MASH shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
MASH, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I’m producing several tracks for some artists. So I wake up, have breakfast, pray and meditate, and get right into production. It’s a lot of work and looking at a screen sitting down for several hours, so I try to go out and play tennis, and/or get up after every hour. It’s really gratifying to produce a track from the ground up, and see/hear it progress. It’s an euphoric feeling once it’s done. I’m also playing shows at night throughout Nashville, and teaching electric and acoustic guitar some days of the week.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I grew up in Brasília, Brazil (the capital of Brazil). I studied in an American school there my entire life, so I learned English at the same time I was learning Portuguese. I’d say my English is even better than my Portuguese. It was an incredible blessing growing up going to that school. Since it was in the capital, several ambassadors and other workers at many embassies would have their kids also study in the same school, so I have friends from all over the world. Studying there taught me about several different cultures and languages. I also learned and played several different types of music, and was a saxophone for the school’s jazz and concert bands. I had the opportunity to play several different instruments. I started with the piano, later moving to the violin, saxophone, drums, and eventually ending up at the acoustic and electric guitars, which are the instruments I play the most today. Singing was definitely the hardest “instrument” I had to learn. I’d say I’m still developing it, and working tirelessly on it every day. It’s definitely humbling. I love rock, pop, metal, jazz, blues, you name it. But, I’d say the style of music I focus more on today is country and folk. It’s really the genre that warms my soul and makes me happy. Those genres are also what I write the most. I’m working on a second album (which the name I can’t divulge yet). I released my debut album December of last year (the name of the album is “Heart Of Gold”), and it was an absolute dream to work on it. I’d say this new album represents me better who I am today, but “Heart Of Gold” was my dream album to make, and it represents all the phases of my life up until now. I am extremely proud of it!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
You know, I love this question. It’s an important one. Growing up with dyslexia and ADHD was tough. I always thought I couldn’t do anything. That I couldn’t even be a musician. And I was very wrong. Sure, ADHD and dyslexia can be limitations, but I think it makes me stronger. It makes me want to be better and do better. I don’t let it get in my way, and I strive hard every day to be a better musician and even a better person. I would say to anyone also struggling with dyslexia and ADHD that it gets easier, and that it makes you different (in a very positive way). It all depends on your work ethic and working through hurdles that can be inevitable, but humbling.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Side note to the last question, I would first give my younger self a big hug. I would tell him that everything will work out, that I graduated music school, and that I’m a musician for a living. I would say to be kinder to myself, to not listen to mean comments and listen more to my heart. I would say to focus on music and keep practicing every day.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The music industry can be really gnarly at times. I would say one of the things I dislike the most
are music “prizes” or awards. Music shouldn’t be compared at all. Honestly, art in general. So saying an album or a song is the “best of the year” really doesn’t sit well with me.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
It’s a great question. I’m definitely not. Not only do I have to deal with nerves, but music has become my job. So I take it very seriously. It can get daunting at times. Playing gigs I wouldn’t necessarily want to play, or teaching things that are not so “fun”. But I never take it for granted that I get to do what I love every day of my life. So in some way, every time I perform, teach, produce, and etc…I do have a warm good feeling about it all, and many times a smile on my face.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mashofficialmusic.com
- Instagram: mashofficialmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mashofficialmusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mashmusic7119?si=Hgaup3gLPRqICGEz
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mgranjeiro
Image Credits
Felipe Ponce (instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felipeponcee)
