Mason Summit‘s latest single is a reflective and compelling piece of music that, while sonically upbeat and infectious, deals with the most sensitive of political issues. Titled ‘Bystander’, the Nashville-based singer/songwriter explores the war in the Middle East from the perspective of an Ashkenazi Jew. From dealing with American complacency in the face of worldwide injustices to the artist’s own privilege and complicity in the situation, Mason leaves no stone unturned in his quest to right the world’s wrongs.
Sonically, the listener is treated to a spacey and almost psychedelic offering that conjures up the work of Wilco and the late Elliott Smith. Featuring jangly guitar work, hazy drumming, and Summit’s heartfelt vocals, ‘Bystander’ wraps its poignant message in a richly textured soundscape that amplifies the gravity of its thematic concerns.
“As an independent musician, I have nothing to lose by expressing my personal views,” says Mason. “Unlike public figures or workers who fear social/professional backlash”.
No stranger to political songwriting, Summit has previously probed the ongoing mass shooting epidemic in the United States with a tune called ‘Thoughts & Prayers’, released in 2018. A true artist in every sense of the word, we couldn’t be more proud to champion the work of such a courageous musician.
Serious tune alert! Enjoy ‘Bystander’ on Spotify now:
