Ep. 268: Jason McMaster discusses Dangerous Toys “Scared”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 28 July 2025

⏱️ 78 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

On this episode, Jason McMaster of Dangerous Toys takes us behind the scenes of the band’s 1989 hit “Scared,” a track born from fear, adrenaline, and a deep love for theatrical rock. Inspired by Alice Cooper and crafted in a quirky home studio setting, “Scared” blends personal storytelling with pounding percussion and a structure that wastes no time getting to the hook. Jason shares how the lyrics were shaped by real-life anxieties, how spontaneous moments and misheard lines sometimes added unexpected charm, and how collaboration played a key role in bringing the song to life. Along the way, he and Chris reflect on the nostalgic glory of late '80s rock, the emotional weight that music can carry, and what keeps the creative fire burning decades later. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
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0:22.6	Plus, you'll have the support of expert tutors.
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0:28.6	The Open University.
0:30.6	The future is open.
0:32.6	Yeah, who is the man in the white best?
0:36.6	I'm getting nervous, becoming the best. Hey everybody. Today's Who is the Man in the White Best? I'm getting nervous, becoming the best.
0:39.3	Hey everybody.
0:41.3	Today's guest is Jason McMaster,
0:43.3	lead vocalist for the Austin, Texas Rock and Roll Band, Dangerous Toys.
0:47.3	Together, we interrupt your slumber and take a deep dive into the writing, recording, and inspiration behind the hit single,
0:55.4	Scared, taken from their 1989 self-titled debut album.
1:00.0	What a tune.
1:01.4	You may be surprised to know that Scared was the inspiration for not one, but two different
1:06.3	less than Jake songs.
1:07.8	I told Jason that Scared really stuck out to me when I first heard it as a 16-year-old
	...

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