There’s a lot of ties between the great states of Texas and Tennessee. It started when the Volunteer State helped at the Alamo and continues today through the many great songwriters who have called both places home. Add to the list Country/Americana artist Mason Lively who is currently living the best of both worlds by splitting his time between tacos and hot chicken!

Following his 2018 debut album, “Stronger Ties,” Mason has recently delivered a solid new single called “Something ‘Bout a Southern Girl.” Give a listen here. Ah! It brings a tear to my eye and reminds me why I married a girl from Texas!

Thanks, Mason, for paying 11 Questions a visit. Lively will be ringing in the New Year with a socially distanced gig at the legendary Texas dance hall, Gruene Hall, opening for Flatland Cavalry. Here’s to seeing Mason back in Music City in 2021!  

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

Grew up just outside of Victoria, TX in a little town called Inez. The kinds that you hear about in all the songs! I live part time in New Braunfels, TX and part time in Nashville now as of a few months ago.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

Hilariously enough, the first CD I ever went in and bought with my own money was Back in Black in junior high. Hell yeah! Around the same time, I bought an Alan Jackson greatest hits album that changed my life. Last record I bought was about a year ago: Jerry Jeff on vinyl. Sadly, Jerry Jeff Walker just passed a couple months ago. You bet I spun that record.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

First was Robert Earl Keen in Cuero, TX. Last concert was Flatland Cavalry in San Antonio.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Jerry Jeff Walker or Billy Joe Shaver.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Still working on that!

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

That’s a tough one. I’ve surely been jamming the heck out of Stapleton’s new one from this year though.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Belcourt Taps.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Ben Chapman, Luke Pell and Aaron Raitiere.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Belcourt Taps, Whiskey Jam and The Local.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

Grant Gilbert.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

To make a living making honest music that means something to people. Whether it reminds them of something that makes them smile or helps them through hard times.