Meet Mason Hensley: Recording Engineer/Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mason Hensley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mason, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I am chasing a creative career because every wise person I have ever known has said, “Find a way to professionally do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Obviously there are still difficulties and obstacles that come with building a business, and improving your craft is a life-long task, but I am so grateful to even have a chance to make a living doing what I love. Recording music for local artists has been such a rewarding experience. I love the challenge to create the best version of each artist’s work, and it is so special to be able to create a permanent audio “snapshot” of their creative ideas. Each musician has a different voice to share, and it’s a new experience every time I sit down to work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being from Southern California, the beach is definitely the place that all my out-of-town friends want to visit. I love Huntington Beach, and I have made countless amazing memories there. We would have to stop by the Aloha Grill, definitely. After that, a short walk to Gallagher’s to check out some local music. Aside from the beach, there are all sorts of great scenic drives to take around where I live. I’m a road trip junkie, always have been. It’s a great way to listen to music without distraction, and whenever friends are in town, I feel obligated to bombard them with whatever new music I’ve been working on. A drive up Mount Baldy is always fantastic, and I also love Carbon Canyon. After that, we’d have to go to a Dodger game to catch some World Series Champion baseball, and snag a Dodger Dog or two. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had so many great mentors in my life, so it’s hard to narrow it down to the people who have affected my career the most, but the first name that comes to mind is Matt Faulkner. He is a fellow producer/engineer/musician that properly introduced me into the world of recording music. He was a friend of a friend, and his name happened to come up when an old band of mine was gearing up to record an album. From the moment I showed the slightest interest in the recording process, he took me under his wing and gave me a peek behind the scenes. My knowledge of a recording studio at that point was virtually non-existent, and he spent countless hours letting me gawk over his shoulder, answering my 100 questions, and being a wonderful teacher. His patience and attention to detail was inspiring to me, and I wound not be where I am today without having the experience of working with him.

Instagram: free_mason024 fistpipestudio