We Speak Music

Zachary Mason Releases Brooding Folk Single “Can’t Feel My Autumn,” The Opening Track From His New EP Welcome To My Heart

Published

8 hours ago

August 6, 2026

UK Singer-Songwriter Captures the Bittersweet Weight of Nostalgia, Mental Health, and the Changing Seasons in His Most Personal Song Yet

Guildford, Surrey, UK — Zachary Mason unveils his deeply introspective new single “Can’t Feel My Autumn,” the opening track from his heartfelt folk EP Welcome To My Heart. A haunting and emotionally rich reflection on memory, vulnerability, and the struggle to connect with life’s most beautiful moments, the song showcases Zachary’s ability to transform personal experiences into universally relatable storytelling.

“Can’t Feel My Autumn” paints a melancholy portrait of an artist who finds himself unable to fully embrace the profound emotional impact of the fall season due to medication. The song explores the contrast between the warmth and nostalgia often associated with autumn and the emotional distance Zachary felt during that period, creating a poignant meditation on longing, change, and self-discovery.

Originally recorded in Autumn 2023 while Zachary was battling COVID, the track holds an even deeper significance as a snapshot of a challenging yet creatively meaningful moment in his life. Zachary considers “Can’t Feel My Autumn” to be the strongest lyrical composition on Welcome To My Heart, representing the honesty and vulnerability at the core of his songwriting.

“I wanted to capture that strange feeling of being surrounded by beauty and nostalgia, yet feeling disconnected from it,” says Zachary Mason. “Autumn has always carried so much emotion for me, and this song reflects the frustration of not being able to fully experience those feelings at that time.”

Born Daniel Macintyre, Zachary Mason is a 29-year-old UK-based independent artist from Guildford, Surrey, creating music that blends elements of folk, indie, and singer-songwriter traditions. Drawing inspiration from legendary artists such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Thin Lizzy, and Mac DeMarco, Zachary crafts songs driven by expressive acoustic and electric guitar arrangements, atmospheric keyboards, and deeply personal lyrics.

Zachary began recording music in March 2021 after receiving a recording kit as a gift from a relative. Since then, he has created more than 200 song demos, developing a distinctive sound rooted in storytelling and emotional honesty. Every song released under the Zachary Mason name features lyrics written and vocals performed by Zachary himself.

Following the release of his debut single “Special People” on July 1, 2023, Zachary has continued building momentum with 14 released tracks, including his debut album Songs. His music has earned recognition from respected outlets including SPIN Magazine, Rolling Stone en Español, The Big Takeover, Cage Riot, 1111CR3W, TJPL News Magazine, Plectrum Magazine, M.E.I. News, and many others.

In early 2025, Zachary was interviewed and featured by SPIN Magazine, further highlighting his growing presence within the independent music scene. His single “I’ll Get Through” achieved indie radio chart success, reaching No. 41 and No. 93 on independent radio charts in 2024, while “I Wish Humans Were Made In A Factory…” climbed to No. 13 on Groover’s charts in 2025.

Beyond press recognition, Zachary’s music has attracted attention from listeners and industry professionals around the world. His songs have been selected for sync opportunities, including placement in the catalogs of respected music supervisors such as American company YTINIFNI Pictures and Brazilian company Relva Music.

Outside of music, Zachary continues exploring storytelling through writing. Under his real name, Daniel Macintyre, he creates poetry, short stories, and essays, which he shares through his website, scribblings.uk.

With “Can’t Feel My Autumn,” Zachary Mason invites listeners into the emotional landscape behind Welcome To My Heart — an intimate collection that embraces uncertainty, reflection, and the beauty found within life’s most complicated seasons.

We Speak Music

Kat Orlando Releases New Ballroom Dance Single “BlackTie”

Published

14 minutes ago

August 6, 2026

Olivia Long

Detroit’s own Queen of Sax, Kat Orlando, follows up her highly danceable “Mean Daughter’s Wedding” with another gem!

“Black Tie”, the title track of the EP, is expertly crafted for the urban ballroom dance community, capturing the ele gance, rhythm, and sophistication that define the culture. Its smooth, soulful groove is complemented by a subtle yet infectious drive, creating the perfect tempo for dancers to effortlessly glide across the floor. Whether moving gracefully within a crowded ballroom or sharing an intimate moment as a couple, the song’s rhythm invites every step with confidence and style.

Lyrically, Kat tells a story of attraction and anticipation. The female protagonist is captivated by a distinguished gentleman wearing a black tie, his presence commanding attention from across the room. As their eyes meet, the music becomes the soundtrack to an unspoken connection, em bodying the romance, confidence, and timeless elegance that make urban ballroom dancing such a unique and memorable experience.

While Kat possesses a distinctive style and vocal identity all her own, this groove pays tasteful homage to the smooth, infectious R&B sound that defined an era. Listeners may catch echoes of classics such as “Too Close” by Next, along with other iconic tracks that blended irresistible rhythms with soulful melodies. Rather than imitating those influences, the song embraces their spirit while allowing Kat’s artistry to shine through with authenticity and freshness.

Once again, producer Gayle Brannan demonstrates an exceptional ear for pairing the right musical landscape with Kat’s natural gifts. By crafting a production that complements rather than competes with her voice, Brannan creates the per fect setting for Kat’s rich, soulful vocal delivery to take center stage. The result is a seamless fusion of contemporary soul and nostalgic R&B influences, showcasing Kat’s emotional depth, vocal versatility, and undeniable ability to connect with listeners through every lyric and melody.

Kat Orlando’s lifelong passion for music began at just four years old, inspired by the 45s her grandmother and aunt brought from their restaurant jukeboxes. Early influences ranged from the flute mastery of Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson to the vocal powerhouses Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross. She studied with Denver Jazz Bebop saxophonist George Keith, honing her craft and developing her unmistakable tone and phrasing. As a songwriter, she draws heavily from legends like Stevie Wonder and Prince, infusing her music with a mix of social consciousness, emotion, and irresistible groove.

On stage, she’s a dynamic force—switching effortlessly from lead vocals to sax, flute, and harmonica, all while moving with the rhythm and engaging audiences with every beat.