With Mason Stephenson: an interview with the artist of "Chanson sous la Pluie"
21.04.2021
Mason Stephenson is a romantic composer based in Manchester, UK. He developed great interest in music and has been writing and composing since the early age of thirteen. Now focusing on solo piano works his music focuses on a heavily romantic and melancholy feel. He released his first pieces, titled "La Forêt" and "Nuits Solitaires", towards the end of 2020 which has paved his way into the romantic piano scene. Mason Stephenson is now preparing for the release of his first debut EP titled "Chansons Sous La Pluie" which translates to "Songs Under The Rain". His first collection of pieces were recorded at Milltown Studios, near his hometown, and mastered by his good friend Luke Rowland. With this EP he hopes to capture the calmness of melancholy music and show that there is beauty even on the rainiest of days. Mason Stephenson has released his previous works independently and has been mentioned in Greek magazine, Naga Magazine, for his romantic pieces of music. He is really excited to get his next collection of pieces out and looks forward to showing the world how he puts his feelings into classical piano works through Blue Spiral Records.
credits: Mason Stephenson
Read our interview with Mason as he details the creative process behind his music.
I love creating piano works because you have the challenge of creating songs that tell a story without the use of words.
You are an emerging artist but with different results already achieved, can you tell us briefly what artist you are?
I am a musician who strives to create solo piano works that produce a heavily classical romantic mood. I love creating piano works because you have the challenge of creating songs that tell a story without the use of words. I find that being able to tell a story with only notes and melodies is truly magical.
What are your influences and your musical references?
I absolutely love cinematic music and orchestral pieces. Ludovico Einaudi and Yann Tiersen are both prime examples of this. Both composers have the gift of writing pieces that are to be played by multiple musicians. This is something that I eventually plan on moving on to.
How do you compose? Do you feel a musical theme in your mind or is it more based on creating from sensations?
I would definitely say that I approach writing music both of these ways. I always know what type of mood or feeling I want to create when beginning to write a piece but sometimes the favourite parts of my works can be totally improvised through how I am feeling at that given time.
How was your latest album "Chansons sous la Pluie" born?
I have always been a huge lover of the rain, whether this be rainy walks or just listening and watching the rain through my window. I then decided that I wanted to create a small collection of pieces that would be perfect for those rainy days where you just want to relax. "Chansons sous la Pluie" translates to "Songs under the Rain" and I believe that I have captured this perfectly with my new songs.
There are many times where I'll suddenly get a spark of inspiration and feel the urge to write some music and I would say that feeling comes around usually at night time because that's when I find playing piano most relaxing.
At what time of the day do you like to compose? Is it an expressive urgency due to an inspiration or do you meditate and plan everything with scrupulous criteria?
I can compose at any time of the day to be honest. I am constantly improvising when I'm playing or practicing. I love just getting carried away whilst playing. There are many times where I'll suddenly get a spark of inspiration and feel the urge to write some music and I would say that feeling comes around usually at night time because that's when I find playing piano most relaxing.
What would you answer to those who ask you why you should listen to your music?
I am confident in my music providing a great sense of relaxation. Whether that be taking some time to relax in the bath or whilst reading or meditating. It's perfect music to just wind down too whilst the day just gradually comes to a close. If you are as dramatic as me then I'd suggest pouring a glass of wine and listening to my first collection of pieces "Chansons sous la Pluie" and I guarantee you will not regret it.
What is the meaning of music for you?
Music to me carries many meanings and many purposes. I always find immense joy through listening to music as does most of the population. Music truly connects people in so many ways. I personally love how music can carry so much emotion on such a personal level, it's almost as if you can truly know someone just by listening to the music they have created. Without music I feel that life would feel so much more empty. Music is to the ears what a beautiful sunrise or sunset is to the eyes. It sparks such relaxation and love and is vital to life.
Could you kindly anticipate us something about your upcoming projects?
I will be taking a totally different approach to my next collection of pieces than I did with "Chansons sous la Pluie''. "Chansons sous la Pluie" was very melancholy and focused on a sad romantic mood whereas my next works will focus on a brighter, more peaceful sound. After the last year and so on that we have all had to deal with I would like to focus on the beauties of the world and the sense of serenity that can be found. I am currently in the writing process of my next collection and hope to be making the next steps towards finishing it soon.