Mason Jennings

Mason Jennings is an American folk rock singer-songwriter from Honolulu, Hawai'i, born in 1975 and based in Minnesota. He is known for simple, memorable melodies, intimate lyrics, and songs that draw on literary, historical and political themes. His voice is a distinctive part of his sound, and his music also appears in the surf film Shelter.

Early life and start in music

Jennings moves with his family to Pittsburgh at an early age. He learns guitar at 13 and starts writing songs at the same time. He later leaves school and moves to Minneapolis to build his music career.

First releases and local start

He records his self-titled debut album in 1997 on an analogue four-track in the basement of a rented house, playing all of the instruments himself. In October 1998 he begins a weekly residency at Minneapolis' 400 Bar with drummer Chris Stock and bassist Robert Skoro under the name Mason Jennings Band. The residency builds a local following and leads to national touring.

Albums and writing themes

His 2000 album Birds Flying Away brings attention to his political interests and his use of first-person songs about imagined rural characters. In 2002 he releases two albums: Century Spring, and Simple Life, a collection of acoustic rarities intended for fans. He also releases an EP connected to Century Spring, featuring the opening track “Living In The Moment”, two live recordings and the previously unreleased “Emperor Ashoka”.

Band changes and label work

Jennings issues these releases, and reissues his earlier albums, on his own label, Architect Records. In 2003 Skoro and Levy leave the band, with Skoro pursuing a solo career, and they are replaced by bassist Chris Morrissey, formerly of Bill Mike Band, and drummer Brian Mcleod. In 2004 he releases Use Your Voice, which includes “Keepin’ It Real” and “The Ballad of Paul and Sheila”, an acoustic tribute to Minnesota senator Paul Wellstone. Later that year the band releases the DVD Use Your Van, which documents the making of Use Your Voice and part of the tour, filmed by Andy Grund.

Major-label period and later albums

In 2005 Jennings signs with Glacial Pace, a label within Epic Records headed by Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse. He records Boneclouds at Pachyderm Studio in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, and releases it in 2006. In the Ever follows in 2008 on Brushfire Records. Blood of Man is released in 2009 on CD and vinyl, and Live at First Ave., his first live album, appears in 2010.

Associated acts

Jennings is also associated with Painted Shield.