Editor: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you entered the music industry?
Nicole Mason: I am an Indie Pop Artist from the city of Cape Town, South Africa. I work as a clothing marketing assistant which includes a lot of creative aspects such as photography, design and social media research. I have always been passionate about music since I can remember, which then developed into songwriting in my teenage years as I’ve come to learn a bit of the keyboard, guitar, and ukulele.
A few years ago, I attended an open mic event at a local bar and then continuously went back as a performer. In that space, I was able to connect with other artists and producers and in 2018 I found myself in a recording studio, recording my first song ever, called Window Seat.
Editor: Tell us about your achievements as a musician?
Nicole: I have now performed twice at the Baxter Theatre (a popular performing arts complex in Cape Town) and shared the stage with one of our famous local artists YoungstaCPT. As well as performed at some local restaurants, birthdays and talent shows. I’ve had the opportunity of sharing my music and a bit of myself on our South African radio stations and what I’m most proud of was being invited on a local tv show called Hectic 99 to discuss the importance of Youth Day (a historical day in South Africa) and shared a mini-performance with viewers. You can check more about me on my Instagram here.
Editor: Tell us about your songs which have been released until date. Is there a song you feel most proud of?
Nicole: I have just released a song called Intimate on the 26 July 2019 on all major platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, iHeartRadio and many more. This is the song I am most proud of because it’s an anthem for women about body empowerment and how no one is entitled to or in control of your body but you. You decide what you want to do with it.
Editor: If you weren’t a singer/musician, what would you be doing right now?
Nicole: I would probably do photography as it is one of the hobbies I take on at the moment. But I guess my dream job would be to pursue acting as I love all things revolving around the creative arts and entertainment industry. But if I had it my way, I’d do music full time.
Editor: Where did you get that confidence to perform on stage?
Nicole: I didn’t always have the confidence I do now. That came with a lot of practicing and experience with performing in front of others. I still get stage fright every time I step on stage but that never really goes away. But I believe the more you practice, the more comfortable you get with performing and engaging with the audience.
Editor: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Nicole: Five years from now I would like to be well recognized for my music and the variety I have to offer. I’m also hoping to have released an Album or EP by then.
Editor: What is your dream project?
Nicole: My dream project or goal is to release an album or EP but I would need to collate more listeners before I do that. I would also love to collaborate with any international artists. I say any because there are too many great ones out there, it’s a challenge to pick just one.
Editor: What would you like people to take away from your music?
Nicole: I would like for listeners to not categorize me as a specific kind of artist that just makes one type of music genre. I want listeners to take a journey with me in my songwriting, in my experiences, in my life and the stories I share, I know a lot can relate to. I’d like to be authentic as possible and I want that to show in my music.
Editor: Which Artists Instagram Stories do you follow and why?
Nicole: Billie Eilish because she is the epitome of what I stand for. She is real and not afraid to speak her mind. She expresses herself the way she wants and is unapologetic for it which I absolutely love.
Editor: Any upcoming album or song release you want to share with us?
Nicole: At the moment I am working on my next single which will be released later this year.
Editor: Who were your inspirations growing up?
Nicole: Growing up my inspirations were Alicia Keys, Destiny’s Child, Beyonce, Britney Spears and many more. But as an adult, I am inspired by everyday things, from anything to anyone.
Editor: Are you into songwriting? What are your main impulses to write about music?
Nicole: Songwriting is probably one of my favorite things to do. It will happen at any given moment. I could be sitting in my office, in my room, on a train and burst into songwriting mode. It starts off with a melody or tune which is then accompanied by lyrics. Sometimes it happens simultaneously. There’s no specific impulse, I just write or create whatever comes to mind, that or I have to tell myself I’m going to write a song today.
Editor: Is there any particular advice you would give to up-and-coming vocalists?
Nicole: Don’t ever give up on something you’re passionate about or goals that you want to pursue. It takes a lot of courage, determination, time and processes in order to get there but if you believe in your potential, surely enough you’ll live what you’ve chased for.
Editor: What is your opinion about One Song? Do you think it’s a valuable platform for the career growth of musicians like you?
Nicole: I think it’s a wonderful platform for artists to get exposure from other artists and any readers who are interested in the growth of musicians. I don’t see many big platforms that offer or do what One Song does and with that being said, I am privileged and grateful to be apart of it.
