Harvey Mason, Jr.
Harvey Mason, Jr.
Full Name and Common Aliases
Harvey Mason, Jr., also known as "Mase," is an American record producer, songwriter, musician, and founder of the production company The Underground Movement.
Birth and Death Dates
Harvey Mason, Jr. was born on June 14, 1958.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession: Record Producer, Songwriter, Musician
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Los Angeles, California, Harvey Mason, Jr. was exposed to music at a young age by his father, Harvey Mason Sr., who was also a professional musician. This exposure had a profound impact on Mason's early life and led him to develop an interest in music production.
Mason began his career as a session drummer and later transitioned into producing records for other artists. He co-founded The Underground Movement with his brother, Corey Mason, and has since worked with numerous high-profile clients including Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, and Aretha Franklin.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Mason has achieved numerous accolades as a record producer and songwriter. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Producing the Grammy-winning song "Best Thing I Never Had" by Beyoncé
Co-producing Michael Jackson's album "Invincible"
Collaborating with Aretha Franklin on her album "So Damn Happy"
Founding The Underground Movement, which has become a prominent force in the music industry
Notable Works or Actions
Mason's work as a record producer and songwriter has resulted in numerous chart-topping hits and critically acclaimed albums. Some of his most notable works include:
Producing hit singles such as "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé, "One More Chance" by Michael Jackson, and "Respect" by Aretha Franklin
Collaborating with artists on a wide range of genres including pop, R&B, rock, and hip-hop
Impact and Legacy
Harvey Mason, Jr.'s impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. As one of the most successful record producers and songwriters of his generation, Mason has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
Mason's innovative approach to production has inspired a new wave of producers and musicians, cementing his legacy as a true trailblazer in the music industry.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Harvey Mason, Jr. is widely quoted and remembered for his:
Unparalleled success as a record producer and songwriter
Innovative approach to production that has inspired countless others
Collaborations with some of the most iconic artists in history
Founding of The Underground Movement, which continues to shape the music industry today
Quotes by Harvey Mason, Jr.
I came to L.A. in 1970, and my desire and my training was to be a studio musician, which I had read about in my senior year in high school.
The more people who come from musical backgrounds and go into promotion, production, songwriting, A&R, plus get their business head together, the better. They'll not only understand the business aspect, they'll also have a true passion and ear for how quality is represented musically.
Part of doing mash-ups is getting the legal rights to use the songs. If you're going to do a mash-up with five songs, you should probably find 10 songs, because you're only going to get half of them cleared. It's a real collaborative effort.
It's so wide; that's what I love most about my career. It's been varied, and the music has been varied, because I find myself getting bored pretty easily. So for me, to work in the studio has been great. I didn't go on the road; I just worked on a different project every day, a different kind of music, and that's the challenge I love.
I've played with so many people that I never really noticed that I was playing with so many people until after it was compiled on the Internet. I just kept going. I haven't even heard half the records I've played on, to tell you the truth.
I think I went more toward writing because that's my talent. I don't think I was a great performer... And I like being behind the scenes a little bit.
I give my heart in every single session I've done, and I get into the music. I love all kinds of music, and I try and really be as authentic as possible and give from my heart.
With new artists, you really don't have anything to reference. You're helping to develop their sound, define who they are vocally.
A vocal producer is very important, and it's a very important component of an overall successful and good-sounding record.