One of the things we are passionate about as a magazine encouraging and supporting new and emerging talent especially when it comes to music. Recently we had the pleasure of discovering the music of Surrey based singer songwriter Zachary Mason.
In November 2023, Zachary released his debut album Songs which has been gaining a lot of traction, appreciation and respect across the music community as music fans and peers connect to his powerfully honest tracks. Debut albums are such an important milestone of any artist’s journey, and based on the on going attention and praise Songs is being given, this is certainly one album is making such a valuable impact to Zachary Mason’s journey.
Read on as we sit down with the man himself to find out more!
Welcome to DARKUS. For the benefit of our readers, tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey as an artist in 2024 so far?
Hello! I am a 26-year-old Musician hailing from Guildford Surrey in the UK. I became a musician officially in July 2021, with my debut single being released on the 1st of that month- though it was actually in late 2021 that I first decided I would like to release music one day. I began recording music using a DAW gifted to me by a relative in the spring of 2021, and I must have recorded between a hundred and a hundred and fifty song demos since then. The demos embrace various genres and musical styles- all kinds of stuff ranging from Folk Folk/Pop to rock Hard/Rock. So far, I’ve only released songs that are more inclined towards the folky kind of sound… I write my own songs, using Electric and Acoustic guitars, my keyboards- and, of course, my voice!
It’s a real pleasure for me to be able to express my thoughts and feelings through the medium of music- be they happy or sad, strange or serious, real or imagined, sensible or silly! Sometimes, experiences you have in life can almost write certain songs for you, and often these are among the most meaningful… This year, some exciting things have happened for me and the music: Two songs of mine (one in part and one in full) have been played on FM radio (Bay FM in Australia), I’ve had a song included in an article by the Spanish Rolling Stone Magazine for the second time, and I’ve also had John Thomasson, from the group “Little Big Town”, play some awesome bass guitar for me on my latest single: Sweet Sunshine! I’ve also had many words of positive feedback and approbation come my way from people in the industry (a lot of these came through Groover- what an exciting and useful new platform that is!) and that has given me encouragement and strength to keep moving forward as an artist. I’ve had some downs, as we all do, but, by and large, 2024 has been a good year for Zachary Mason so far!
Interestingly Zachary Mason is a pseudonym, as your real name is Daniel Macintyre. Where do the crossroads of Zachary and Daniel meet so that the footsteps taken intertwine together?
As Daniel Macintyre, I do whatever I can to support Zachary and his musical career! It’s not always easy being a musician these days and things can get expensive- thankfully, my other work provides me with a fairly flexible and spacious schedule that allows me enough time for Zachary to do what he needs to do whilst also allowing Daniel the time that he needs! (Zachary Mason was actually a name I used to attach to poems I would write many years ago and I planned to use it should I become an author- as things turned out, I use Zachary for the music and my real name for the writing!)
Back in November, you released your debut album ‘Songs’, how has it felt being able to witness its growth and evolution since sharing it with the world?
Since the release of the album, there have been a variety of emotions based on a variety of results - relief, disappointment, encouragement, doubts, pride, wishing I’d done something differently- the list goes on, and I’m sure a lot of other artists out there can relate to these feelings… But I’m glad it happened, and it’s something that will always be there that I can share with people and point to and say: “Hey- I did that!” As the album has grown I’ve grown too- and there are things I’ve learnt from the process of its creation and the response it’s received which I would consider valuable.
As a debut record, what were some of the elements you wanted it to represent about who you are as an artist?
There is an emotional intensity and meditative flavour that runs through some of my creations on the album which I would wish to be recognized and attached to my identity as a person and an artist. Also, the songs have a simple yet earnest sound to them which I believe has appeal. There’s nothing too fancy or complex about “Songs”- but you know what you’re getting and it feels good! (I hope!)
What was life like growing up in Guildford? How did you find the process of embracing your self-identity and voice within your local music scene?
In terms strictly relating to Guildford: it was polluted, crowded, full of concrete and greyness, noisy and rather tiresome! I don’t like city life and that comes out in some of my work- a yearning or desire to be far away from the city, somewhere scenic and special like by the sea or someplace quiet. Thankfully, I had two very supportive and loving parents who raised me very well and have also been a great help with my musical endeavours! I have never worked with a band or other musicians in my local area- embracing my self-identity and voice is something I achieve through solitude, reflection, reading and, of course, producing music!
Take us through the process of the record itself, what it was like to work on, and even maybe some of the tracks which you found challenging yet rewarding to work on?
It was a difficult time for me during the album’s production as I had some fairly bad emotional and mental health issues which eclipsed this creative time somewhat- I also began a course of medication during the album's production which had some nasty side effects. I remember that time as a haze of gloom, tiredness and depression which, to be honest, I don’t particularly wish to recall. On the positive side, working with my Mix and Master man, Artist Jordan Bridges, was a pleasure, as he is easy to work with and a good friend. Also, there were things I learnt along the way which were useful. A lot of work was involved and it could be frustrating- but the relief and joy of having that creation to my name makes up for it! One of the songs on the album, “Hello World”, was a challenge as, during the process of production, it was discovered that the intro section needed re-recording! However, during the re-recording, I discovered a new sound effect to add which I feel really lifted that section! Hello World is my personal favourite on the album!
As an emerging artist, from your own experience, what has been the most eye-opening or even life-giving moment you have encountered so far?
I think the whole journey and experience has been something special for me, with all its ups and downs, emotions and experiences, and becoming a musician marks a new and interesting direction for me in my life. Being featured on FM radio has been great, and also getting a couple of mentions in the Spanish Rolling Stone has been huge. Being in the studio and coming up with an idea or direction you like is a great feeling and, though no one else necessarily knows about those private moments, sometimes they give you a lot of the strength and drive you need as a musician.
Now one of the great parts of your personal story is how in 2021 when a family member gifted you with a recording kit, because from what I understand it was your gateway into releasing music. What makes you smile when you look at that special moment?
My DAW, or recording kit, actually came from Andertons Music store in Guildford where, for about a decade now, I have worked as a cleaner- mostly buffing their floors in recent times! When the kit was first presented to me, it took me a long time to work it all out and get it running and I remember being quite frustrated by that! I never thought I’d be talking about it as a musician in a magazine interview just over three years later!
From the record, have there been any songs that have pleasantly surprised you in terms of listeners who have gravitated towards them more than you initially anticipated?
There are four songs on my album which I personally consider to be strong; however, one of the tracks, “Going Away”- which I consider to be nice and a good listen but perhaps not one of my top songs- was featured in part on Bay FM which was a nice surprise! Also, I have had some very nice feedback from various members of the industry on my songs- if I may, I will include here some words I received from an industry professional late last year which I find particularly special:
“…I just listened to Hello World. You touch me as an artist. I think you know that. Your guitar playing, your creations and sounds. It touches my soul. I like this purity in what you do. I also love that you do what you love. With "Hello World", you present your sound universe and you don't try to make it a single for the radios or to do something contrary to what you are….”
There is still half of the year left to go pretty much, what does that next chapter look like for Zachary Mason or is it more a case of one where you are going with the flow?
Right now I’m focusing on promoting what’s already out there, and also on gathering funds for the next release! As I mentioned earlier, things can get expensive in the music industry, so having the financial get up and go is important to me. I’m pleased with what has been, and I’m looking forward to what will be- whatever form that may take! “Que Sera, Sera”, as Mrs. Day once sang so sweetly!
On behalf of everyone here at DARKUS we wish Zachary Mason all the best for what the future holds next. In the meantime make sure you check out the debut album Songs which is available on all major platforms right now!
Stay Connected
By Thushara Chandrasiri
Comments