect of Mastodon’s sound for more than fifteen years. His willingness to engage openly with fans underscores his thoughtful approach to songwriting and his dedication to the band’s creative evolution.
According to Wikipedia, Dailor began contributing vocals to Mastodon with their 2009 album Crack the Skye. Initially, he provided guide vocals that were later re-recorded by other members before his singing became a lasting element of the band’s sound. This shift expanded Mastodon’s vocal dynamic beyond bassist Troy Sanders and guitarist Brent Hinds. Dailor’s first lead performance came on the track “Oblivion,” marking a turning point in the group’s vocal arrangements.
Over time, as reported by Metal Injection, Dailor has continued to refine his vocal abilities through lessons and dedicated practice, treating his voice as an instrument. While he has acknowledged earlier struggles performing live, he now considers his recent shows among his strongest.
Balancing drumming and singing remains a demanding task both physically and mentally. Still, this combination has become an essential part of Mastodon’s identity, adding depth and complexity to their progressive metal sound. The band’s music has benefited from the richer harmonies and layered textures that his vocals bring.
Dailor’s recent comments suggest an artist who understands when to step forward and when to let others lead. His openness to collaboration and focus on serving the music reflect his maturity as both a performer and songwriter—one dedicated to keeping Mastodon’s sound evolving while staying true to its spirit.
