Pop-Culturalist.com

Leah Marie Mason emerges as one of the most thrilling up-and-coming songwriters in the music scene, captivating listeners worldwide with her poignant lyricism. Entering her “Pop Girl Era,” Leah seamlessly infuses her inventive wordplay and remarkable vocal talents into the realm of pop music, crafting irresistible tunes bound to stay on your playlist. We had the privilege to connect with Leah and delve into her latest single, “Your Boyfriend Sucks,” her seamless transition from country to pop, and much more.

PC: One of the most exciting things about being an artist is not being defined by a genre. Your latest single, “Your Boyfriend Sucks,” marks a new chapter in your career where you’re leaning more into your pop influences. What ultimately inspired this shift and song?
Leah: It really happened naturally. I met this producer through Warner Chappell. There was a pop camp that they were doing in Nashville. We wrote this string of three pop records, and I loved them so much. It was so fun making them. It was like this light bulb went off, and I was like, this is what I’m drawn to. I had the best time working with this person and creating. So it happened accidentally. It wasn’t premeditated. But that’s how the best stuff is created.

PC: Throughout your career, you’ve always penned these songs that are so personal but also so universal where listeners are able to apply them to themselves. Your wordplay is incredible. Is finding that balance something that you’re mindful of during the songwriting process? How has that process changed over time?
Leah: I’ve always loved lyrics and songwriting. I feel like that’s what initially drew me to country music. It was because of the songwriting aspect. That lyricism is what drew me in. My goal with making this pop music is keeping the integrity of the lyricism while still experimenting with production in this genre. The more songs I release, the more evident I feel like that’ll be.

There are so many songs that we wrote where the lyricism is insane. The production is there with the pop influences. We coined the term “smart pop,” which is pop music that is catchy, but then you’ll listen to the words. I feel like Olivia Rodrigo does a really good job at that. She’s a really good songwriter, but the songs are fun and pop, so it feels like it’s combining the two.

PC: You’ve had so much success already in your career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Leah: I feel like one of the biggest moments early on in my career is when I released my first song, and I remember playing my first show at Whiskey Jam in Nashville, which is a big deal here. It felt like a moment when I felt accepted by the music community. Getting your foot in the door can be the hardest step, so I felt like in the beginning baby stages of my career, that was definitely a feel-good moment.

PC: You recently flew to Sweden to work on your upcoming album. How did leaving the familiar ultimately inspire this next body of work? What can fans expect?
Leah: I feel like going somewhere else and leaving the place where you’re living is always inspiring. You don’t have to fly across the world like I did, but that new environment can be inspiring. [laughs]

I was lucky enough to go all the way to Sweden, which was amazing. It’s where my producer lives and is from. Being there was so inspiring. There were Dua Lipa plaques on the wall. They had just received their Grammy nominations. It was so inspiring to be around that energy. They were doing things that I hope and want to do in the future. Being in that environment made me want to work much harder because I knew I was in good company. I had to live up to those standards and put my best foot forward. Being in that presence was enough to bring out so much more of my creative side.

PC: You shared on social media that you’re excited about 2024, and you’re big on eras. If you had to name this era in your career, what would you call it and why?
Leah: I would call it my “Pop Girl Era” because I haven’t done it yet. This is my first step into this world, which I guess is scary. But honestly, more than anything, I’m excited to show people the new stuff.

PC: You’ve steadily been releasing music throughout the years. If you had to pick a song that you released or is coming out that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Leah: That’s a hard question. I have a song that’s coming out called “Midas Touch.” It’s one of my favorite songs that I’ve written. I read it and I’m like, “Damn, that’s a well-written song.” It took us a while to write it. We were toying around with it for like two hours with just the idea. I think that song showcases the songwriting with my vocals. The lyricism with the production feels like that whole smart pop idea.

PC: You were talking about performing earlier. How much do you use the live stage to test out this new material? As we look ahead to 2024, can we expect you back on the road?
Leah: I definitely want to tour. I need to release more music. I like the new music. I feel like the more I’m able to get back out there. My hope is by the end of the year. I have enough music out there that I can get back on the stage because I love it so much. I love performing, and I love meeting new people.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Leah: I listen to literally everything from SZA to Led Zeppelin. I’m all over the place.

PC: First album you bought?
Leah: Jonas Brothers.

PC: First concert you attended?
Leah: Jonas Brothers, with Avril Lavigne as the opener. It was iconic.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Leah: SZA’s SOS inspired me so much as an artist because I heard through the grapevine that she had a project ready for distribution, but she pulled it and released this album instead. She remade it, reworked it, and released it, which catapulted her career. She trusted her gut, and I’m sure she had people around her who were like, “No, this album is good. Let’s release it. We spent too much time and money.” For any artist, one of the hardest things is sticking to your gut and trusting yourself. I love that so much. It’s perfect.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Leah: I’m from North Carolina. The PNC Arena is where I grew up going to concerts. If I played there, that’d be crazy because I’m used to sitting in the audience.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Leah: Liquid IV. Being dehydrated, no. And Vitamin B supplements.

To keep up with Leah, follow her on X, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Listen to “Your Boyfriend Sucks” today.

Photo Credit: Preemo