theaussieword.com catches up with Jake Mason / Soul Messin’.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
I was always drawn to songs and improvisation, that’s what I love the most about music! The industry however is fun, frustrating and a challenge all rolled into one. I’d be quite happy without the industry and just the music but alas you can’t have one without the other!
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I love collaborating, that’s what motivates me. I love playing in bands and interacting in real time with the music. I also love co-writing, blending two or more ideas together to make one with preparation and planning.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
To be able to continue to make records and all the things that go along with making them.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
The Soul Messin’ Allstars will be heading back into the studio, we have more tunes to record. No plans at this stage to tour, we are keeping it studio focused at the moment.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
The first release from the Soul Messin’ Allstars is very much in in the classic soul tradition. It salutes the long running PBSFM soul night Soul A Go Go. To really match that vibe we consciously went for lots of the classic soul sonics. The next release will still have that flavour but with a bit more of a twist.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
I’m always writing tunes. You just never know when you might stumble upon a good one so that’s why I find its important to try and keep the tunes flowing. That way you give yourself the best opportunity of letting a few good songs get out.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
No, not really it’s pretty straight up via a few metaphors of course!
Success, what is the secret to it?
Have your own goals and then you control what success is!
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I just received an APRA award for a billion streams for a song I co-wrote with my Cookin’ On 3 Burners buddies called ‘This Girl’. That was super exciting!
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Ones that keep you guessing, always with a twist but with enough familiarity to make it feel warm and cosy at the same time.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Last year I released my 1st jazz trio record which was lots of fun to make and tour. We were honoured that it was also nominated for an ARIA award. I plan to make another record with that project next year.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
The Teskey Brothers
The Meltdown
Mildlife
Kaiit
Jazz Party
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
It always was hard work and it still is. Its heathy that the industry is constantly changing and it keeps things fresh, you’re always learning.
How do you plan on cracking the international market?
One bit at a time!
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I love collaborating, its where most of my inspiration comes from.
In a hypothetical world, I’d love to collaborate with James Brown … you got to dream!
What advice do you give for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Keep going and don’t let the setbacks take you down. You never know what just around the next corner.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your fans?
Go old school and come and say hi after a gig (Cookin’ On 3 Burners) or hit me up on socials!
Website: Soul Messin’
Facebook: facebook.com/soulmessinallstars
Twitter: @soulmessinstars
Instagram: @soulmessinallstars
Apple Music: Soul Messin’
Spotify: Soul Messin’