Nashville-based pop singer and songwriter Leah Mason has just released her new single, “Klepto,” available now on all streaming platforms. Following the success of “YOUR BOYFRIEND SUCKS,” an empowering anthem that introduced listeners to her new pop era, Leah is back with another introspective and catchy track. In this interview, we delve into the inspiration behind “Klepto,” her artistic journey, and what fans can expect next.
Congratulations on the release of your new single, “Klepto”! Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this track?
Leah Mason: Thank you! “Klepto” is one of my favorite songs on my upcoming album. It was so fun and free-flowing to make, and it was also very cathartic given the subject matter. I had been going through a friendship breakup and had a lot of feelings surrounding it that I needed to get out. I feel like I got a lot of things off my chest with this one and haven’t thought much about the person “Klepto” is about since writing the song!
“Klepto” follows your empowering anthem “YOUR BOYFRIEND SUCKS.” How do these songs reflect your current artistic direction and the themes you want to explore in your music?
Leah Mason: These songs show a side to my artistry that I haven’t necessarily showcased before. I love great production and a good pop smash. I feel like these songs combine my style of songwriting with the things I love most about pop music.
You mentioned that “Klepto” was inspired by a frustrating personal experience with a friend. How do you channel such personal stories into your songwriting?
Leah Mason: Most of my songs are inspired by personal experiences. I have a hard time writing about things I’m not emotionally attached to. It really is a form of therapy for me; I just don’t know any other way to do it.
Your music captures the essence of being a twenty-something today. How do you ensure that your songs remain relatable and authentic to your audience?
Leah Mason: The best way for me to connect to my audience is to just be honest. I think people are smarter than we give them credit for and they can see right through the BS. I just want to be myself and hopefully someone will want to listen.
What was it like transitioning from country to pop music? How has your background in country music influenced your pop sound?
Leah Mason: It has definitely been new territory for me, but I don’t regret it for a second. I love the music I’ve been able to make, and I love the people I’ve been able to make it with even more. The country music scene will always be a part of me, and I’m glad to have been part of a genre that respects songwriters so deeply.
Can you describe the creative process behind your new album, which you wrote in Sweden? How did the change in environment affect your music?
Leah Mason: Pretty much every song on the album was at least a title in my phone notes before we even got there. Some I even wrote on the plane ride there or sitting in my hotel room. Luckily (or unluckily, depending how you look at it) for me, I was going through a really dramatic time in my life with someone I had considered to be a close friend of mine, so there was a lot of inspiration to pull from.
Your debut EP, Honeydew & Hennessy, received significant attention and comparisons to big names like Taylor Swift and Kelsea Ballerini. How do you handle such comparisons and the pressure that comes with them?
Leah Mason: It definitely feels surreal when you get compared to artists you’ve looked up to for years. I feel like it has been the validation I needed to know I was doing the right thing and to keep going. It helps validate that I have something worth pushing for.
You’ve been involved in music from a young age, starting in a classic rock band. How have your early musical experiences shaped your career and current sound?
Leah Mason: I think those early years of me performing are what made me want to become an artist. I loved singing on stage, but I knew I wanted more. Sure, I loved to sing but it was always someone else’s words. I knew I wanted to write my own stories, and it’s become my favorite part about music.
You’ve mentioned the importance of storytelling in your music. What are some key stories or messages you hope to convey with your upcoming album?
Leah Mason: I just want someone to feel understood and feel like they’re not crazy. It’s definitely one of those albums I would’ve loved to hear myself a year ago, so if even one person feels validated, it’ll be worth it.
Looking back at your journey from North Carolina to Nashville and now to Sweden, what have been some of the most significant challenges and milestones in your career?
Leah Mason: I think the last year has definitely been the biggest milestone. I took a risk moving more into the pop space, and it’s come with its challenges both expected and not. That said, I’ve learned so much about myself and who I am as an artist, and I couldn’t be prouder of what I’ve made.
How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also evolving and experimenting with new sounds and genres?
Leah Mason: I feel like experimentation is such an important part of being an artist and growing into your fullest potential. Playing it safe may come with its conveniences, but personally I don’t want to live with any “what ifs.” I feel like as long as I fully believe in myself and what I’m making, things will work out how they’re supposed to.
You’ve cited various influences from different genres, including R&B and alt-pop. How do these influences manifest in your music?
Leah Mason: I’m always inspired by so many different kinds of artists, and I try to incorporate things I love about other genres into my own music. From melodies, to rhythms, to writing styles, I really try to learn from everything.
What can fans expect from your upcoming live performances, especially with the new music you’ve created?
Leah Mason: Expect a lot of energy, because this new music is definitely more intense! I can’t wait for the day I get to play these songs in front of an audience.
You mentioned wanting your music to inspire others. Can you share a moment or story when you realized your music had a significant impact on someone?
Leah Mason: I remember I had written this song for my Dad’s friend whose wife had passed. It’s unreleased, but I wanted him to hear it. My dad ended up showing him, and he wrote me the sweetest message that made me realize how much music can allow us to feel understood… and that’s all anyone really wants.
As an artist constantly redefining your sound, where do you see your music going in the next few years? What are your long-term goals?
Leah Mason: I definitely see myself maintaining a pop-forward sound with a few other genre influences in the mix. I would love to collaborate with more artists in the future, so we’ll see what happens!
Leah Mason’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and staying true to oneself. Her latest single, “Klepto,” is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her musical career. Be sure to stream “Klepto” and stay tuned for more from this talented artist.
The Hollywood Six 