Best known as the eccentric leader of indie rock's influential trio Dinosaur Jr., J Mascis has signed to Ultimatum Music, which will release Mascis' first solo album of new material titled More Light in October. Under band moniker J Mascis & The Fog, the 11-track LP boasts all original and fully electric compositions in the spirit of Dinosaur Jr.

Produced by J Mascis with special guest Kevin Shields (of My Bloody Valentine) who performed on three tracks and did additional production work, along with guest vocalist Robert Pollard (of Guided By Voices), More Light will be available on vinyl as well as CD. The album was recorded at Bob's Place in Amherst, Mass. (named after Mascis' pet dog) and introduces the lead single "Where'd You Go." The song will trek to College and Specialty radio shows in mid-September, with Modern Rock to follow. An accompanying video will begin production in early August.

Earlier this year, Mascis introduced his new songs from More Light to fans at discreet shows in Australia as well as Seattle and San Francisco. City Slang (UK), Shock Records (Australia) and Pony Canyon (Japan) will distribute the album overseas. There are also touring plans in the States and abroad in Oct/Nov, plus talks of a headlining U.S. tour in Jan/Feb.

Mascis, who is also an occasional producer and film composer, founded Dinosaur Jr. in 1984. Over the years, the group emerged as one of the most highly-praised alternative rock outfits which primarily influenced the grunge movement with acclaimed LPs like 1987's You're Living All Over Me, 1988's Bug, and 1993's Where You Been which spawned the band's biggest hit single "Start Choppin'". Mascis also contributed original scores to indie flicks Gas Food Lodging and Grace of My Heart, among others.

In addition, Mascis lent his production talent to pals Firehose (Mr. Machinery Operator) and Tad (Inhaler). In 1996, he issued his solo debut Martin and Me which showed off live acoustic renditions of Dinosaur Jr. songs, as well as covers. After 1997's Hand It Over, Dinosaur Jr. disbanded.

J Mascis is managed by Portland, Maine-based Ripchord (6gig, Rustic Overtones, Jeremiah Freed) and signed to Ultimatum Music (an independent label co-owned by the William Morris Agency) on July 31st