Rachel Walker Mason

Ever since I can remember I’ve been able to see music as colours when I listen to music or compose a song. I’ve since learned that this condition is called synaesthesia and people often refer to it as “my superpower”.

I always felt my happiest and most fulfilled when I was singing or writing music so it felt natural to make it my career path. I’ve never wanted to do anything else as a job and am very lucky that I’ve been able to live my dream, pursuing music through school, my undergraduate degree then a masters in songwriting before starting my career as a freelance songwriter, musical director and vocal coach.

During my career, I’ve performed all over the world, coached hundreds of singers from beginners to west end performers, run an artist management company and worked extensively in my community to encourage different generations to bond through the arts. For this, I was crowned Freelancer Of The Year and Woman of the Year.

Throughout my life, I’ve struggled with my mental health and when my children were born I was diagnosed with postnatal depression. After recovering I set up Lyrical Light as a songwriting workshop for those struggling with their mental health after becoming parents. It’s a real honour to be able to help people through music.

My work now encompasses both of these aspects from co-writing and songwriting, working as a Maternal Mental Health Ambassador and with parents who are suffering from Post-Natal Depression.

I love the energy you have when there are two or more musicians in the same room, creating something new together. Most songwriters have different strengths and weaknesses within their writing, for example one person might be really good at vocal lines and less good at production while another could make excellent tracks and be less confident with their lyrics. I have found throughout my songwriting career that when you write with someone else you tend to balance out each other’s strengths and weaknesses, creating music that plays to all your strengths.

When I’m  collaborating  I always have a list of song and lyrics ideas I can use when I start working on a song with a new artist. I make sure I’ve familiarised myself with as much of their music and style as possible then  we usually have a chat about what kind of song they’re looking to write. At the moment all of my songwriting sessions are on zoom so it’s harder to get to know each other and chat freely about our experiences to inspire the songs,  but we’ve still managed!

It’s difficult for musicians to make their mark in the industry as there are so many people wanting the same career. Some people go down the tv talent show route and that can work out but in many cases talented people can win a show and then be dropped by their label. Social media is a good way of getting your music into the world and building a fan base, often a label won’t sign you unless they can see that you already have a following. 

 My latest release of my own music is Little One which I wrote with Nina Sundstrom. The track features my 4 year old daughter singing and was written about her growing up. The latest release I’ve co-written is Endless Summer that I wrote with Grammy winner Joanie Leeds. The track has Joanie on vocals and is an upbeat pop song. My music and my co-writes can be found on Spotify, ITunes, soundcloud etc under Rachel Walker Mason. 

My absolute favourite thing to do is write songs with other musicians. It’s so much fun and a challenge to find something new and creative for every new song. I think internet live performances were a great way of still getting “live” music into our lives during the misery of lockdown and helping struggling artists make some money  but it doesn’t compare to being in the room for a real live performance. I think people are craving live music, theatre, dance etc so hopefully there will be a lot of support for the arts when we come out of lockdown. 

 I love to try and support people who are going through difficult times. I have struggled with my own mental health so know how important it is to raise money for counselling for others who are also struggling. I created Unlock Your Talent international arts festival to raise money for a local charity to me, Vine Counselling Services who provide affordable counselling for those who need it. They saved my life 14 years ago when I went through a mental health crisis and during the pandemic they were struggling for funds to help provide counselling for the increasing numbers of people seeking it. I’ve since been made the patron of the charity so will continue raising funds for them in lots of creative ways.

I’m currently working on a new EP which will be released in the next few months and have many songs I’ve co-written coming out with some major artists. I’ve also been made the first British musician to be inducted into the Indie Music Hall Of Fame which is very humbling. I’m focusing on supporting and mentoring young musicians and on making more music with other artists.