Mason

Mason Bio

Dutch duo Mason make the kind of records that often defy being pigeon holed and given a label.

Their productions have been destroying dance floors and tearing up the World’s charts since 2006, laying the foundations for more forward thinking music. lt’s not about making records for a particular set of DJs or trendy scene but just good honest music!

Using lason’s classical violin training coupled with a love of diverse music and a hi-tech apprenticeship in a ring tone sweatshop, together with his studio and onstage partner Coen, a man fixated with ancient synths and playing in rock bands (and a mean vocalist to boot), the Mason boys are now forging their own unique path. This duo has the musical arsenal required to make everything from filthy late night dance club bombs to daytime radio anthems. These Dutchmen are unpredictable in both what is played in the club and what is created in the studio.

The Mason sound takes a great understanding of melody and fuses it with technological know—how sheer musicianship and dance floor savvy. lt is dance music for the thinking man, but not so clever to be alienating and dull. Mason’s critically acclaimed debut album, ‘They Are Among Us’ was released this Spring and features some interesting styles and flavors as well as guests such as legendary NYC rappers (Run) DMC, Kurtis Blow and hip hop UK hero ‘Sway’. Also renowned singer-songwriter Matt Hales (AKA Aqualung) , Wonky pop pin-up Sam Sparro and former Moloko chanteuse Roisin Murphy add their magic to this eclectic lineup. ‘They Are Among Us’ was Mixmag’s Album Of The Month and has been described as “One of the freshest electronic albums to drop this year” by numerous blogs.

There has been a Worldwide hit, ‘Exceeder’ and successful releases under their belt for Data/Ministry Of Sound as well as numerous releases and remixes for labels like Great Stuff, Skint, CR2, Mute and Pickadoll . Mason continue to garner respect from above as well as underground. The boys have recently lent his sound to remix on numerous artists including Moby, Gabriella Cilmi, Hadouken, Rex The Dog, Evil Nine, Robyn, Zoo Brazil, Disco Of Doom, Nobody Beats The Drum and Jesse Rose.

Mason’s ‘Animal Language’ imprint is making fans with a huge array of DJs, bloggers and music heads. Support has come from far and wide with the likes of Carl Cox, Pete Tong, Erol Alkan, Aeroplane and A-Trak all behind the label. The label recently graced the cover of dance music bible DJ Magazine with a CD of previous and new releases. Animal Language is now releasing tracks and remixes by happening friends such as Arveene & Misk, Disco Of Doom, Tony Senghore, In Flagranti, Oliver $ and many more.

Mason don’t like to take things too seriously mind. Anyone listening to the de-mix of Exceeder being replayed by a brass band will recognize a sense of humour in the music. Track titles such as Who Killed Trance and Let’s Get Ferretic are also refreshingly tongue-in-cheek and every track on his Animal Language label carries a ‘Refurb’, a re-interpretation in a totally different musical style, be it speed metal, Mariachi or Balkan!

Mason have recently been honing a new and fully intergrated sound, light and visual live act. The boys have begun touring the globe in the last few months, performing from behind their specially designed “Baboon Booth” using a mixture of bespoke new technology and real instruments (kazoo, violin, clarinet!) to create a hugely dynamic and uniquely different show (See how it’s done on their artist video).

Behind the decks, or CDJs at least, lason, the DJ-ing face of Mason, has honed his craft for over fourteen years since falling for the grooves of early hip hop and spinning in his local clubs. Things progressed to warming up for Global mega star Tiesto at his gigs around the World where Mason also jammed violin to his own and his compatriots sets. The fiddle has since been rested, but Mason continues to rock crowds wherever he plays. He has headlined at some of the Worlds finest clubs and festivals including headlining the massively opulent Sensation White parties around the planet as well as appearing with top billing at festivals such as Dance Valley in Holland and at Creamfields in the UK.

In an area of the music industry where many fear to try something new or stick their necks out and make brave musical statements this duo currently leading the charge. What’s more, they are doing it all while having a laugh and on their own terms; up to their necks in old synths in the comforting busom of their Amsterdam studio.

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