Conversation With JoJo Mason

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?

A) I grew up in the middle of Canada in a city named Regina. Both my parents loved all kinds of music, so growing up they’d play anything from Brooks and Dunn to Celine Dion to Eric Clapton to Marvin Gaye! And of course, being a 90’s baby, I grew up with the Backstreet Boys and NSync in that boy band era. I think growing up with so many different genres played constantly, it’s allowed me to pick and choose what flavours and spices I want to draw from when I’m creating new music!

Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover you?

A) I want to travel all over the world and play my music. I truly think the best way to get to know an artist is to see them play a show live. My message to anyone who is about to discover me would probably be, I hope my music makes you feel something. Good, bad, happy, sad whatever it is, I hope you feel. The best thing about music is being able to connect and relate to people and there is nothing better than really feeling that connection to a song, or a lyric or even the artist.

Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?

A) The most inspiring Artist to me right now would have to be my friend Meghan Patrick. The last few years she’s been just rolling with all the punches that have constantly gotten thrown her way. She has shown me that no matter how many people try to bring you down, you stay true to who you are, what you believe in, and you keep fighting like hell. Finding inspiration is one of the best parts about creating music! I find it through experiences I’ve had, things I’ve seen, people I’ve met, conversations I’ve had. You can find anything if you look hard enough!

Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the single, “Bottom Shelf”?

A) Bottom shelf is a metaphor for finding ways to cope through heartbreak! We’ve all felt some sort of heartbreak, and we all have different ways of dealing. I have dealt with my share of it and have made it out the other side so having a song like Bottom Shelf to connect with other people who have had experiences like this, is pretty special!

Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?

A) BigWarmHug. All one word LOLLL

Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Bottom Shelf”?

A) Nope! What I found was peace. This is a very hard industry, and the ups and downs can be extreme and this song to me represents, going through hard times, making it out the other side. I finally feel like Ive unlocked a creative side of me I didn’t know I had. The fact I got to record this with one of my best friends was such a blessing too. Made the process so much fun.

Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?

A) It’s funny because for the most part, my music is fun, upbeat, happy, but I’ve put out a few heartbreak songs over the last few years! The best part about music is being able to relate and connect with people and that is always my goal as an artist. What is music if it doesn’t make you feel something!?

Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)

A) This is definitely a hard question Because there are so many amazing artists that I’ve been lucky enough to hear buuuuuttt…. My Dream collaboration would probably be BoyzIIMen. They’ve been with me through the hardest times of my life and some of the best times of my life. Their music can take me back to so many places in my memories with just one listen.

Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?

A) A friend of mine gave me some advice when I was first starting out that has stuck with me forever. Be genuinely and authentically you. There is already a Luke Bryan and a Tim McGraw, so always be you, unapologetically.

Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?

A) If I could go back and give younger me some words of wisdom, it would be simple. “Life is going to be hard but don’t be too hard on yourself. Trust your gut, believe in yourself, you’re stronger than you know and that you’re going to be alright.”

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