Today we’d like to introduce you to Takiya Mason.
Hi Takiya, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Jacksonville NC. I started singing in my uncle church when I was about seven years old in the children’s choir called “The Sunshine band. I spent a lot of time admiring my mother singing in church as a kid and later discovered my own voice & passion for music when I was about 11 years. I absolutely loved being around instruments and I was the kid with all the singer’s posters hanging on my room walls. I knew music was something I wanted to take seriously because I could be locked in that room all day listening to music and be ok. I started writing songs when I was 13 years old and then my dad took me to the studio for the first time to record on his album, I was like the kid in the candy store! I told myself after hearing my voice back on that recording. I can really do this! When I was 16 years old I moved to Atlanta to pursue a music career. I started artist development with a company called “Track Team Productions”. Later I landed my first publishing deal as a writer with Warner Chappell Music group under Warner Brothers. I had the opportunity to write with various artists such as Jhene Aiko, Mya, Keri Hilson, Keith Sweat, and more. Keith Sweat and I actually have a single together called “Just The 2 Of Us”.
In 2019, I released my 1st EP titled “Seeds Of A Sunflower Dream” and later released two singles that have done really well. I picked up the guitar when I was 18 years old but have found that the bass is where my heart is. I absolutely LOVE the bass guitar and wish I had known that years ago. It’s never too late though. My inspiration these days for music is from a pure place of ministry and empowering others to follow their dreams, and love themselves and others. I started a Love Peace Movement to help push this message in my music and at my shows in hopes that my voice can be used for some good. Life is tough but it’s also what you make it and I’d like to make it good and encourage others to as well. I’m currently working on a new project. This new project is very special to me because I feel I’m more transparent and I share more of my story and what I’ve also learned over there years. I believe that it will bless many people.
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?
I must say this hasn’t been a smooth road as an independent artist. If you would have asked me as the teenager what I thought the road ahead looked like it would have been way different than what I have experienced. I probably would be toured the world by now, won a couple of grammy, etc… That isn’t how it’s played out so It has taken much faith and belief in myself and my purpose to keep the fire going. I was told years ago that you have to put in the due diligence and for most that’s like 10 years before it’s ready to take off. Some people have different stories where they’ve been discovered as a child and it happens for them. My story has been a lot of getting back up again when you get knocked down and knowing that God has the best timing! Looking back I also feel that there had to be a maturation that took place first. I had to learn who I actually am. My voice and style of music has evolved so much that I’m actually thankful for the wait and the wins I’ve had along my journey. I’ve grown into a woman who wants to use my voice to uplift and be a positive role model out here.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a singer-songwriter and musician. I feel that some of the things that sets me apart from everyone else is one, my voice is uniquely mine as well as my story. In my music, you will hear a variety of styles from soul to alternative rock and a little country. I’m very passionate about encouraging peace, love and unity, which also inspired me to start my love peace movement. I believe in genre-free because I truly love music in a whole and have been influenced by music as a whole. Sometimes I feel like expressing myself and Rock is the genre that allows me to pull the authentic feeling out better but sometimes I feel like telling more of a story and country or folk is the sound. I sing from my heart and soul and I know how to make others feel it too.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Some of my favorite books are the bible, Be here now, 5 love languages, Believe that you can, Feeding the soul. I also like to listen to T.D Jakes podcast, Craig Groeschel’s leadership podcast. I’m really into content and media that would empower me or feed my spirit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.takiyamason.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takiya_mason/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Takiya.Rashida
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TakiyaRashida
