Hailing from Victoria in Canada, r.mason is a musical duo formed by singer and instrumentalist Rebecca Barritt and guitarist Jonathan Blokmanis. Together, they combine to lace soulful songwriting into an exquisite sonice fabric, crafting a sound that dances between lightness and tension, desperation and hope.
Rebecca has always been deeply immersed in music since she was just four years old, transforming her own experiences and emotions into sound. Her songwriting draws from a wide array of influences, including the echoes of church music and artists such as Bob Dylan, Josh Ritter, Kathleen Edwards, Lana Del Rey, Nina Simone and Norah Jones.
Guitar virtuoso Jonathan brings his musical flair to Rebecca’s songs, infusing them with dashes of colour using an array of pedals. From sneaking into his older brother’s room to play his electric guitar at age twelve, his journey has been influenced by legendary bands like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Radiohead, and pioneering guitarists such as David Gilmour, Jimmy Page and Johnny Greenwood.
Sharing their sound with the world for the first time in 2022, they released their debut EP rains too loud for t.v., which they’ve followed up with several singles over the last couple of years. Now they bring us one of their recent releases with the track titled “Velvet Shade.” Offering the perfect example of their expansive indie rock sound that juxtaposes subtly uplifting aesthetic with a moody tinge of melancholy, “Velvet Shade” presents an enveloping and truly mesmeric listening experience.
Brought in by the drone of soft sonic texture, Jonathan’s lightly gritty guitar twangs form a hazy atmosphere as his lofty notes drift through a delicate ambience. The gentle tones of piano usher in Rebecca’s elegant voice as she spins smooth melodies via hushed delivery before the laid back shuffle of drums injects a mellow energy.
Threading graceful melodic leads as the intricate lead guitar flutters snake throughout the piece, the pair craft an ethereal sound of tender songwriting that blends poignant lyricism with blissful arrangement. With the smooth pulse of bass guitar and flourishes of airy piano plinks, the pair craft a dazzling sound to get completely lost in. Dreamy and entrancing from start to finish, “Velvet Shade” offers a charming sound that’s at once enduring and highly memorable, brought to life by the duo’s stellar performance panache.
Commenting on the single, Rebecca shares, “For years I have hated the way other people love – from my father to friends to lovers. Their love doesn’t always look the way mine does, and like all other vibrations from our human feelings, I am fascinated by this. Through this song, I am trying to accept the way other people love, and not turn my back on it.”
Listen to Velvet Shade below
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