Hello, it’s great to have the opportunity to chat with you. Who is Mason Embers?
A: I’m not quite sure, but I do know they make a lot of noise!
I’m interested in how you began your musical journey. Did you always know that this was your desired path?
A: It all started on one very ordinary summer day in 2016… I woke up and decided that I should learn guitar. It was completely unprovoked. Within a week or two of lessons I was already writing songs. It’s all I really knew how to do— I didn’t try learning other songs much. Once I felt what it was like to create, I believe that’s when it became the primary focus for me, though rather subconsciously instead of consciously. Somewhere between then and now it became conscious, though.
Congratulations on the release of ‘Woodstock Dream’! The album sounds fantastic. What inspired you to create it?
A: Thank you! It’s still crazy to me that it’s out already—it really seemed like a flash from start to finish.
The album came about once I looked back on songs in my archive and realized that I wrote enough to make an album about a love story I was a part of. I decided that I wanted to preserve that story and create a sort of artistic world around it, and so that’s what I did. I wanted to make a place where myself and others could feel in love for the first time again. The album follows that love story through the eyes of a young person reminiscing about it with their grandparent, who interjects with comforting advice and wisdom.
I did all production myself this time around and it was a blast. I hope everyone has as much fun listening as I did making and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it turned out!
What is your favorite track on the album and why?
A: “Telepathy” without a doubt. It’s me at my most honest, vulnerable, emotional point. There was no fear, there was no second-guessing when writing it. It’s a song that makes me dream, but I’ve also come to realize how devastating it really is. There’s a sort of hope to it, however, that is somewhat comforting. I needed it at the time. It’s a song that will no doubt stick with me for a long while.
How do you ensure your continuous growth and development as an artist?
A: I think it’s constantly ensured by continuing to live your life. Art comes after experiencing life. Art tries to capture it. In the same way you can’t take a picture without life happening in front of you, you can’t write a song without life happening, either. As long as life’s happening, my art will be happening.
What can we anticipate from your upcoming releases in terms of style and sound? How will they differ from your previous works?
A: They’ll most likely differ by a good margin stylistically. I’m an albums person, I love creating little worlds. I think of them like novels. I’ve got multiple fully-written albums up my sleeve currently, and they are so different that I will most likely release them under pseudonyms. Every project I’ve worked on so far has come from a different place. The latest album happens to be a bunch of dream-pop tunes about a cute love story. The next may be dark and earthy and very serious. I was raised on artists like Radiohead and Beck—their freedom to go anywhere artistically always thrilled me. It’s the only way I can keep myself interested.
Where are you located? Can you share with us how the local music scene has influenced your sound in any way?
A: I live in a town outside of Atlanta, GA called Woodstock. Growing up here since I was ten years old, I’d say it’s influenced almost every aspect of my life, and that finds its way into the music somehow. As for the music scene itself, it’s always been a tight-knit group of regulars. Over time there’s waves of people that come and go. I like to think that the scene influenced my social life rather than my sound. I’ve made some great connections through music here that I’ll never forget, even naming my album after one of those. Wherever I end up, I know that I’ll always consider Woodstock home.
If you had the opportunity to perform at any venue worldwide, which one would you choose and why?
A: Amphitheatre of Pompeii. Watch the Pink Floyd concert film there—it’ll change ya life.
Finally, do you have anything to share about upcoming gigs? Also, what plans do you have for 2024?
A: Now that I’ve scratched my personal artistic itch for the time being, I’ll be working on other artists’ work for a while. Hit me up for production, mixing, or mastering!
I try to pick up gigs and shows around the Atlanta area when I can, so follow me on social media to stay updated!
I appreciate everyone who listens to and reads what I have to say. I’m glad I could give some insight to what I’ve been working on here. Thanks for having me!