Mason Lowe’s Solo Debut ‘Morning People’ Arrives

Mason Lowe - Morning People Album Art — Mason Lowe – Morning People Album Art

Mason Lowe, the talented drummer from Seattle’s beloved classic rock-inspired band Bread & Butter, has just dropped his first solo album titled Morning People under the label Killroom Records. The standout track from the album, “Hanging Around,” is a delightful tune filled with three-part harmonies and jangly guitars. It carries a happy, sixties vibe blended with a slacker/grunge aesthetic that exudes a cool summer vibe.

Lowe shares the inspiration behind “Hanging Around,” explaining that it was the first song he wrote for the record. It came during a challenging period when he was navigating the ups and downs of the COVID roller coaster, coupled with personal struggles. Surprisingly, amidst all that chaos, this candid song about having a crush on someone emerged. The honesty of the lyrics set the tone for the entire album.

Mason Lowe "Mister Happy Guy" — Mason Lowe “Mister Happy Guy”

The music video for “Hanging Around” features Shane Herrell from Bread & Butter and Maria-Elena Juarez from Acapulco Lips, joining Lowe on a fun-filled ride around Seattle in a cramped Chevy Astro Van. Throughout their adventure, they encounter lost dogs, stumble upon treasures at gas stations, and stumble upon wild greenery, all while passionately playing their instruments. It’s a hilariously tongue-in-cheek visual experience.

To complete the album, Lowe retreated to his home studio, nestled in one of the dankest basements in the Pacific Northwest. Morning People aims to blend the sounds of glam rock, 60s girl groups, and grunge. The result is an open-hearted, sunny record that offers a nostalgic sweetness and hopeful sentimentality. Listeners will find nods to iconic acts such as Big Star, The Shangri-Las, and The Beach Boys throughout the album. Despite recording during the pandemic and juggling the challenges of maintaining a Seattle human services nonprofit, Lowe managed to infuse the album with positivity. Rather than dwelling on loneliness and exhaustion, these twelve songs explore hot crushes, friendship, and love. Lowe found solace in music, bringing his weary ass into the basement (along with six-packs of Rainier tallboys) to record heavy riffs, light harmonies, and tight arrangements. In fact, none of the songs on the album exceed the three-minute mark, a testament to their focused brevity.

When asked about his philosophy on crafting good songs, Lowe shared, “When I’m listening to music, I love it when a song takes me out of myself. Maybe it’s just one part that makes me go ‘What just happened? Was that even real?’ It makes me think of the scene in Christmas Vacation where the dude is talking about having a metal plate in his head and whenever the microwave is on, he pees his pants and forgets his name.”

Lowe aims to create those memorable moments in every song on Morning People. Each track offers something unique, whether it’s an innovative arrangement, a texture, or a surprising moment that transports the listener and breaks the monotony of their day. Lowe’s playful songwriting style and clever lyrics contribute to the album’s charm. With an abundance of both heavy and mellow hooks, Morning People promises to satisfy even the most discerning music fans.

Mason Lowe - "Hanging Around" Video Test — Mason Lowe – “Hanging Around” Video Test

As an established figure in the Seattle music scene, Lowe has been drumming for various bands over the years, including the popular classic rock power-pop group Bread & Butter. Their 2017 debut received rave reviews and topped the charts at KEXP. Unfortunately, their impressive 2020 follow-up album was overshadowed by the pandemic, hindering promotional opportunities. Reflecting on this break from his primary musical outlet, Lowe expressed his appreciation for exploring new ideas and taking them as far as they could go. While he missed playing with his bandmates, he found it invigorating to follow every musical inspiration that came his way.

Lowe’s creativity and dedication to his craft shine through on every track of Morning People, and his passion for his solo project is unwavering. In fact, he has already completed more than half of his next album, and he’s assembling a live band comprising current and former bandmates, camping buddies, and new friends to perform at the Morning People release shows. Follow Lowe on social media (see below) to stay informed of tour dates and further details about his next album.

Mason Lowe’s Morning People is available for streaming and purchase now through the following link: https://masonlowe.bandcamp.com/.