Movmnt Magazine aspires to bridge the gap between pop culture and today’s real talent, and recognize artists over fame junkies. We aim to bring fashion, dance, music and pop culture, together as a lifestyle.
The real talent Movmnt Magazine caught up with today was Mason McCarthy - we grabbed a few minutes with him backstage at the San Francisco leg of label Way Out’s national tour. McCarthy is the bassist and backup-vocalist for Jake Puckerman-led band Reflective Smoke, well known for story-songs like Let It Happen and Alter Ego.
How are you feeling? Homesick already?
“God, no, not homesick.” Mason chuckles and shakes his head. “I’ve never been very, like, tethered, so this is awesome - I love being on the move, seeing different places and so many people. It’s been totally awesome so far, but I’m sure the pace will wear on me eventually.”
Which acts have you most enjoyed watching?
“Oh, man, it’s hard to pick a favorite. I really like Wilde’s stuff, and Rachel Berry’s - solo acts are so hardcore, y’know? It’s realer somehow, just you and the music and - yeah, they’re both really awesome ladies. Uh, in terms of groups, Cool Cool Cool is really - uh, cool.” Mason laughs. “Eureka Serpant’s also way out there, I love their vibes.”
Do you have any surprises planned?
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?” Mason grins impishly and raises his hands in defense. “Okay, yeah, I got some stuff in the works, but really - ‘till everything’s a little more settled it’s just that: plans.”
Who is someone you’ve been getting closer to on tour?
“Actually, Ryder, from Mercedes and the Oracle? He and I were roommates back in college. It’s been awesome to catch up with him. Everybody else is too intimidating for me still.”
Are there any rumors you want to confirm or dispute?
“I don’t...really think people are talking much about me? D’you wanna start one? I can neither confirm nor deny that I’m a member of the Illuminati. How’s that for a quote?”
Which show are you most excited for?
“Like, which place?” Mason blinks. “Honestly, man, I never know where we’re going till they tell us, and even then, I never remember for long. Sorry. I’m looking forward to all of them, though, I really am, especially the ones in cities I’ve never been to and wouldn’t go to otherwise.”
Have you made any mistakes? Have any regrets?
“Like...in life? Or in the past week?” Mason chuckles and waves a hand. “Man, next question. I don’t believe in regrets. If it’s fun, it’s fun, and if it bites you, it’s your own dang fault.”
How is this tour compared to your past tours? Or is this your first tour?
“I mean, I guess I ‘toured’ with my parents when we were kids, but...we were kids, and it doesn’t count, so basically I’m a tour virgin! Which means this is totally putting all my other tours to shame.” Mason laughs. “Really, though, it’s been totally wild. I’m pretty sure I’m heading toward ‘overwhelmed by awesomeness’ territory and I’m gonna need to crash soon, but ‘till then, I’m just trying to live it up, y’know? You only get so many firsts, and I want this to be a good one.”
What expectations did you have, and is the tour meeting up to them?
“I try not to have expectations, especially not for totally awesome once in a lifetime stuff like this tour. I mean hopefully not literally once in a lifetime, but you know what I mean. Once so far. I tried not to have any expectations so I couldn’t be disappointed, but I still hoped for awesome music and cool people, and tour’s definitely living up to that!”
We are so excited to have you here today, Lia! Thank you so much for stopping in during your busy tour schedule.
I’m so excited to be here today! I made sure to get to LA early just to be here. Thank you so much for having me.
It is our absolute pleasure. So tell us, Lia, how is the tour going?
It’s going really amazing! The acts are all phenomenal and we’re all having so much fun. I know most of us are really excited about the next leg of the tour.
Do you have any idea on where you’ll be going yet?
No idea! But overseas is great, I’ve done some touring out of the country once before and it’s truly the truest honor, knowing that so many people love being able to see you that you wouldn’t even imagine!
How is the TV show aspect going? We know there is lots of drama and everything.
Honestly? So far so good. There are of course moments that you wish people wouldn’t see but that’s life, I suppose! I’m a very private person normally so that’s really hard to be able to change.
Speaking of your private life, how is it being on tour with one of your exes?
It’s... certainly interesting to say the least. But everyone has exes and sometimes you have to face the literal music and work with them. Luckily I never have to really see him so it’s a blessing in disguse.
So he’s the one that your new song ‘In my Head’ is about right? What happened there?
I think the song speaks for itself don’t you?
Okay, okay. Fair enough. Now on to more exciting things. Your relationship with Maximilian Park is always everyones’ favorite topic. How are things there?
Things are great. He’s amazing and I love him very much. I’m glad to get to experience this with him.
Doesn’t it bother you that he has so many girls throwing themselves at him on the daily?
Why you gotta try and pin woman against one another? They know he’s a taken man and if I wasn’t dating him and saw him singing up on stage dressed the way he does, I’d be one of those fan girls. My man is hot.
Any duets in the works for you two?
Who knows! Maybe. Right now he’s just focusing on his music, I’m focusing on mine and that’s it. We’re doing a cover on tour right now of a duet but that’s about it. And we both have songs about each other. ‘Imagine’ is all about him so I make sure to include that in my set. I’m very proud of our relationship.
How does your family like him?
My dad is too preoccupied with his own things.
Anything exciting going on?
Well a little later tonight, I’m working on something great with a few special people that I’ll hopefully get finished quick and up in a few weeks. It’ll be worth the wait though.
Thank you again for joining us, Lia, and break a leg tomorrow night!
