The SPIN Interview: Masen Carnegie
From city parks to trendy bars, indie musician Masen Carnegie's already come a long way and he's heading for the stars.
BY DAVID MARCHESE 11.06.09 9:12 AM
MASEN CARNEGIE / PHOTOGRAPHED FOR SPIN BY GUY AROCH
Guys with guitars who can sing, write decent lyrics are a dime a dozen, but what separates those who make it versus those who don't? Pure luck. Or so says this month's breakout star, Masen Carnegie. So you've probably heard the name Carnegie, but before you jump to conclusions, this guy did not rely on his last name to get him anywhere. In reality, the name probably hindered success. "For the first couple auditions I went to, I actually used a stage name, Masen Rupp, to keep people from thinking I'm just a talentless hack riding on the coattails of his familie's fame." As it turned out, Masen wasn't a talentless hack after all, he was good, hauntingly good - or so says the countless reviews.
Despite only recently gaining fame and prestige, Masen's been around the proverbial block once or twice. Back-up vocals, lyric credits - you name it, he's probably done it or tried to in the past. Fame was never the end-result, he just "wanted to make music". And so he did, releasing two albums under the radar to less than desirable commercial success but boy does he have fans and as any true artists knows, it's not about the number of cds you sell but the number of fans you have and in this arena, Masen's number one.
Is it weird having people know your name?
Not really, people have always known my "name" but it's pretty weird to have people know my music, then connect it to my name. I like that it surprises people, too.
Surprise?
People don't associate the Carnegie name with music, or talent, or anything other than tabloid fodder so when they hear my songs, then find out that I can sing too? It's just mindblowing and I like to think I'm taking the name back.
What a diabolical plan, tell us more!
Next I plan to steal the world's supply of fresh water and sell it to the superpowers for exorbant rates. Seriously though, there's a tour in the works, over twenty cities in less than three weeks. It'll be fun to see my fans from all over.
Speaking of fans, we hear you've had a crazy few?
Not any crazier than the other guys around here! I get your usual love letters, wedding proposals and nudie photos.
We're going to let that comment about nude photos slide and stick with the music; favorite track off your new album?
My favorite track, hmm. It'd have to be 'Days go on' or 'Farewell' both of which are solid melodies and will probably be a smashing hit. At least I hope so.
Your last hit, "Off I go" was written for Greys Anatomy, were you surprised that became as popular as it did?
Honestly? Not really. Grey's is a popular show, it gets a lot of viewers which in turn means a lot of listeners. I've had tons of people say they first heard me on Grey's then found my other stuff. It's been a win, win situation so far. I couldn't have asked for better publicity. And it's a damn good song.
You're telling me! My wife wouldn't stop playing it.
[ Laughs ] Sorry about that!
Moving on to more music! What inspires you?
Life, if you're looking for something grand and wonderful, but truthfully, I like clouds and eating fruits, completely mundane things that really don't inspire anyone else but they do for me. And of course, music. I listen to everything since you never know.
Everything? Even folk blues?
Okay, maybe not everything! I try to give everything a chance though, even have a couple country songs on my ipod.
Apparently I'm suppose to ask you about Marten?
I wondered when that was going to come up. Yup, he inspires me as well.
Last two questions, you ready?
Shoot, go ahead.
First, when does the tour kick off?
That's easy, The Troubadour in LA, Dec 2nd. Everyone come see me!
Last, what's your next single?
The video for "Days go on" premiers in two weeks, I believe. It has to go through editing and shit but that's what they tell me!
Masen Carnegie, Empty Forests, went on sale November 4th!
