Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Mason.
Hi Stephen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Nashville in 1994 to pursue a career in music with our band Jars of Clay. We made 12 studio albums, received 8 Grammy nominations and won 3! While the band remains on indefinite hiatus, I play often for Theater Bug productions and occasionally as Soccer Moses in the band “Nuns ‘N Moses”.
In 2004 our band formed Blood:Water, a nonprofit to help provide clean water solutions and support for HIV/AIDS in Sub-Sahara African countries. That work continues today.
Upon wrapping up touring with Jars of Clay, I got my Master Barber license and opened “The Handsomizer”, a one chair barbershop next to Santa’s Pub at the Fairgrounds.
I also masquerade as the reluctant soccer prophet, Soccer Moses, frequently found at Nashville SC matches holding aloft a banner that reads,”Let My People Goal”. I love our Soccer Club.
Other things of note:
•I’m married to WNXP DJ Jude Mason, and we have 2 grown children and 1 rising freshman at Hume-Fogg.
•I’ve lived in 8 different zip codes around nashville. •Cindy Lauper kissed me on the cheek once.
•I experience Tomato Art Festival as East Nashville Christmas.
•As Soccer Moses, I was voted Nashville’s #1 religious leader in 2024.
•I am Instagram friends with Musicshitty
•I am passionate about taking care of our immigrant community and seeing them thrive in our great city.
•I also hope to see more robust public transportation in my lifetime
•My favorite WWE wrestler is Sheamus, and we’re in a gang.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Moving to Nashville as an 18yr old was a lot. Thankfully I had incredible support from my folks and fellow bandmates. We learned a lot quickly, and were incredibly fortunate to have mentors who helped guide us through some rough transitions.
The career change from professional recording and touring musician to barbershop owner was a major shift. My wife, my family, and our community gave me immeasurable support through the mystery of birthing a new career later in life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have adopted a litmus test for my endeavors these days, which is:
Does it bring joy?
Can it make a difference?
That has brought me to lots of creative experiences as a musician, barber and as Soccer Moses.
I’ve shaved the head of Nashville Sc’s CEO for a cancer charity.
Another good example of this was a concert at Yazoo Brewery in Madison, where I gathered a bunch of my favorite musicians and singers to join “Nuns ‘N Moses” covering Guns ‘N Roses and raising funds for Nashville Humane Society.
My DJ spouse Jude and I also spin vinyl from 6-8pm on wednesdays at the front bar at Sid Gold’s Request Room – it’s a bring your own vinyl event where friends get together for cocktails, conversation and vinyl music!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Lately, I’ve had a lot of brain fog, so I find that drilling down after a conversation to the actionable items is key to making progress towards a goal. Balancing that with the fun of a fun side quest is key to keeping joy involved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Handsomizer.com
- Instagram: SoccerMoses
