Sweetheart: Zachary Mason Lets Love Build, Then Hits Hard

Zachary Mason doesn't force you into the opening of Sweetheart. You get time to breathe before it hits. The vocal part of the song builds up until the instruments hit their crescendo; it has that floating effect when you're at a bar with foam from your beer settling on top of a sticky table and buzzing in the background while you walk on a concrete floor - a frustrating feeling that settles in your brain while you sit quietly waiting for something to happen.

When it does begin, there are definitely identifiable instruments from the 1980's rock world (guitar, drums, etc.) that build on the vocal melody's emotional space. These elements create an arc of emotion that flows with the song's story: the beginning (feeling relaxed), middle (taking a risk), and end (celebrating). There is definitely a "Mini-Hero's Journey" in Sweetheart because intimacy is the call to action, commitment represents the leap.

The listener is being communicated to by Zachary vocally without any imagery/metaphor/smokescreen or clever diversion; just a sense of feeling. Ash on the tongue, memory will do what memories do.

The song was recorded at Zachary's home studio in Guildford, but the recording now expands with significant help from other artists. Nate Barnes of Rose Hill Drive supplied the drums; Johannes "John" Thomasson of Little Big Town supplied the bass. The mixer Derrick Lin has done an excellent job capturing the feel of tactile music in Sweetheart; it really feels like you could reach out and touch it.

Zachary has been quietly obsessing over his craft for years. He has recorded over 200 demos using a professional level kit, has spent years writing songs as well as continuing to read literature about the craft. He earned his momentum in a slow and steady manner. The music of Sweetheart does not cater to trends; it is based on trusting people and connecting with them. This way of trusting people creates strong bonds that last long after your last chord fades away.