We were lucky to catch up with Donavan Mason recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mason, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started off just free-styling over popular instrumentals in my early teenage years; but I needed original beats for the songs I’ve been coming up with, and the process of setting up a multi-song project started to get very expensive. I eventually picked up a copy of Sony Acid Pro, an old laptop (with a mere 8GB of RAM) some RockBand mics, and taught myself how to record (through some trial and error). After getting a hang of the recording process, I bought FL studio to help ground me in beat making. Over the years I’ve used a wide range of DAW’s, but I’ve found a very comfortable home in Ableton Live and ProTools, bouncing between the two when needed.

Mason, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Music has always been in my blood. My dad was an indie artist in his younger days, and I grew up listening to his records alongside any other artists that really resonated with me at the time. I think that’s what really made music stick for me, and why I take my craft as seriously as I do.

I own a home studio setup that I utilize to compose, record, mix and master some truly dope records! I have well over a decade of experience working with Ableton, Logic, Pro-Tools and FL Studio; and I can make anything that comes out of my studio truly compete with the industry standard, in each and every way.

Additionally, I have the luxury of producing and engineering for several other artists as well; as I will be the executive producer for several 2024 EP releases (alongside my own). I also provide vocal coaching, ghostwriting, and artist development services when needed to ensure that my clients are primed for success and constantly leveling up! Every single client that I’ve ever worked with are still booking their sessions with me to this day. I take the connections I build with other artists very seriously, and while I am still learning and growing, I have limitless confidence in the services I provide.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think seeing my music resonate with people is one of the most rewarding experiences a creative can have in my opinion. I mean, you know you’ve done a REALLY good job when you can come out to a show, not really know anybody there, but when your record plays – the whole room shifts from this realm of scrolling on Instagram and fleeting side conversations, to a space where everyone is head-bopping in sync and really vibing with you!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want my music to make an impact on the world unlike anything seen previously. I want to inspire people to be the best versions of themselves, and remind people that hard work does indeed pay off for those willing to grind those hours out.

When I’m able to, I’d like to eventually open a studio in my community to help foster creativity, create a safe space and offer programs to young aspiring artists, producers and musicians looking to begin (or accelerate) their journey in audio.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/panthr1
• Instagram: @therealmason.exe
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@okanaccra?si=m5ZNJUEtKDVHDELQ