Get to know Mason Ashley, a singer-songwriter from Texas. Learn about her influences, her 2019 plans and more. Read here:
- Can you introduce yourself to those who may not know you?
Hi! I’m Mason Ashley. I’m a 20-year-old singer/songwriter from a small town near Houston, Texas. Music is my deepest passion and has been a part of me for over 10 years now. I recently released my latest single “Show and Tell”, which is available on all the music streaming sites and iTunes!
- How would you describe your music to people who have never heard it before?
My music is not stuck to one genre and it definitely mixes a lot of different styles. I basically write very honest songs based on real life situations and I write the music to fit the theme and feeling of what writing about. My sound is a blend of indie or alternative style with some pop and even some throwback 80’s and 90’s influences.
- What are you looking forward to in 2019?
I am releasing a brand new single and music video in January and I can’t wait for everyone to see and hear it. It’s a much more edgy sound and style for me and it’s definitely a step in a new direction, which is very exciting.
- Who are your musical influences?
I have such a range of influences, but the first one that stood out when I was a young songwriter was Bob Dylan. He writes real and honest songs and I remember thinking “I want to do that”. Now I listen to a lot of indie/alternative music…The 1975, Wallows, The xx, but I like to draw inspiration from all kinds of different genres and styles.
- What about nonmusical influences?
I honestly don’t really have any celebrities or influencers that I strive to be like but I do have so many people in my life that definitely inspire and influence me. My mom is an incredible singer and my biggest supporter and encourager. My dad owns his own business that does visual effects for movies and television. His work ethic and motivation is a huge inspiration. My brother is the most forgiving person I know and always sees the best in everyone, which is a quality I wish I had. I never had to worry about chasing a “traditional” career because my family has always encouraged me to follow my dream. I’ve been surrounded by the greatest people and I owe everything to them.
- What do you hope fans get from your music?
I just want my music to be something that can bring comfort to someone else. I always try to write honest and passionate songs in hopes that if a total stranger is going through something and hears one of them, they will know that they are not alone. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and problems, but music has the power to bring people together in a way that nothing else can and I just feel lucky to be a part of it.
- What can you tell us about your new single, “Show and Tell?”
“Show and Tell” is a song that’s very close to my heart. It’s something that I think so many people, and especially young women, can relate to. I wrote it four years ago about a situation in my life that made me feel small and even though I’m not in that place anymore, I still heavily relate to the song. “Show and Tell” is about knowing it’s okay to be hurt, and believing that the hurt will only make you stronger.
- What is your writing and recording process like?
I write about anything that is on my mind or on my heart. I can’t force myself to sit down and write, it has to have inspiration behind it. I typically start writing at the most random times and I will put ideas into the notes on my phone or sing into my voice memos and sort them out when I get home. Then I’ll send the recordings to my producer (usually at insanely late hours of night because that’s when I write best) and we’ll go into the studio soon after and do some pre-production. We’ll sit down and sort of talk about what we hear for the song and do a simple scratch recording to build off of. After that, it’s all about trial and error and experimenting until the song comes together in a way that brings the lyrics and emotion to life. It is definitely an art.
- What is something that you’ve accomplished so far in your career that you are most proud of?
A huge goal of mine after starting my YouTube channel was to hit over a million views on a video and that happened this year on two different videos…which is surreal. On a more personal note, about two years ago a couple in Scotland had their first dance at their wedding to one of my songs. They told me that when they first started dating, they bonded over listening to my music. The fact that I could have an effect on the love of total strangers still amazes me to this day.
- What is your go to drink from a coffee shop?
I love cappuccinos and chai tea lattes, but I usually go for the signature drinks that are unique to the coffee shop. I love to try new things.
- What is your current favorite song?
Toughest question ever! I think if I could ask my phone, it would say “True Care” by James Vincent McMorrow because I listen to it basically on repeat. But “All These Things That I’ve Done” by The Killers is a song that I’ve loved for years and recently have become even more obsessed with.
- What was the first concert you went to?
I’ve been to so many concerts that it’s hard to even say, but I believe the first ever was John Mayer when I was like seven years old. I still jam out to old John Mayer on a regular basis.
- What is your favorite movie?
I actually have a long list in the notes on my phone of favorite movies, so this is tough. If I have to say just one, I’ll go with My Best Friend’s Wedding. It is not the best movie ever made, but it has definitely been my go-to for years and Julia Roberts is my favorite actress. I remember watching it for the first time when I was young and being amazed that a rom-com ended without the woman getting the man. I’ve been attached to it ever since.
- If you could create your dream tour, who would be on the lineup?
Such a cool question! All I know is that if The 1975, Bleachers, COIN, Wallows, and myself were all in the same place at the same time…I could die happy.
- What is a song you wish you wrote and why?
I have so many. There’s a song by COIN called “Malibu 1992” that I would have loved to have written. It is so beautifully worded and the melody played in my head for days.
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