The Story Behind “LIDO”
Photos by WAYJO
With her latest single, “LIDO,” MASON opens up about vulnerability, anxiety, PCOS, and the creative partnership that helped bring one of her most personal songs to life. We caught up with her to talk about the story behind the track and what’s still to come this year.
At what point did you know “LIDO” was a song you had to finish instead of leaving it sitting on your hard drive?
I always knew that it was special to me and something I wanted to say (or get out). Then, after listening through some beats Hounam had made and realising how well what I’d written would fit with one of them, the final thing took shape.
In terms of knowing it needed to come out, I think performing it live really solidified it for me. I felt connected enough to move through the emotions while performing, but without feeling 'exposed'. It felt really comfortable in my voice, and having people listen in that way made me realise it could be released.
You've said that this is one of the most vulnerable songs you've ever written. Was it easy for you to share it with the world?
No, not at all. Playing it for my loved ones was hard, too. I think by the time a song comes out, I grow a little more objective, but the themes are not particularly comfortable to speak on, and it felt like an extremely deep sentiment to give to the world this early in my career - but then I started to question how it would get any easier when you have more eyes on you. There will always be more to say, so I decided not to keep it for myself. I think it's invaluable when art makes you feel less alone - I remember listening to L Devine's 'Laundry Day' and feeling surprised and seen - and to hear even a couple of people tell me they appreciated 'LIDO' meant so much.
Is there one lyric in “LIDO” that still hits you every time you sing it?
A lot of the lines land in my body emotionally, but I think singing “When I'm bloody and barren” always makes me cringe a little because it's so visceral and on the nose - but I like that, and I love to write (and hear) phrases that make you react like that, where it's raw and you can’t help but feel something.
Is working with your producer Hounam the kind of partnership where you challenge each other, or do you usually end up on the same wavelength?
Both. We have amazing synergy, and I feel so lucky to have someone get me and my vision on this level. He pushes me and helps me expand, whilst also taking a step back where I need it and really working to execute my art and voice.
You've got another couple of singles lined up this year. Are they all coming from the same headspace as “LIDO,” or does each one show a different side of you?
The later one has similarities in its bittersweet self comfort and metaphors, and (semi-)hidden depth... That one and 'LIDO' are also a little softer. But the next one will feel sonically different, and a little more alternative - I tend to push different tracks to the very edge of my 'sound', but I'm loving releasing more songs this year - I feel like it gives people a more rounded picture of what they could expect in the future. I have posted snippets of both on my socials in the past already!!