Mason Rose Gray is a singer/songwriter based in Florida. Creating music with the sole intention of shining light into the dark and exposing the truth, her sound blends indie, folk, and blues with honest and raw lyrics, unlocking a whole new world; the good, the bad, the ugly. Inspired by the likes of Miranda Lambert, Billie Eilish, and David Bowie, Gray evokes a unique and infectious sound that encourages self-love and ultimately provides the key to happiness. We had the pleasure of catching up to discuss her life, music, and new single ‘Wild Woman’.
Thank you for agreeing to catch up with OcchiMagazine. Congratulations on your career to date. For readers who are unfamiliar with you, how did you get into music?
When I was younger I used to write on napkins and fill notebooks with lyrics. I would listen to Hillary Duff’s Metamorphasis album and hear my name screaming in the background. I’d turn off the music and run around the house thinking someone was yelling for me (no one was home.) I took it as a sign that music was “literally” calling me haha.
I had a tough childhood so I didn’t pursue music professionally for financial reasons. I went to college and got a nursing degree, but never felt completely fulfilled. It wasn’t until about 3 years ago that I started revisiting songwriting and singing. As I began tapping into my creativity miraculous things began cultivating. It’s been a blast since!
Your sound blends indie, folk, and blues with very honest and raw lyrics. Which artist has been most influential on your career, and why?
Wow, that’s a tough one. There are so many amazing and talented artists. If I had to choose, I’d say David Bowie. His eccentric style and jovial personality are intoxicating. In an interview, he stated he wears outrageous clothing to get reactions to write about later. I thought that was so clever and I incorporate it into my songwriting. I say bizarre comments to turn heads and make people laugh.
We’ve had the pleasure of following your career since your debut single ‘Survive’. You’ve openly said your start in life wasn’t easy. Can you share with us how your experiences shape your songwriting and how far does creating music provides a therapeutic release?
Musical inspiration and songwriting came after a 9-year breakup. I fell into a mundane rut, “playing housewife” and not expressing my creativity.
I wrote my first lyric sitting at the dining room table. I looked to my left to see the old flowers covered in cobwebs. It was a metaphor for my life at the time. I was heartbroken and needed to find love in myself, rather than seeking outside validation. Although it wasn’t easy, I felt it was important to be on my own and I begin soul searching. I used pain, heartbreak, and love from my childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
The writing process is an adventure. I began hiking in the mountains where I received an astronomical amount of inspiration. Nature taught me about myself and life. The lyrics started pouring out of me since. Songwriting is cathartic and helps me process life events and emotions. It isn’t always easy and music is a beautiful escape. I record the melody to songs on my phone, but play around with it to add variance and keep it fresh.
You’re a huge advocate for mental health and awareness. This has been a particularly important issue for many artists and freelancers during the pandemic. Do you have any advice for artists in need of support?
The process as a whole can be challenging and daunting. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love it. It’s similar to being at a casino, you win some and lose some. Welcome to life. I live by the advice, “It’s about the process, not the product.” Each song is unique in its own special way. I see it as similar to birthing a child, it’s a special and sacred experience. It comes with a lot of hard work and patience. Rewrites and finessing are absolutely involved. Finding the right words, melody, and instrumentals best to tell the story.
There are definitely highs and lows. The highs are a beautiful feeling and that’s what ultimately keeps me going. I feel out of my body when I sing and dance, yet so present and connected.
There are definitely lows; creative and writer blocks. When something just doesn’t flow. You work on a song or project for hours only to feel stuck and drained at the end. Taking long walks and focusing my attention elsewhere eases my mind. Revisiting it later brings more clarity and insight.
I am a huge advocate for mental health and awareness. I see a therapist and highly recommend it.
Where do you get the inspiration to write and do you apply a particular formula to develop your material?
Oh my goodness, everything! Let’s see, definitely nature; sunsets, clouds, flowers, trees, and the ocean. I’ve learned so much about myself and the world from hiking and exploring nature. It’s romantic and nostalgic. I find inspiration in everyday conversations, podcasts, movies, and my environment. I like going against the grain and trying different things. Individuality is most important to me.
I took a songwriting class and read a book that really opened my mind to the structure of writing songs. I also break down other artists’ lyrical styles and motifs and incorporate them into my art. After all, art is derivative.
We’re glad to feature your new single ‘Wild Woman’. Please tell us more about the origins of the track and how you came to write it?
I wrote Wild Woman one afternoon on a whim in my bedroom after looking up some piano chords. It was so instinctual and so much fun! I don’t know exactly where the inspiration came from but it poured out of me and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it!
I believe we all have a little crazy in of us and a wild side that wants to be released! The beauty and beast live in all of us; “the good, the bad, the angel, the devil” as they have been described in various novels. Wild Woman portrays that beautifully with vulnerable and husky vocals and striking and memorable lyrics.
Please tell us more about the music video. When and where was it filmed?
The Wild Woman music video was filmed at a local zoo, called Lowry Park. It’s visually entertaining as I portray being locked up in the zoo with various animals, putting on a hell of a show. It was a blast to film, everyone was staring at me as if I was part of the exhibit. Kids and parents came up to me either happy and interested or terrified, I would always end up poking fun with a “RAWR!”
What projects are you currently working on?
Oh man, that’s a loaded question.
I’m currently working on multiple art projects; singing/songwriting, music videos, guitar, piano, painting, and dancing that take up a majority of my time.
Although, my main focus is on my album called OMNIPRESENCE. My dream is to tour and be on the big stage! Although I know it’s a process and I’m enjoying every moment of it and soaking it all in.
Where can our readers find out more about you and your projects?
Social media is the best place to start, primarily Instagram but I’m also very active on Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook. Also check out my Spotify, YouTube, Apple, and SoundCloud accounts.
My linktree is below with all the links!
https://linktr.ee/
Check it out, you will be thoroughly entertained!
Images: courtesy of MasonRoseGray
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