We got to know Dean Mason AKA Gnostic Gorilla.

So, who are you?

I am Dean Mason of Gnostic Gorilla, a Gothic/Darkwave/Industrial musical project.

Where are you from?

I hang my bowler hat in between Toronto (ON) and Montreal (QC), Canada.

How long have you been together?

I’ve never got it together. Hahahahahahaha. No, but seriously…Gnostic Gorilla is a one-man project with some exceptions. For example, Damla Bozkurt plays violins on two of my tracks because her violins are much more beautiful than synthetic versions of strings.

How long have you been playing music?

I began in 2012.

Why should people listen to your band?

Well, without being arrogant… I have been told that Gnostic Gorilla has a unique sound.

What is your ideal touring line-up?

Not planning on touring at present. Maybe someday when they let me out on a day pass…

What does music mean to you?

Music has always been an important part of my life! I love ALL sorts of music. I like world music, like Indian and Egyptian and many others. I am not a fan of the new country, which would be about the only exception. I like it heavy, snarly, beautiful, emotional, pissed off, raging, and in your face.

What was the first record you bought when you were younger?

Destroyer by KISS.

What artists first inspired you to start playing music?

Gary Numan is the artist that first inspired me to consider the idea of recording music.

What’s the most aesthetically pleasing album cover that you have in your collection?

Oh man. Hmmmmm. I think it would be the cover of either Replicas by Gary Numan or the 12” EP for Night Porter by Japan. The first Black Sabbath album cover ranks up there as well.

What kind of movie genre do you think your music would best be the soundtrack for?

Either horror movies or sci-fi or action movies.

Recommend us a record, a book, and a movie…

We The Fallen by Psyclon Nine. Letters & Papers from Prison by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 30 Days of Night.

Any last words for the readers of Highwire Magazine?

Yeah, ok. I’m going to try and be a bit philosophical. Folks…we’re living in some really strange times and we are seeing how vile we human beings can be. Hatred and violence and racism and bigotry and oppression and massacres… on and on. Let’s STOP THE FUCKING MADNESS! NOW! And let’s evolve…