Singer-songwriter Mason Embers‘ latest single “Rush” is from his forthcoming debut album, expected early this year (2021). At only 17, Embers writes songs about the push and pull of life, having an incredible grasp of it well beyond his year, and his songs portray infectious optimism. His upcoming album features transparent songs featuring “the whole spectrum of human emotion.” (Hip Video Promo) Mason has an incredibly smooth voice, especially evident with his latest single “Rush.” The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Rexway and KKMedia, features Mason in a variety of different scenarios, with him framing the screen amidst an increasing amount of craziness going on around him. However, as the song implies, don’t “Rush” and take your time; that’s certainly what Mason Embers does.
We had a nice chat with Mason about his newest single and music video for “Rush,” his songwriting and how the pandemic may or may not have influenced it, when he knew he wanted to create music, and what’s to come for the rest of the year.
Your latest single, “Rush,” is from your forthcoming debut album, which drops early this year. Can you tell us what your songwriting and recording process was like for it?
Mason Embers: I wrote every song that’s on the album (including the singles I have out now) when I was fourteen in late 2017 to early 2018. By summer 2018 I had all the demo tracks done, and was determined to start recording. Since I could only get in a studio for a few hours a week, it’s taken since then to finally finish the recording process. Now, I’m onto finishing up the mixing and mastering phase. It’s been a slow burn, but it’s all gone really smoothly and I am beyond pleased with the results. More so, I’m beyond excited to finally be able to release it.
How did this past year with the pandemic influence you with your songwriting?
Mason: I’m sure it’s influenced me in ways that aren’t apparent to me at the moment, but there’s no evident change as far as I know. I’ve always been an introspective songwriter and I enjoy analyzing people’s emotions in my songs, and I think the focus on that way of writing has possibly increased for most songwriters during this pandemic.
You never really had a desire to pursue music until you began guitar lessons at age twelve. What would you say was the moment you knew that music was something you aspired to immerse yourself in?
Mason: I owe it to Skrillex, actually. The first kind of music I was heavily invested in was electronic dance music, brostep, dubstep, and the like. Listening to Skrillex when he first became mainstream in 2010-2011 blew my seven-year-old mind. I was hearing sounds I had never heard before. Sonny’s (Skrillex’s) job seemed like the coolest thing in the world to me. Obviously, I didn’t end up going down that same path (at least, not yet), but that’s what initially attracted me to the idea of wanting to create my own sounds, not just listen to them.
What was it like filming the video for “Rush,” and working with directors Rexway and KKMedia?
Mason: Filming is always such a fun process, and Rexway and KKMedia do their best to understand and execute the artist’s ideas and turn the vision into reality. It was a whole day shoot with a lot of props as can be seen- the best part was definitely the confetti!
What do you hope to accomplish next 2021?
Mason: Apart from releasing my debut album this year, I hope to start gigging more after graduating high school this May, start a possible internship in sound engineering, and start making demos and maybe even get a recording/publishing deal.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite so far?
Mason: I believe my first concert was part of a free summer concert series in my hometown in 2013-2014. I don’t go to many concerts, actually. However, I do have a favorite. That is the Thom Yorke show I went to in Atlanta in late 2019. He and his band are probably my favorite musicians on the planet, and his solo work is incredible. The show was somewhat of a hypnotic alien rave, I’ll definitely never forget it.
What was your first album on CD and/or vinyl?
Mason: The first album that I purchased on CD was actually just a couple of years ago and is OK Computer by Radiohead. The first album I listened to on CD, though, was probably a children’s music compilation that I sang on when I was four years old or so. Regarding vinyl, I don’t own any yet, but will possibly buy a record player and start collecting in the future!
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Mason:
These are the top five albums that have impacted me the most:
Radiohead – OK Computer
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon
King Krule – Man Alive!
My Bloody Valentine – Loveless
The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground and Nico
Listening to my music that is out right now, these influences might not correlate much, but over time, I believe they definitely will as I release what I’ve been creating recently.
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
Mason: I definitely did in the past, but over time I’ve learned to embrace all that I listen to and indulge in because at the end of the day, popularity or common opinion shouldn’t take away anything from my enjoyment.
Find Mason on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
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