Artist Glimpse: Lucas Mason
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For Ontario singer-songwriter Lucas Mason, the path into the music industry shifted overnight at a Zach Bryan concert in March 2024. Pulled up from the pit at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena to sing "Heading South", the viral moment instantly drew millions of views. Building on releases like his debut EP Almost 18 and singles such as "Stay", Mason has since performed at major venues and festivals like the Big Valley Jamboree and The Horseshoe Tavern. Here is my conversation with Lucas on his whirlwind entry, his songwriting craft, and the new material he has in the works.
Rob Aguiar: Lucas, take us back to March 2024 at Scotiabank Arena when Zach Bryan pulled you up on stage. What was going through your head in the seconds before you sang "Heading South" in front of thousands?
Lucas: I couldn’t believe that he had actually seen me and picked me out of the crowd. But I knew if he did, I was going to give it my all. The whole experience feels like a blur. All I can say is it was the greatest night and feeling of my life.
RA: The country and folk genres lean heavily into vulnerable, narrative-driven storytelling. When you're writing, how do you push past the surface to mine those raw, honest experiences, and what does it take to translate that vulnerability into your own songs?
LM: I always thought my life wasn’t interesting enough to write about but through the writing process, I began to realize that all our lives have so many unique and beautiful complexities. That’s when I found a voice writing about the things that keep me alive and challenge me every day. Since the Zach Bryan moment, I’ve had many highs and lows navigating the music industry. That experience alone has given me a lot to write about.
RA: Growing up in a musical household clearly laid a strong foundation for you—especially with your brother playing guitar right alongside you in your band. How have those early family roots and sharing the stage with family continued to shape your approach to music today?
LM: Since I still live at home, it’s just really easy to find people who understand my thoughts musically. I mean, my brother helped so much on this whole album, and any time of day he was always there by my side to hear my ideas and share his. He’s a mentor to me for sure. Also because my Mom was a singer and teaches music, she always has advice for me as well.
RA: You've got a brand new single streaming right now called "The Smell of August." Can you talk about where that song came from and its specific origins?
LM: I wrote that song a year ago when I was graduating from high school. It was a pivotal time in my life when I was considering different life choices I could make for my career, where I would live, etc. My buddy has family in the prairies who own a ranch. We talked about moving there to work on the farm and I really thought I was going to but things fell through. It’s really just a song about escape and different lives I could live. Ultimately, at the end of the song, I realize that being away from home can sometimes make you realize what’s most important in life. The smell of an August morning reminds me of hanging out with my brothers when we were younger and how much I would miss my family back at home if I moved far away.
RA: Navigating the independent music scene as a young artist comes with unique hurdles. What has been the most challenging part of building your career from the ground up, and how do you stay grounded through it all?
LM: Well I’ve had sort of a different start because of the whole viral moment. I was kind of thrown into the industry at a young age with not a lot of experience. It was definitely stressful at times to navigate it all. I have had to learn, and I continue to learn a lot, not just about making music itself, but about the business of music and how it all works. My family has been really supportive and has been involved from the start. I also got connected early with organizations like the CMAO and CCMA, where I met a lot of other artists and industry folks. Some of these people have become mentors and friends and this support has helped a lot.
RA: You're not learning if you're not living, and songwriters pull from everyday experiences. Outside of the studio, the stage, and school, what does living life look like for you, and how do those off-the-clock moments fuel your writing?
LM: I’m 19 and although I’m actively pursuing a music career, I am a university student as well. It’s a pretty busy life. Because of this, I do like to get away to decompress, and I write about this in my songs often. Tofino and Stay are both specifically about times when I went on vacations to get away from the stress of my regular life where I got the chance to reconnect with my partner and recharge. I also like to get away to write. I wrote several songs at my buddy’s cottage with him both this summer and last.
RA: If you could step into the studio or share a stage with any artist—living or dead—who would be your ultimate dream collaboration, and why?
LM: Tyler Childers. He is my all-time favourite writer/singer. His lyricism is extremely real, heartfelt, and unique. Collaborating with my biggest inspiration is definitely something I’d love to do!
RA: Looking ahead at what is coming next for you musically, what are three personal and/or creative goals you want to accomplish in the next chapter of your career?
LM: I’m getting ready to release my debut album on November 13th and go on my first headlining tour across Ontario. I’m hoping for a successful tour and rollout of this project. Also, I’m already looking ahead to starting to write my next album. I’m thinking of taking a trip to a cabin or cottage in October when I’m off school for reading week to get started on that!
From a makeshift sign in the Scotiabank Arena pit to commanding festival stages, Lucas Mason has proven his viral breakthrough was just the beginning. As he puts the finishing touches on his upcoming music, it's clear this is a voice here to stay.
