Mason Via – “Hey Don’t Go”
Americana Highways is hosting this premiere of Mason Via’s new song, “Hey Don’t Go,” from Mountain Fever Records set for release on April 26.
Via is carving out his own slice of Americana with the release of his very first single as a solo artist since stepping out on his own from the band Old Crow Medicine Show, who he played, recorded, and toured with for three years.
Co-written by Via and Barton Davies, “Hey Don’t Go” was produced and engineered by Charlie Chamberlain; mixed by Matt Ross-Spang; and mastered by Richard Dodd. Accompanying Via on the track is a plethora of world-class musicians including Nate Leath on fiddle, Neil Jones on pedal steel, Ilya Portnov on harmonica, Griffin McMahon on keys, Geoff Saunders on bass, Mark Raddabaugh on drums, James Kee on mandolin, Cory Walker on banjo, Joshua Quimby on harmony vocals and resonator guitar, and Barton Davies and Oliver Craven on harmony vocals.
“Hey Don’t Go,” beautifully touches on the experience of clinging to a moment despite the inevitable that it will come to an end. Like the fading of a memory or a cigarette burning out, the passing of life’s seasons is unescapable. Via, himself, is experiencing firsthand a change of season in his own life as he embarks on the next chapter of his artistic career. His delivery of the song showcases that he is not merely singing, “Hey Don’t Go,” but that he has lived it. The song challenges listeners to not take the present for granted and leaves us drenched in a fountain of nostalgia for moments that are passing right before our eyes.
“Hey Don’t Go” evokes the spirit of spring and the transitions that shape our lives. It’s about recognizing unstoppable fates and the diverging paths they create. While it’s been over for a while, the heart never wants it to end. True to bluegrass tradition, the song pairs a jovial melody with a poignant story, capturing the complex dance of joy and heartache. The song was originally written with Barton Davies of Boy Named Banjo as a love song, but there are aspects of the song that have new meanings now with my recent bittersweet departure from Old Crow Medicine Show to pursue my own music. – Mason Via
Pre-save “Hey Don’t Go” here.
Check out this live video recording of “Hey Don’t Go” featuring Oliver Craven on fiddle and harmony vocals captured by Jesse Weeden.
Find details here on his website: http://www.masonvia.com
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Interview: Mason Via on American Idol, Joining OCMS, and Upcoming Opry Debut