A computer, a microphone, and GarageBand—that’s all MASY had when he began making music as a middle schooler. The young artist had no idea he’d soon reach millions of people with his music despite his humble beginnings.

The former Howard University TV/Film major, who decided to take time off of school to focus on music, has been releasing music since his senior year of high school. In just three years, he has amassed over 200,000 listeners on Spotify, with his most popular song, “Hypnotized,” reaching over two million streams on the streaming platform.

Before his time off from school, MASY. released several projects while also being a full-time student at Howard. “Music was just something I really cared about so whenever I could I would just make the time, even if I didn’t have the time,” says the young artist. “Because I care so much I just found a balance and made time for myself.”

“Hypnotized” blew up once GenDirectMusic, a popular music influencer,  gave the song a shoutout on his page last August. Listeners began using making TikToks and Instagram Reels to it, and the single has grown in popularity since. Now, with his music reaching new heights, MASY. is still taking it all in. 

“It’s kinda crazy still. It’s the first track to my EP ‘red,” said the Atlanta native. “When I made it, I knew that it was a good song. I liked it. That’s why I put it out and all that. But I didn’t see it doing what it’s doing. Especially as soon as it’s doing it.”

The artist released the project last July.

The song started as a melody. “I had an idea that I liked. And I was kind of sitting on the idea for a while because the song doesn’t have any drums or anything,” said the artist. 

MASY.  also produces his own music and creates all of his own visuals. 

His creative process is anything but linear. 

“Most of it is very spur of the moment. I tend to scatter things. So I’m trying to grab onto the ideas before they go away. But in terms of making a song, more often than not, I’ll make a beat and the beat will lead me to create a certain melody around it. Then I’ll fill in the melody with words. But sometimes it happens the other way. Whichever way it turns is kind of spur of the moment,” the artist said. 

MASY. finds self-producing incredibly important as a new artist. “It’s important to have an idea of the entire process so that no one else can take it away from you because it’s all yours. Thinking of it as the piece of art itself, it’s entirely your creation so you appreciate it more.” 

MASY. plans to continue to let his passion(s) take the lead. “ I’m very focused on just letting the music take me where it can—as far as it can. I’m very interested in a lot of other mediums too. My major was film, so that’s still a passion of mine. And I’ve been dabbling a little bit with the music and kind of thing everything into one. I would say that’s kind of the goal long term is just to tie all of the art that I love and do and make it one big thing.”

MASY.’s upcoming album, “HeartThrob,” will air on April 22. His music is available on all streaming platforms.