"Madness Gladness" - Zachary Mason
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
Zachary Mason's newest single "Madness Gladness" is a feeling. A soft, dreamy exhale of a song that floats somewhere between moonlit nostalgia and a heart full of quiet chaos.
This isn’t the head-banging, guitar-slinging rock anthem some fans might’ve expected based on Zachary’s earlier work— this track leans in hard to his dreamy, reflective side, and it really works.
Let’s talk history, because this song has some. First recorded in September 2021, it was reworked for a now-scrapped album in 2022, and finally re-recorded properly in 2025. That’s three lives for one song. And you can tell. There’s a real sense of emotional layering here—as if the track has been through things, just like the fictional character at the heart of its lyrics.
The story told is one of romantic madness—that intoxicating mix of euphoria and complete derailment that love can spark. It’s equal parts chaotic and comforting, like a dream that makes you question reality but still leaves you smiling when you wake up.
Sonically, Madness Gladness is a lush, reverb-drenched swirl of dream pop, soft rock, and subtle folk-rock textures. Think somewhere between Mazzy Star, Fleetwood Mac’s gentler moments, and maybe a sprinkle of early Bon Iver if he spent a weekend spinning old Beatles records.
Some standout elements include: The gorgeous, melty bassline by John Thomasson (Little Big Town). Nate Barnes is on drums, grounding the floating melodies with just the right amount of groove and restraint. And the clean, crystalline production from Derrick Lin in Hong Kong, who clearly knows how to bring Zachary’s sonic daydreams to life. (This is their fifth collaboration, and it shows—the chemistry is real.)
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
Zachary Mason, Guildford-based and 27 years young, is nothing if not prolific. Since 2021, he’s written around 200 demo tracks, proving that the man doesn’t sleep—he just records. His approach to music feels raw and unfiltered, yet surprisingly refined. You can tell there’s no giant label machine here—just a guy, a gifted home studio, and a lot to say.
From acoustic strums to synthy textures, Zachary keeps his sound evolving without losing his identity. His lyrics often read like diary entries from a poet with a guitar, and his influences—Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Dylan, The Beatles—shine through without ever feeling derivative.
He’s been making waves in all the right places—SPIN Magazine, Rolling Stone en Español, Groover’s indie charts, and even getting sync placements with YTINIFNI Pictures and Relva Music. That’s not just hustle—it’s resonance.
“Madness Gladness” is like walking into a sunbeam after a storm—soft, golden, and reflective. It may not be the loudest or most energetic track in Zachary Mason’s catalog, but it might just be the most emotionally honest.
It’s a song that rewards you for slowing down. For listening closely. For letting it wash over you.
Put this on during a late-night drive or when the rain starts falling, and thank us later.
“Madness Gladness” is available now on all major streaming platforms
