Q&A: Reg Mason Debut Album ‘TESTDRIVE’ is a bold and nostalgic record that you need to hear
WHEN YOU’RE IN THE PROCESS OF BUYING A NEW CAR — you are always given a test drive. You get to feel how the car drives before you buy it and compare it to the other options. But when it comes to navigating adulthood, test driving is not really an option we have. At times, we are faced with uncertainty, unexpected situations, and responsibilities that make us wish we had a manual for this puzzle called life. We all have different strategies on how we navigate our obstacles, but one thing is definitely true: we all want to make it to that shared, same place and that is our goals and dreams. 23-year-old rapper, producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist Reg Mason and is back with his debut album, TESTDRIVE. This immaculately sonic record takes us through Mason's journey of his personal and professional adulthood, as he struggles with intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, and the pitfalls of the music industry.
TESTDRIVE is the harmonious blend of nostalgic old-school hip-hop production and Mason’s creative and bold delivery that takes us into the world of the album. This 10-track record is split into two parts. With side A, “CHECKERBOARD!” and side B, “CHESSBOARD,” this creative concept is “reminiscent of the idea that chess and checkers share the same board but require different approaches.” And both share a journey we can all relate to.
Read more down below to hear more about TESTDRIVE.
LUNA: Hey, Reg! It's so nice to get to chat with you again! How's it going currently?
MASON: It’s going alright! I’m going through some things but my friends have been instrumental in getting me through.
LUNA: Aw man, sorry to hear that — hope whatever you're going through gets better! Friends can totally get you through tough times. Congrats on your album, TESTDRIVE. How does it feel to have your first album out?
MASON: Euphoric. It’s been the one constant in my life for the past year and some change so it’s great to finally put it out.
Photo by Hassan Mahmood
LUNA: What two new tracks are you most excited for everyone to listen to?
MASON: “Fearful” and the title track, for sure! Those are where the gems are for me.
LUNA: Can you tell us the story behind the album art?
MASON: I feel that every young person remembers the first time they’ve had to shave. From a young boy’s perspective, it seemed like a rite of passage into “manhood,” or whatever. Because once you start, you kind of have to do it forever. We never stop grooming and looking after ourselves. That comes with maturity, both biologically and in our outlook, on how we want to be perceived. I wanted to capture that idea in one shot.
LUNA: How did you go about your creative process with this album?
MASON: It was extremely straightforward. Go to Curt’s house, he’d be making something, and I say whatever’s on my heart at the time. This year has been pretty insane so I had a lot to say.
LUNA: You had a listening party for TESTDRIVE — tell me about some of the feedback you received.
MASON: People seemed to really like the second half. Some appreciated the range, but the general consensus seems to be, when the samples come in… that it’s off to races.
LUNA: What are you looking forward to the most about some of your upcoming performances?
MASON: To make people feel what it is that I feel. Some of the optimistic parts, some of the nihilism, and everything in between.
LUNA: Should we expect any upcoming music videos/visuals?
MASON: Can’t confirm nor deny, but I definitely think it’d be cool to have a few more in the tank.
LUNA: Question for fun: Other than chess and checkers, what is the best board game of all time in your opinion?
MASON: My personal favorite is Sorry. The artistic design of the board, the color choices, it’s all great. Big fan of Sorry.
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