A quick chat with Mason Watts

Congratulations on the release of ‘Enough’s Enough’! The track is raw and honest, how does it feel having something that personal out in the world?

It feels great! As an artist I think it’s important to be genuine and this track is a timestamp of my emotions exactly as they were in those writing moments.

The three singles you’ve shared so far sit in the ballad-pop world, do you see yourself experimenting with other genres?

Absolutely! I’ve been in the studio a bunch this year and have been having so much fun experimenting with different sounds. I’m so excited to share what I’ve been working on - stay tuned!

What is your writing process like?
My iphone currently has about 400 voice memos! I’ll usually be going about my day when a melody idea pops into my head and I’ll then sing it into my phone so I don’t forget it. Afterwards, I’ll listen to the recording and sit down with my guitar or piano to find some chords that work well. Finally, I’ll start mumble singing over the tune until I stumble across some lyrics that stick and boom! You got yourself a song.

It’s been over a year since your debut single ‘Recovery’ was released. How has your life changed over that year?

The past year has been a dream come true! I signed a management and recording deal with Chugg Music & City Pop Records. Despite Covid, I’ve been lucky enough to play shows with the likes of Lime Cordiale, Missy Higgins and Dami Im. Now I’m down in Sydney and spending my days recording music with some of the country’s best writers and producers! Life is very good.

Your music videos are really poignant and have such a cinematic feel to them. How do you come up with the concepts?
Both of my music videos have been directed by the brilliant Digby Hogan, we usually catch up for a few drinks, listen to the new track and collaborate ideas until we land on something I connect with and feel will represent the song visually

I saw your picture with Missy Higgins on your instagram, what was it like opening for her?
I grew up listening to Missy! Some of the first songs I remember jamming out to were off ‘The Sound Of White’ album. It was such a surreal moment to be invited to join her for a few shows. She has such a presence on stage, it was amazing hanging with her and such an honour to be her support act.

You’ve worked with some really great producers so far, do you have any dream collaborations with producers and other artists?
Absolutely! I’ve been super fortunate to had already banked a couple of dream collabs, however some people I’d love to book some sessions are: FINNEAS, Benny Blanco, Julia Michaels, Ryan Tedder… I could go on forever haha.

Who are your major influences?
All the people listed above! Plus a tonne more. My playlist at the moment includes a lot of FINNEAS, LANY and Julia Michaels.

If you weren’t based in Australia, where in the world do you see yourself playing and performing?

Well I recorded my first two releases in London and have always had a soft spot for that city. I would love to base myself over there someday.

What can we expect from Mason Watts in 2021?
A bunch of new music, a tonne of live shows and world domination are all on the agenda haha.