Breakout Canadian singer-songwriter Lucas Mason has just released his self-titled debut album on all streaming platforms today and we’re so excited to be teaming up with him to give our readers and exclusive behind the scenes look at the album.
The self-titled album is a notable milestone for the St. Catharines, Ontario-based artist who experienced a career breakthrough when he was invited on stage by Zach Bryan to sing “Heading South” at a 2024 Toronto concert. The viral performance reached 15 million views online and has led to a whirlwind period of growth, prolific output, and industry recognition. Infused with a raw and authentic recording style that blends modern folk and country influences with deliberate touches of rock and bluegrass, the eleven-track album mirrors the 19-year-old artist’s formative moments on his path into adulthood.
BEHIND THE ALBUM: Lucas Mason – “Lucas Mason”
Hey, Live in Limbo!
Lucas Mason here! Thanks so much for inviting me to discuss my debut self-titled album, which is out on all streaming platforms!
“Hurricane Ridge”
“Hurricane Ridge” is about a hiking trip to the mountains of Washington with my oldest brother, Jake. I spend a lot of time with my other brother, Ethan, who’s in my band and, coincidentally, wrote this song with me, so it was cool to spend this time with Jake, doing something that we both are really passionate about. The hike was super challenging at times, and in a way, a metaphor for my life as a young aspiring artist, but the escape from the stresses of life and the insanely beautiful views were well worth the pain of the hike.
“Take My Time”
“Take My Time” is a reflection of my current relationship. We started dating really young, and we have basically grown up together. It’s about wanting to give someone your most valuable asset – your time – and having no regrets. I recorded this song with Chris Boerner, a producer in North Carolina whose work I really admire. I love how it turned out.
“Tethered”
“Tethered” is about navigating the music industry at a young age and sort of being thrown into it overnight. When I was 17, I got the most incredible opportunity to sing on stage with Zach Bryan at Scotiabank Arena. As a result, my life was forever changed, and since then, I’ve been obsessed with songwriting and performing. It’s been a difficult industry to navigate, and this weighs on my mental health, but I’ve come to realize that this is what I’m meant to do.
“In the Pines”
“In the Pines” is a really fun track I wrote with my buddy Harry Hannah while we were at his cottage this summer. So many of my songs are serious and introspective, but I also have a fun side, especially when I spend time with my friends. It’s a bluegrass tune, basically about cottage life with the boys. There are a lot of really talented musicians on this track, and some really cool solos. It was so much fun to make.
“Stay”
“Stay” is about a weekend away with my girlfriend at a beautiful cottage in Norfolk, Ontario. It was the perfect place with the perfect person to help me to escape the busyness of our lives and all the pressure I was feeling with navigating the industry at the time. The chorus of this track has harmonies layered in it that are really beautiful. They are from several band mates, my brother, and even my mom.
“You Won’t Leave Me Tonight”
“You Won’t Leave Me Tonight” was co-written with my friend Olivia Johnston. She is a super talented up-and-coming singer songwriter with a gorgeous voice. It’s a sort of tragic love song about a college-aged couple whose relationship is coming to an end, but neither one knows how to admit it or talk about it. The song is them expressing their feelings on the relationship without ever saying the words to one another.
“The Smell of August”
“The Smell of August” is a coming-of-age song that I wrote when I was finishing up my last year of high school. I was faced with a lot of decisions and felt pulled in different directions. Part of me just wanted to escape it all and move away to try out different lives. My buddy’s family owns a ranch in Saskatchewan so moving out there to work was one of things I considered. In the end I learned that everything about moving away would just remind me of home where I’d be happiest with my family and friends. This was another track co-written with Harry Hannah.
“Thrift Store Dress”
“Thrift Store Dress” is about appreciating the little things in life, being with the one you love, where even the ordinary things feel special and fun. The chorus talks about her sipping Merlot from a Solo cup, for instance. This song basically sums up my relationship with my partner. It is a playful, full-band song which was also co-written with Harry Hannah.
“Tofino”
Tofino was the first song I released from this album. After spending time out in Vancouver, I fell in love with the landscape and relaxed culture. I dreamed of visiting the little surf town of Tofino with my girlfriend and escaping the stresses of life back home. This song was produced by Dom Louis, a Canadian artist and producer whose work I really admire. This is one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written.
“Old Man”
“Old Man” is a very vulnerable song I wrote for my Papa, whom I lost to cancer when I was 13. We were very close, and I took his death hard. He loved music and would have loved to see all that I’ve done with my life. The song is a reflection of missing him and our relationship, and how I wish he could be here for all of this. I decided to make it really raw and stripped down – just me, the guitar, and a whole lot of emotion.
“Light”
“Light” was born out of several losses I experienced in my life. I lost my grandmother recently and seeing my grandfather struggle with her death has taught me to appreciate my loved ones more than I have in the past. This track is about finding those people you love and holding on tight because life is short. Most of the song is stripped-down, with me, the guitar, and many harmonies. The outro then explodes into a gorgeous choir of voices that I think, sounds heavenly. I think it’s a beautiful way to end the album.
Thank you, Live in Limbo!
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