MASZER sounds like a collision between East and West. The psych-grunge trio splits time between Seattle and Los Angeles, and bears the reverb-soaked indie rock sound of the US West Coast. But if you listen closely enough, you’ll hear the band employ Middle Eastern modality in their compositions. That’s the influence of band founder Tomer-David Rapaport, a longtime native of Tel-Aviv, Israel, who moved to the states 10 years ago and took up the life of a rock ‘n roll troubador in several notable bands, such as Mother’s Anger, Reignwold, and Jointmethod.

For his newest group, Rapaport and longtime bandmate Jo Braley (Drums) added Seattle-based vocalist Kate Blackstock to the mix, naming the project after a Hebrew word for tithing. It is a nod to the age-old tradition of sacrificing a portion of your income to your faith in both name and practice. MASZER donates 10 percent of band profits to MusiCares, a nonprofit that provides social services to recording artists in time of need.

MASZER is fresh off the release of its debut EP Dreamsz, a rambunctiious, fuzzed-out exploration of existential thought. Fans of the Velvet Underground and classic Seattle grunge will feel right at home listening to tracks like "Fata Mirage," a droning Phrygian composition akin to "Venus In Furs. For Roar, the band cranks the tempo and channels a Jane’s Addiction vibe.

We caught up with Rapaport to talk about the EP and get the details of the genesis of the band.

Hometown: Seattle and Los Angeles

How did Maszer come to life?

Jo and I were playing in a Texas band called Jointmethod, then Mother’s Anger and then Reignwolf together, touring non-stop for almost 10 years now, paying dues. A couple of years ago, we met Katie in Seattle through a magician friend, and the first time all three of us played a song together, we knew this is something that we wanted to do all the time.

How did the idea behind Maszer evolve? I know it means tithing, and you will donate 10 percent of your proceeds to other artists, but what was the catalyst for that happening?

You know, band name is very important, you carry it with you forever, and you’re trying to find something that represent you and that you’re happy to share with the world. There were a lot of names and ideas that we toyed around with but when this one came along we had a good feeling about it and went with it. We want to see if we can start a chain of events where artists support each other. How cool would that be?!

What about your album? Why is it called Dreamsz? 

It was first called “Broke” to represent our current fragile economic situation, but we decided to go with the outlook that we have for a future of living our “Dreamsz” and make music year round. Dreamsz come true, you know?

Describe your music to someone who's never heard you before.

I like how Katie described it once—loud psychedelic hot sludge sundaes at a kosher pizza party in the desert.

How did you all get started playing music?

To make a long story short, Katie started as kid singing in church and it was her favorite thing; Joseph was in school bands playing different instruments, and I was playing different instruments on and off since I was six years old but stuck with the guitar, sneaking into my sister's room and playing on her electric.

What's a piece of gear you can't live without?

It’s all just things that make sound, ya know? If there’s anything I would terribly miss that would be my “Buitar,” which is a custom bass-guitar instrument that I started experimenting with 10 years ago and it’s been my favorite thing to play and write on. If you play guitar you should should give it a try. It’s a lot of fun.

Do you remember the first song you ever wrote? What was it about?

It was about my first girlfriend, recorded on acoustic to a tape cassette. Never released it, and probably never will, haha.

You’re from Tel Aviv and now live in the US. How does where you grew up and live in influence your music?

It’s interesting how much American culture there is in Israel, the TV and radio is full with American music and movies alongside local stuff, which is very different in style. It’s a very unique place, a true mix of East and West. As a kid growing up all that sinks in and becomes part of you, and I think you can hear that mix in Maszer.

Who are your biggest musical influences now?

The Seattle scene is very inspiring and really pushing to be the best artist you possibly can. Other than that, it just depends. 

What's the craziest thing that’s happened to the band so far?

Oh, there are so many stories, I have been touring for 10 years! We had a guy in Detroit donating a drumset to Mother’s Anger after our set was stolen. How cool is that? And it was a super nice vintage Ludwig set, he was like, “you guys should have it...” Can you believe that?

If you were a hashtag, what would you be?

Hmm, #nextquestion?

Trump or Drumpf? What are you feeling this election season?

Neither. Fear. And hope.

Do you have an awesome Myspace-related story as a musician? 

Oh man. When Mother’s Anger arrived to the US, we were able to book national tours based on Myspace networking, and really that’s how we had our strong start without knowing anybody in person.