Verse & Vision: Dave Mason Interview on Mastering Music and New Memoir

Welcome back to “Verse & Vision,” the latest installment in our ongoing series, where we explore the multifaceted world of writing and publishing (check out the last instalment in case you missed it). Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to our latest interview. 

David Thomas Mason is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist hailing from Worcester. He initially gained fame as a member of the rock band Traffic and has since collaborated with a range of iconic pop and rock artists, including Paul McCartney, George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Steve Winwood, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney & Bonnie, Leon Russell, and Cass Elliot.

Mason’s contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Mason is getting ready to launch his intriguing memoir, Only You Know & I Know, coming out on September 10th. We had a chance to catch up with him and hear about his experience writing the book.

What inspired you to transition from performing on stage to writing a book?

Dave Mason: “I wouldn’t really call it a transition, I’d call it a pivot. I’ve been asked so many times over the years to write a book, but wasn’t very interested to do it. For one thing, I needed a co-writer to help me track history. I’ve never taken notes and I live too much in the moment to remember the details. Through the Doobie Brother Pat Simmon’s wife, Cris, I was introduced to their book co-writer, Chris Epting. He helped make the process not only accurate but fun. So it all came together.”

How does your experience as a musician influence your writing style and storytelling in the book?

“I write songs as a form of storytelling. There is some of my life in every song I’ve ever written. Writing a book is much more complex. Chris Epting had good questions and good prompts and my wife took notes, writing down what I actually said, so that is the biggest part of the book. Epting helped put it together with transitions that made sense.”

How does the creative process of writing compare to the creative process of making music for you?

“Writing a book, for me, is much harder, and it takes – or, at least for me—it took a lot of time. Songs generally come quicker. It’s one idea and the play of words is interesting to me as well as putting melody to the ideas. There’s so much power in music to help translate ideas in just a few words.”

Dave Mason ‘Only You Know & I Know’ book artwork

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are also interested in pursuing writing?

“I always encourage musicians, and artists of any walk, to boldly pursue writing of all kinds if it calls to them.”

How do you balance your time between performing, writing, and any other creative endeavours you pursue?

“I’m not very balanced, in some ways, because most of my life and creative energy is music-related. I really don’t have other hobbies. I love performing and playing and creating music most of my waking hours.”

The title of your book, Only You Know & I Know is original and sparks interest. Can you tell us how you came up with it?

“I wrote the song ‘Only You Know & I Know’ at Cass Eliott’s house. I was wanting to make an up-tempo song. It seemed a fitting title for the book because the theme of the song has always been about communication, relationship, and ‘all the love we have to show.’”

How long did it take you to write your book?

“Five years and then some.”

What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book compared to performing music?

“The form of a book is very different than a song. Choosing photos, designing the book covers, the font, the format, the size of the book, all those publishing details were new and something I had to learn.”

How has your perspective on your own life and career changed through the process of writing your memoir/book?

“I’ve never really thought too much about my story. Actually seeing the finished product. At the end of a five-year process, gave me a moment to pause and reflect. It’s been a wild ride, that’s for sure!”

Were there any surprising revelations or discoveries you made about yourself while writing?

“I’ve always felt grateful and lucky to have lived in some of the most formative times, in my opinion anyway, of rock n’ roll. And very grateful to have recorded with some of the greats. There are many artists I miss and there’s a part of me that longs for the days that we’re so less complicated as an artist.”

How do you think your fans from your music career will respond to your book?

“I think they will love it. I’ve gotten great messages from the advanced copies. And some of the best compliments were that they said it was authentic and warm. I don’t necessarily have a warm and fuzzy reputation!”

Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or plans you have, either in music or writing?

“I’m giving my thought to a children’s book! But most of my energy is put forth to music. I have a blues album coming out later this year and I’d like to put a live album out from my current tour. I also have a heavy archive of old music that I’m going through in my studio and will be releasing several things from the archives as well as new songs I’m working on through my website, so stay tuned.”