Q&A with Singer-Songwriter, Albina Mason

By Bridney C

It is a pleasure to interview Albina Mason for the Sweet Scoop.

Albina is a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Ledyard, Connecticut who is originally from Vladikavkaz, Russia. Frequently posting videos on Facebook Live and Instagram to her more than 1,000 followers, she is often seen singing covers or her original songs.

Albina considers herself to be a pop, country, and Christian singer. She comes from a musical background and says her adopted mother was a singer and pianist.

She was adopted in November of 2003 and moved to Evanston, Illinois. After moving to Connecticut after her mother received a job offer, Albina says at the age of five in a half she joined choirs in her elementary, middle, and high school. She considers her solo from the 8th grade to be one of her favorite moments.

In this edition of Q&A, Albina Mason explained the challenges she has faced as an artist, the processes of preparing a live video, and the impact social media has had with her singing.

Bridney C: Are you a self-taught pianist and guitarist, or did someone teach you how to play?

Albina Mason: At first, I was a self-taught pianist and guitarist. Then in middle school and high school, I took both guitar and piano classes. Since then, I still self teach myself using YouTube tutorials.

BC: What is your favorite original song you have performed on live so far? How long does it take for you to prepare your singing live videos?

AM: It takes a good 4 hours to prepare the original song to go Live with, but to prepare the song itself takes about two to three days to complete.

BC: Have you performed locally at shows or open mics? If so, where? What is your favorite venue to perform at?

AM: I performed at the LHS (Ledyard High School) Coffee House’s. And I’ve also done karaoke at home and also done it at LMS (Ledyard Middle School) when someone with a karaoke machine came to visit the 8th graders. But, I’d love to actually go to a karaoke night somewhere and perform by myself or even with a friend.

BC: Have you ever faced any challenges as a singer?

AM: I have stage fright and have had it ever since I was a kid. However, I’ve been working really, really hard on that challenge of mine by performing in front of a camera. I think one of the biggest reasons I have stage fright is because I’m always anxious, so I want to overthink every little thing. But not too long ago I did what’s called, “Quarantine Karaoke” on Facebook... and I’d have to say it was pretty fun.

BC: Musically, what are your goals? Is music simply just another niche of yours or would you like to possibly pursue a singing career?

AM: Singing has been a big part of my life. It’s gotten me through a lot of tough times in my life. I’ve always wanted to take my musical talents to another level. Making it a career would be tough, but it could be done if I work really hard.

BC: You are very popular on Instagram, amassing more than 1,000 followers. What kind of impact has social media had on your growing fanbase and exposure?

AM: If I had to be honest, it’s not a matter of how many followers you attract, but about how much it means to those who watch your videos and what they get from watching them. Sure it’s nice to know the number of people following you, but that’s not what matters to me.

BC: If you could say anything to your fans, what would it be? AM: Be proud of your talent or talents. Do what makes you happy and stay true to yourself. There will always be haters and people who don’t like you enough, so they judge, but as long as you know the truth about what you do, keep going. Don’t stop your dreams from coming true because of one negative comment or thumbs down on something you post. If you’re proud of what you achieved, that’s all the matters.

To hear and see more from Albina Mason, be sure to follow her

on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Be sure

to check out her music on YouTube and her Music Instagram.