Biography
Embracing the transformative power of music, Mass Minor continues to contribute to the sonic landscape of the 21st century, blending synths and guitars to propel electronic rock into new realms of creativity and expression. Mass Minor seamlessly weaves together influences from '80s New Wave, Post Punk, Synthwave, and Synthpop, creating a sound that resonates with both nostalgia and innovation.
In 2020, Mass Minor took a bold step into the music scene with their independent debut album, Become Each Other, released digitally and met with acclaim for its genre-defying energy. The subsequent vinyl release in 2021 marked a tangible connection between the band and its growing fan base, inviting listeners to experience the warmth and authenticity of their music.
After a triumphant year in 2022, where Mass Minor captivated audiences with electrifying live performances, including a standout showcase at SXSW and memorable shows alongside acts such as Urban Heat, Twin Tribes, and the internationally recognized Depeche Mode tribute, Strangelove, the band found themselves inspired to take their artistry to new heights. Their dynamic live performance caught the attention of live audiences throughout Texas, as well as SXSW, who invited Mass Minor back in 2023 for an official showcase. Austin Alternative Rock radio station, 101X, invited Mass Minor to perform in their July 2023 101X Homegrown Showcase; and the single, Worthy, was selected as Song of Day, in May of 2023 by KUTX. The video for that song (directed by Teresa Jolie and shot at Robert Rodriguez’ Troublemaker Studios) was released in November of 2023 to great acclaim.
2024 saw many leaps forward for the band, including the release of two EPs, Vast Reflections and Dark Mode, the former a continuation of their collaboration with Tim Palmer, and the latter a maximum synth re-envisioning of the band’s most popular tracks. Mass Minor also returned to SXSW in March of 2024 with multiple showcases, including a slot on the 101X Day Party. October saw the band join the lineup of the San Antonio iteration of Substance Festival. Throughout the year, the band the shared the stage with bands such as Sacred Skin, TRAITRS, SDH, Club Drugs, Ultra Sunn, Vision Video, Rare DM, Madeline Goldstein, Mvtant, and others.
In 2025, Mass Minor is planning another full-length release, and visits to many more cities. You can see them live and hear new, unreleased songs from April 25th to April 27th in McAllen, TX, Laredo, TX, and San Antonio, TX, with more dates to be announced soon!
Mass Minor is: AJMJR (Lead Vocals, Guitars, Programming) // Filius Dex (Bass, Synth, Backing Vocals)
FOR FANS OF
Depeche Mode | Tears For Fears | Urban Heat | Sacred Skin | Carpenter Brut | The Weeknd | NIN | Gary Numan
VIDEOS
music
DARK MODE EP
A harbinger of things to come in 2025, Mass Minor closes 2024 with Dark Mode EP, a maximum synth reimagining of the band’s top tracks: Deadendrive and Fix Your Crown from Become Each Other, and Worthy and Empty Hearts from Vast Reflections. Trading a large measure of Synthpop for Darkwave, these new versions employ synths in a manner that ranges from haunting, to seductive, to symphonic, all while retaining their goth-adjacent danceability.
deadendrive (dark mode)
If you’re into dark, atmospheric tracks that make you think, but also make you want to vibe out, this one's for you. The emphasis on the pulsating bass and melodic layers of synth from the first beat define this inspired remix of Mass Minor’s second single. Veiling its melancholy in uplifting synths and a gentle vocal, the song’s composition and arrangement mirror the lyrics’ warning of the seductive darkness of easy and empty pleasure.
WORTHY (DARK MODE)
Worthy (Dark Mode) is a thrilling remix of the original song, Worthy, by Mass Minor. In this maximum synth rendition, the band unleashes a dynamic and atmospheric transformation, plunging listeners into a darker, more enigmatic soundscape that captivates from the very first note. Taking center stage, the synths weave intricate layers that pulse with an irresistible energy and create a hauntingly atmospheric backdrop that sets the stage for an otherworldly experience that feels both familiar and entirely new. As the beats pulsate and the synths surge, Worthy (Dark Mode) retains the essence of the original track while injecting a newfound sense of mystery and depth. The darker tones and pulsating rhythms add a touch of intrigue, creating an immersive atmosphere that transports listeners to the intersection of electronic rock and avant-garde innovation.
vast reflections ep
Being itself a vast reflection of the Rock side of Mass Minor’s sound, Vast Reflections is an alchemy of synths, guitars, and drums captured in a half a dozen tracks, and delivered to the world on May 16, 2024. Standout tracks, Prisoner and Lying, have been mainstays of the Mass Minor live set, while Worthy was selected as a KUTX Song of the Day upon its release and comes complete with a Simon Mars produced music video shot at Troublemaker Studios. With Vast Reflections, Mass Minor once again enlisted the prodigious talents of Tim Palmer for mixing and co-production.
prisoner
The intensity of Prisoner immediately catapults listeners into a realm of electrifying energy. From the first beat, the song unleashes a relentless tempo that commands attention. The electronic rock foundation is fortified by a symphony of synth magic that adds a layer of intrigue and futuristic charm. The depth and intensity of the textured guitars create a dynamic interplay between the electronic and organic elements. Prisoner is a sonic escape, a thrilling, high-tempo ride through the intersection of synth wizardry and masterfully crafted guitar landscapes that leaves an indelible mark on the senses.
BECOME EACH OTHER lp
A diverse, yet coherent collection of nine songs spanning from synthwave to alternative pop. Lush synthesizers and guitars abound providing a rich sonic landscape in which AJMJR's ethereal vocals soar. Featured tracks Baths and Intelligent Design are both produced by Tim Palmer (Robert Plant, Tears for Fears, Tin Machine). Baths marries urgent Model D synth layers with textured guitars and showcases AJMJR's most powerful vocals on the album. Intelligent Design is 21st century romantic pop with bass seamlessly alternating between slink and bounce. Synths and strings set the mood while AJMJR seductively assures you "love today will make it better." The rest of the album highlights 80s New Wave influences (Deadendrive, No One Else) and explorations into modern sounds (Become Each Other, Honest Souls). Become Each Other also includes two instrumental dance tracks, 2120 and Color of Sound.
baths
Baths paints a clear picture of the tension and angst facing our world today. Driven by a pounding floor tom and menacing mono synths, it creates space for soaring guitars and distorted dreams. Inspired by 80s chorused guitars and Gary Numan’s Moog, it is co-produced and mixed by Tim Palmer. While Baths lyrically explores darker elements of the human condition, it offers a glimmer of hope and grace.
PURCHASE
STREAM
press
“[Worthy is a] well-made track with some nice modern sounds.”
“Love the bassline and dark synth tone [of Prisoner].”
“[Worthy (DarkMode) is] a fantastic remix, with stellar production quality throughout.”
“Baths is an impressive piece of music [with] powerful guitar riffs [and the] vocals are sublime.”
“Wow this is pretty epic!”
“Bit of an M83 / Dreamcar feel to the song; synth but with rock undertones; made for an upbeat listening experience…”
“Vocals as smooth as ever. Production is quite literally flawless.”
“Very edgy, but soulful vocals, velvety-smooth arrangement. Performance-wise… very exceptional.”
“…deep sound and hypnotizing vibe.”
Contact
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Bandcamp | YouTube
For general inquiries: massminormusic@gmail.com
For booking: 6512goodnight@gmail.com