Leah Marie Mason Reflects On Change In Nostalgic “Me Or My Hometown”

Have you ever experienced an intense, somewhat unexpected rollercoaster upon visiting the place where you grew up? Especially if it was your first visit after a while, did a sense of longing hit you head-on? In her newest single, “Me Or My Hometown,” the up-and-coming Leah Marie Mason strikingly captures that feeling.

Photo courtesy of: Leah Marie Mason

Leah reflects that the sentimental track stemmed from a “nostalgic” mindset. Its lyrics detail the changes that her hometown and childhood friends have gone through since she last saw them. “I was so sad,” shared the singer with All Country News. “It’ll never be the same as it was in high school … I still feel like I’m literally seventeen years old sometimes.” Leah, now 23, explores her internal reaction to seeing what her former classmates are up to now - full-time jobs, engagements, and pregnancies, to name a few.

“I feel like I’ll never have friends like that again in my life. And I won’t, because [any new friends] don’t know me when I was literally a child, growing up into the person I am now. No one will ever know that part of me,” she continued.

Jason Reeves’ ethereal production, especially paired with Leah’s airy vocals, adds haunting qualities to the song. “[Jason and I] connect on a different creative level, it’s kind of special. But he is a master at getting that dreamy, nostalgic feeling. Literally, I feel like the production is exactly how I wanted the song to make you feel,” said Leah.

Last but not least, the creative direction of “Me Or My Hometown” informs the rest of her recently-announced upcoming EP, Honeydew & Hennessy. She characterized her approach as “emotional” and “honest,” qualities which certainly shined through as we listened. Working on the project taught her the importance of honest storytelling, as she leaned into the therapeutic and statement-making abilities of music.

She cites a Vegas songwriting camp as an eye-opening experience, letting her expand her horizons as an artist. For this year, she has established a goal of maintaining authenticity. In Honeydew & Hennessy, Leah immerses herself in the music that feels natural to create, rather than confining herself into a box. We can’t wait to hear more of Leah’s heart and soul in this collection.

Borrowing techniques from greats across multiple genres - we heard a little bit of Phoebe Bridgers, Kacey Musgraves, and Taylor Swift - Leah continues to develop her unique voice in country music. Despite her status as a quickly rising star, she maintains her authenticity and vulnerability. Every song she puts out speaks directly to our hearts. A creative force unlike anything we’ve seen before, Leah is truly someone special.