11. Zachary Mason

Sounds like: If Tom Verlaine aimed for the top of the pops in the late 1970s.

Describe your approach to music and how you would explain your sound to others.

For me, ideas for songs often start as a little chord sequence or riff which I record on my phone- trying to remember them doesn’t always work and it’s so frustrating when a nice little idea goes missing amidst the mental maelstrom!- after that, it could be a few hours, months or maybe even years until the idea is developed and recorded properly! It all depends on how I’m feeling and whether or not I feel the urge to develop that idea… Feelings are everything to me in music: if I don’t feel the same as the song needs to feel, chances are it won’t happen! I do enjoy creating music and I like to explore a variety of different sounds and styles… I’ve always listened to a lot of different music, from hard rock to the odd classical tune, and I think I’d feel somewhat tied down if I had to stick to just one genre or approach! It would be difficult for me to explain my sound as an artist in a brief, concise sentence- I won’t say I’ve done something for everyone, but I think I’ve certainly done a wide variety of stuff that will appeal to a lot of different people. People tell me that certain tracks resemble elements of Bob Dylan, Bowie and Neil Young, so there have certainly been influences that have rubbed off on me from my listening library! My music incorporates elements of a more old-fashioned sound whilst utilising modern sound effects. I’d like to just say: Don’t ask me to explain my sound- just have a listen and make up your own mind!

How did you come up with the name of your act?

The name Zachary Mason actually came about many years ago when, as a teenager, I had a desire to be a writer, and so I used to sign that name at the bottom of poems or other things I’d written… When the opportunity for me to become a musician came up, I decided to stick with that name and also inject a touch of nostalgia into my musical career!

What are some artists and albums that have informed your creative direction?

Neil Young, as my favourite artist, has definitely affected some of my more folky-sounding works. Although I’m not the biggest Nirvana fan, I did learn some of their music in the early days of playing guitar, and I’ve noticed that some of my rock songs have a hint of their sound here and there… I must admit, I don’t spend a great deal of time thinking or deciding who or what I sound similar to- I just get on with my music the way I feel it works best!

What’s the most exciting thing happening in music right now?

It’s a somewhat cheeky response, but I guess my own career and experiences as Zachary Mason are the most exciting thing for me personally!- seeing my fans grow and the reviews flooding in certainly occupies a fair amount of my time, and I can’t help but be focused on my own output and work! Seeing my music worm its way into the music industry- songs I’ve attuned 100 per cent to my own taste and preference- is an exciting experience! I’m not that keen on a lot of modern music, so I don’t really spend a lot of time looking at the charts or keeping up to date with the latest music news… One thing I would say though: Platforms such as Groover and Musosoup are really great for musicians to use and I’ve had a lot of good experiences, shares and fun using them! Platforms like these haven’t always been around so it’s really great to have them now!

Where do you see the music world heading in the next five years?

Not good… But one must remain positive of course- especially as I am now a part of that world!- so I hope that things don’t become too difficult for smaller artists, that the market doesn’t become too over-saturated and unprofitable, and that AI doesn’t completely kill the vast and glorious soul of music!

How is music helping you during these uncertain times?

Music has always provided a distraction and refuge from life’s troubles for me, and, now that I have become a musician, it occupies my time more and gives me things to do and think about. It’s a great comfort to think that, during uncertain times, one thing is certain: Music is always there for me!

Those interested can follow this link to visit the original article on SPIN’s Official Website: https://www.spin.com/2025/03/now-hear-this-march-2025/

~Daniel Macintyre/Zachary Mason