Mura Masa Explained

Mura Masa
Birth Name:Alexander George Edward Crossan[1]
Birth Date:1996 4, df=yes
Birth Place:Castel, Guernsey
Years Active:2013–present

Alexander George Edward Crossan[1] (born 5 April 1996), better known by his stage name Mura Masa, is a Guernsey-born electronic record producer and songwriter.[2] [3] Crossan is best known for his 2016 song "Lovesick" (featuring ASAP Rocky), which peaked at number 59 on the UK singles chart.[4] He produced English singer PinkPantheress' 2022 single "Boy's a Liar", which peaked at number two on the chart, while its remix with American rapper Ice Spice peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Crossan's self-titled debut album (2017) was nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Recording Package at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.[5] His remix of Haim's "Walking Away" won Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.[6]

Early life

Crossan was born and raised in Guernsey.[7] After playing guitar, bass, drums and singing in local punk, hardcore, deathcore, and gospel bands, Crossan started self-producing at the age of 15, "searching for samples on YouTube and other corners of the internet".[8] He entered the electronic music scene after learning about Hudson Mohawke[9] and streamed music via YouTube, where he discovered James Blake, Cashmere Cat, and Sbtrkt. Crossan's influences, including Gorillaz and the Smiths, inspired him to write music and learn to play different instruments.[10] At 16, Crossan started to make electronic songs using Ableton Live, and uploaded them to SoundCloud the following year under the alias Mura Masa,[11] taken from Japanese swordsmith Muramasa Sengo.[12] He adopted the alias as he grew up with Japanese anime and Nintendo games, which led to his interest in the myth of Muramasa.[13] His early work incorporated elements of hip hop music, East Asian music (such as Shakuhachi flutes and thumb pianos), and glitchy electronica.[12] [13]

At 17, Crossan uploaded his first tracks, remixes and bootlegs to SoundCloud. The track "Lotus Eater" was picked up by BBC Radio 1 with Zane Lowe, Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, and Phil Taggart all playing the song on their shows. After leaving Guernsey to study English literature at University of Sussex in Brighton, Crossan began playing his music live, with sold-out shows at the Green Door Store in Brighton[14] and Electrowerkz[15] in London. Crossan started his career by posting a mixtape called Soundtrack to a Death to SoundCloud in 2014. The mixtape was subsequently distributed globally by German label Jakarta Records.[16]

Music career

2015–2016: Someday Somewhere

Crossan signed to his own label Anchor Point Records in 2015, in partnership with Polydor Records and Interscope Records who distribute in the UK and in North America respectively. As well as Mura Masa records, the label has released music by Dublin artist Bonzai[17] and post-music duo Jadu Heart.[18]

In April 2015, he released his debut EP Someday Somewhere, with lead track "Firefly" being chosen for the In New Music We Trust playlist at BBC Radio 1.[19] [20] Released via Anchor Point, the EP featured UK vocalists Nao, Denai Moore, and Jay Prince.[21] The track "Lovesick" from the EP reached number 1 on the Spotify Viral charts in the UK and US. On 27 April 2015, he broadcast a 60-minute mix on the BBC Radio 1 show Diplo and Friends.[22] Crossan was long-listed for the BBC Sound of... 2016 in December 2015, and placed 5th overall in the shortlist in January 2016.[23] [24]

On 15 March 2016, he unveiled the second single "What If I Go?" from his upcoming album.[25] [26] [27] On 30 September 2016, he released his collaborative single titled "Lovesick" featuring American rapper ASAP Rocky via Anchor Point and Downtown Records and Interscope Records.[28] [29] The song is a newer version of Masa's 2015 single "Lovesick Fuck".[30] Crossan said he arranged a meeting to discuss the collaboration with Rocky when he happened to be in London for several days. An official music video for the song was published on 3 November 2016 by Mura Masa's YouTube channel.[31] [32]

2017–2019: Mura Masa

See main article: Mura Masa (album). Crossan co-wrote the track "First Things First" on Stormzy's Gang Signs & Prayer, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number 1 on 3 March 2017. The track also entered the singles chart at number 25. On 17 March 2017, he released "1 Night", a collaboration with Charli XCX.[33] Speaking about the collaboration, he said "I think I just had that beat lying around for a while and we sent it to a couple of people. Then Charli just did her thing".[34] [35]

Crossan released his self-titled debut studio album, Mura Masa on 14 July 2017.[20] [34] It was released by Polydor, Interscope, Downtown, and Anchor Point Records. The album was produced and recorded from 2014 to 2016, and has guest features by A. K. Paul, ASAP Rocky, Bonzai, Charli XCX, Christine and the Queens, Damon Albarn, Desiigner, Jamie Lidell, Nao, and Tom Tripp. Upon release, it received positive reviews by critics, and debuted at number 19 on the UK Albums Chart and at 192 on the US Billboard 200. The album received nominations for Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Recording Package[36] at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.[37]

In June, Crossan worked with Nile Rodgers-organised collective Chic on the band's comeback album, It's About Time. He was featured alongside Cosha and Vic Mensa on the comeback single "Till the World Falls", which was released on 22 June 2018. Before that, on 12 June 2018, the band also premiered another song from the album "Boogie All Night", which features Crossan, alongside working affiliate Nao. Crossan's remix of Haim's "Walking Away" won Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on 10 February 2019.[38] [39]

Awards and nominations

Awards Year Category Work Result Ref.
Grammy Awards2018Best Dance/Electronic AlbumMura Masa[40] [41]
Best Recording Package
2019Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical"Walking Away (Mura Masa Remix)"
2022"Talks (Mura Masa Remix)"[42]
Ivor Novello Awards2017Best Contemporary Song"Lovesick" (featuring ASAP Rocky)[43]
2022"Just for Me" [44]
UK Music Video Awards2016Best Dance Video – Newcomer"What If I Go?"[45]
2017Best Urban Video - UK"Lovesick" (featuring ASAP Rocky)[46]
Best Live Session"Blu (Live)" (featuring Damon Albarn)
2020Best Alternative Video - UK"Teenage Headache Dreams"[47]
Best Dance/Electronic Video - UK"Deal Wiv It" (with Slowthai)
2023Best Dance/Electronic Video - Newcomer"Whenever I Want"[48]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Boy's A Liar . ASCAP . American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers . 30 March 2023.
  2. Web site: Mura Masa previews new music in an album documentary. 11 May 2016. DIY. 21 March 2017. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015800/http://diymag.com/2016/05/11/mura-masa-previews-new-music-in-an-album-documentary. live.
  3. Web site: Photos: Mura Masa loves the Independent. Kielman. Daniel. 17 May 2016. The Bay Bridged. 21 March 2017. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015931/http://thebaybridged.com/2016/05/17/photos-mura-masa-love-the-independent/. live.
  4. SpotifyUK. 593780287894458369. 30 April 2015. Viral 50 Song Of The Week: 'Love Sick Fuck' from @mura_masa_ a fresh burst of sampled beauty http://spoti.fi/1DMg8qj .
  5. Grammys 2018 Winners: The Complete List. Billboard. 28 January 2018. 11 February 2019. 8 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180208204548/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/8096569/grammys-2018-winners-list. live.
  6. Grammys 2019: The Complete Winners List. Rolling Stone. 10 February 2019. 11 February 2019. 12 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190212070511/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/grammys-2019-winners-list-792670/. live.
  7. News: Mura Masa and his pop sensibilities will take over in 2017 Dork. Muir. Jamie. 3 January 2017. Dork. 21 March 2017. en-GB. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015926/https://readdork.com/features/mura-masa-and-his-pop-sensibilities-will-take-over-in-2017/. live.
  8. Web site: Mura Masa Will Teleport Your Brain into the Future of Pop. 10 July 2017. Noisey. Vice Media. 14 July 2017. Avery. Stone. 29 March 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190329183753/https://noisey.vice.com/en_us/article/evdb4z/mura-masa-will-teleport-your-brain-into-the-future-of-pop. live.
  9. News: Mura Masa Talks Growing Up In Isolated Guernsey & Running His Own Label - Music Feeds. Deeley. Chelsea. 3 May 2016. Music Feeds. 21 March 2017. en-US. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015307/http://musicfeeds.com.au/features/mura-masa-talks-growing-isolated-guernsey-running-label/. live.
  10. News: Mura Masa Brings Mystery to The Music Hall of Williamsburg. Dudek. Mandi. 2 August 2016. Baeble Music. 21 March 2017. en-US. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015034/http://www.baeblemusic.com/musicblog/8-2-2016/mura-masa-brings-mystery-to-the-music-hall-of-williamsburg.html. live.
  11. Web site: Meet Mura Masa, the streaming era wunderkind marching to the beat of his own drum machine. Spencer. Dukoff. . 13 July 2017. 14 July 2017. 15 July 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170715235921/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/mura-masa-marches-beat-drum-machine-article-1.3324511. live.
  12. News: BBC Sound Of 2016: Mura Masa interview. Savage. Mark. 4 January 2016. BBC News. 21 March 2017. en-GB. 21 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170421120209/http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35167132. live.
  13. News: This is Mura Masa: A KSCU Interview with the Grammy-Nominated Producer . 12 June 2022 . . 21 February 2018.
  14. Web site: Green Door Store Gig Listing. Songkick. 2 October 2015. 5 October 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151005011909/http://www.songkick.com/concerts/22393918-mura-masa-at-green-door-store. live.
  15. Web site: Electrowerkz Gig Listing. Songkick. 2 October 2015. 4 October 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151004205009/http://www.songkick.com/concerts/22757618-mura-masa-at-electrowerkz. live.
  16. Web site: Mura Masa - MusicBrainz. musicbrainz.org. en. 13 April 2017. 13 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170413235504/https://musicbrainz.org/artist/d2a76e1b-cecc-4500-b445-d55591821cd3?va=1&all=0. live.
  17. Web site: Bonzai KBG Review. Blushing Panda. 2 October 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20160106004306/http://blushingpanda.org/blog/2015/08/05/bonzai-kbg/. 6 January 2016. dead.
  18. Web site: Jadu Heart. 14 June 2016. 11 June 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160611201118/http://jaduheart.com/. live.
  19. Web site: Huw Stephens In New Music We Trust. BBC. 2 October 2015. 3 June 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150603124256/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05vcz56. live.
  20. Web site: Mura Masa Announces Upcoming Album in Recent Interview. Chung. Max. 11 January 2017. Run The Trap: The Best EDM, Hip Hop & Trap Music. 21 March 2017. 19 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170319134754/http://runthetrap.com/2017/01/11/mura-masa-announces-upcoming-album-in-recent-interview/. live.
  21. Web site: Someday Somewhere Review. Pigeons and Planes. 2 October 2015. 6 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160106033823/http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2015/04/listen-to-mura-masas-someday-somewhere-ep/. live.
  22. Web site: Diplo and Friends. BBC. 2 October 2015. 15 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150415042332/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05pqmvk. live.
  23. News: Live Lounge month: Five questions for Mura Masa. 21 September 2016. BBC. 21 March 2017. en-GB. 28 May 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170528103134/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/37430543/live-lounge-month-five-questions-for-mura-masa. live.
  24. News: Mura Masa spreads the love for the 'What If I Go?' video Purple Sneakers. Insolia. Julia. 14 April 2016. Purple Sneakers. 21 March 2017. en-US. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322111358/http://www.purplesneakers.com.au/2016/04/watch-mura-masa-what-if-i-go/. live.
  25. Web site: Listen to New Mura Masa Single, "What If I Go?". Kim. Michelle. 18 March 2016. The FADER. 21 March 2017. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322014644/http://www.thefader.com/2016/03/18/listen-to-mura-masa-what-if-i-go. live.
  26. Web site: Mura Masa - What If I Go?. Hunt. El. 18 March 2016. DIY. 21 March 2017. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015510/http://diymag.com/2016/03/18/mura-masa-what-if-i-go-track-review. live.
  27. Web site: Mura Masa's certified banger 'What If I Go?' now has a video. Hunt. El. 11 April 2016. DIY. 21 March 2017. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015536/http://diymag.com/2016/04/11/mura-masas-what-if-i-go-video. live.
  28. Web site: Listen to A$AP Rocky and Mura Masa's New Song "Love$ick" Pitchfork. Pearce. Sheldon. 29 September 2016. pitchfork.com. en. 21 March 2017. 20 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170320142218/http://pitchfork.com/news/68622-listen-to-aap-rocky-and-mura-masas-new-song-loveick/. live.
  29. News: Single Review: Mura Masa ft ASAP Rocky - Love$ick Redbrick. Williams. Alex. 19 October 2016. Redbrick. 21 March 2017. en-GB. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322014709/http://www.redbrick.me/music/single-review-mura-masa-ft-asap-rocky-loveick/. live.
  30. Web site: Mura Masa Taps A$AP Rocky For "Love$ick". Darville. Jordan. 29 September 2016. The FADER. 21 March 2017. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015355/http://www.thefader.com/2016/09/29/mura-masa-asap-rocky-lovesick. live.
  31. Web site: Watch The Music Video For Mura Masa And A$AP Rocky's "Love$ick". Darville. Jordan. 3 November 2016. The FADER. 21 March 2017. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015156/http://www.thefader.com/2016/11/03/mura-masa-asap-rocky-lovesick-music-video. live.
  32. News: Mura Masa has a video for the A$AP Rocky-featuring 'Love$ick' Dork. Muir. Jamie. 3 November 2016. Dork. 21 March 2017. en-GB.
  33. Mura Masa and Charli XCX Get Intimate for '1 Night:' Listen. Bein. Kat. 17 March 2017. Billboard. 21 March 2017. 21 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170321170658/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/7728576/mura-masa-charli-xcx-1-night. live.
  34. News: Mura Masa and Charlie XCX Join Forces For "1 Night". Braboy. Mark. 17 March 2017. Vibe. 21 March 2017. 22 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170322013950/http://www.vibe.com/2017/03/mura-masa-and-charlie-xcx-join-forces-for-1-night/. live.
  35. Web site: A Mura Masa and Charlie XCX Collab Titled '1 Night' is Dropping Soon. Thompson. Hunter. 15 March 2017. Run The Trap: The Best EDM, Hip Hop & Trap Music. 21 March 2017. 21 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170321171434/http://runthetrap.com/2017/03/15/mura-masa-charlie-xcx-collab-titled-1-night-dropping-soon/. live.
  36. Grammys 2018: See the Complete List of Nominees. Billboard. 2017-12-04. 7 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171207025939/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/8047027/grammys-2018-complete-nominees-list. live.
  37. News: See The Full List Of 60th GRAMMY Nominees. 2017-11-27. GRAMMY.com. 2017-12-04. 28 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180128121536/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/60th-grammy-awards-full-nominees-list. live.
  38. Grammys 2019: The Complete Winners List. Rolling Stone. 10 February 2019. 11 February 2019. 12 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190212070511/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/grammys-2019-winners-list-792670/. live.
  39. Web site: Middleton . Ryan . 2019 Grammy Awards: Justice, Silk City, Mura Masa Take Home Dance / Electronic Awards on Not Terrible Night . magneticmag.com . 11 February 2019 . Magnetic Magazine . 16 March 2019.
  40. Web site: Mura Masa. Grammy.com. November 20, 2021.
  41. Web site: Alex Crossan. Grammy.com. November 20, 2021.
  42. Web site: 2022 Grammy Nominations List. 26 November 2021. Grammy.com.
  43. Web site: Archive | the Ivors | the Ivors Academy | Champions of Music Creators .
  44. Web site: Ivor Novello Awards 2022: Adele, Ed Sheeran, Dave and Inflo lead list of nominations. Official Charts. Carl. Smith. April 7, 2022. April 18, 2022.
  45. Web site: UK Music Video Awards 2016: here are the nominations.... www.ukmva.com. 2019-02-09.
  46. Web site: UK Music Video Awards 2017: all the winners!. Promonews. 2019-01-31.
  47. Web site: UK Music Video Awards 2020: all the nominations!. Promonews. 2020-09-29.
  48. Web site: UK Music Video Award Nominations 2023. Complete Music Update. Andy. Malt. 28 September 2023. 7 October 2023.

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