Check out our interview with Nashville-based singer and songwriter Leah Marie Mason who recently released her new music video for her single, “Miss Us Then.”
Mason may have just broken out onto the scene this year with her viral TikTok that tugged at heartstrings, but she has the poise and skill of a seasoned artist. Leah recently caught the attention and approval of Dan + Shay for her Facebook cover of their song “From the Ground Up” is cementing herself as a true changemaker in the industry. Her “Far Boy” duet with Austin Burke debuted on Taste of Country and her latest collaboration with breakout star Kidd G on “Love Isn’t Real” was featured on numerous editorial playlists on release week including the prestigious “Women of Country” Spotify playlist. Leah featured her single “I Wish” in a TikTok that has now gained over 1.4M likes. She recently joined the song suffragettes as one of their performers at The Listening Room.
Follow Leah @leahmmason
Hi Leah, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! My full name is Leah Marie Mason, I’m 22 years old and I am originally from Cary North Carolina but have been living in Nashville for almost three years now!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Driven, Caring, Creative
How did you get started in the business?
I’ve been singing ever since I was very little, I actually sang in a 70’s rock band from the time I was 11 to about 13 years old which is where my love for performing really started. Fast forward to today and I am now signed with an amazing team and have been able to release 6 records that I am extremely proud of!
How has this changed your life?
This year has been the most lifechanging time for me not only as an artist but as person as well. A year ago, I didn’t have any music out, no following, no nothing and today I have over 300,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and millions of streams across all DSP’s. Going through all that I have in such a short amount of time has taught me so much about myself as a writer, a friend, a daughter, and pretty much every other role that makes up who I am as a whole.
We’re sure you have been asked this question a million times but how did you get in the industry?
It all started with TikTok in all honestly. I went from having 30 close friends that followed me to almost 400,000 in just a few months. The insane amount growth in such a short period of time was overwhelming at first, but the amount of opportunity that came with that was something I never would have gotten to experience had I not had that viral moment.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Heartfelt, Unapologetic, Relatable
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My music has been influenced by so many different people and styles of music from Chris Stapleton, to Kacey Musgraves, to Heart, to Taylor Swift, to John Mayer, the list is endless. I make music because of the way it makes me feel. The way I feel when I listen to all of these artists I love is the way I want others to feel when they listen to my music. I want them to feel seen and understood, that’s the most important thing.
Do you play any instrument?
I play a little bit of guitar, I’m not an expert but I do practice every day!
Do you ever get nervous?
Oh, pretty much every time I perform I get nervous. I don’t think its necessarily a bad thing though, and I honestly believe most of my nerves are from excitement not fear!
Tell us about your new single “Miss Us Then?”
Miss Us Then is this anthemic, super relatable song that I thought would be the perfect way to end the year. It’s definitely different from everything else I’ve put out in 2021 and I feel like it’s a great introduction for the music I plan to release in 2022.
What’s the story behind the song?
Miss Us Then is about wanting to go back to how a relationship felt in the beginning. The excitement, the chase, the unknown can sort of distract you from seeing who someone actually is, and once all of that sort of settles you realize that you were more in love with the idea of this person rather than who they actually are.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
All of the messages I get from people with their own stories and how they relate to my music. As a songwriter and as an artist, all I really want is for people to connect with what I’m saying and feel a little less alone. Music is a powerful thing and I really want to use my platform as a safe space for everyone who needs it!
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Not to take anything for granted. It’s easy to get comfortable and fall into patterns but it’s so important to take a step back every once and a while and appreciate everything you have around you. I catch myself at times comparing what I have to what others have, and that just isn’t a healthy way to live. You’ll never be happy if you can’t learn appreciate what you already have. Don’t get me wrong it’s good to have goals and ambition, but you have to take the time to be thankful for what you do have and not constantly be focused on getting what you don’t.
How would your best friend describe you?
My friends would describe me as a pretty stubborn person with a big heart. I care about my friends and family so much, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them and all of the support they have shown me.
What’s next for Leah Marie Mason for 2022?
I am so excited about everything I have planned for 2022!! So much new music, new videos, & hopefully some exciting live performances! 2021 was just the beginning and I can’t wait for everyone to see what I have planned!
What is your favorite healthy food?
I am addicted to Chopt, it’s basically the salad version of chipotle and it is SO good I get it at least once a week.
And your favorite cheat food?
I love the original cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory with strawberries on top, it’s so good every. Single. Time.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I love experimenting with my style, I just dress every day based off of how I want to feel. Some days I feel very feminine and girly and others I want to wear all black and leather and other days I was more of a 70’s aesthetic. I’m really all over the place but I like being able to wear whatever I want and not box myself in to a specific “style”.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Having a community of people around me that help make me the best version of myself. I feel like I’ve found that with my family, my friends, my fans and I can honestly say I feel truly happy with where I am at in my life.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Dolly Parton, she is just so iconic and witty, to be able to sit down and have a conversation with her would be a dream.
Best advice ever given?
Be yourself. People can see right through a facade and if they haven’t already they will. Being your most authentic self is how people will really be able to connect with you and feel like they have a genuine relationship with you and your music.
Do you support any charity?
Wounded Warrior Project, they help assist both active and retired veterans overcome physical injuries as well as mental and emotional trauma.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I would love to be performing on tour with another artist that I really believe in. Doing a world tour is something I have always dreamed about doing and I hope one day that dream becomes a reality!
Favorite song? Why?
You Are My Sunshine, my mom has been singing this to me since I was a little girl and to this day calls me her “sunshine”. Side note, Chris Stapleton and his wife Morgane have a beautiful version of this song out that I listen to all the time.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a really beautiful thing to be able to connect with so many people in one place, but on the other hand you are only really seeing the best parts of everyone’s lives. In reality what people are choosing to share on social media is just a small percentage of who they actually are. I think it’s important to be mindful of that so we don’t get stuck comparing our lives to how “perfect” other people’s may appear.
Where we can follow you?
TikTok: leahmmason
Instagram: leahmmason
Twitter: leahmmasonmusic
Spotify/ Apple Music: Leah Marie Mason
Book: The Alchemist
Quote: If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.
Movie: Pulp Fiction
Tv Series: Breaking Bad
Favorite Food: Salmon
Travel Destination: Hawaii
Sports Team: Carolina Hurricanes
