Equipped with experience: Senior Mason DeFoe shares how Interlochen has prepared him to chase his passion for noise-rock
The Music Production & Engineering major sounds off about the opportunities available at Interlochen—from performances in historic venues to mentors with the answers to those oddly-specific questions.
Photo courtesy of Mason DeFoe.
There aren’t many high schools that offer training in noise-rock.
Mason DeFoe knows that well: After deciding to turn his passion for punk music into a career in the music industry, Mason began searching for a place where he could pursue his unique musical interests. That search led him to Interlochen Arts Academy, where he has spent the past three years as a student in the school’s Singer-Songwriter and Popular Music Performance programs.
“It’s genuinely such a privilege to receive education in specific art forms and studying styles of music that aren’t taught in ‘normal’ high schools,” he says. “Students here have such a leg up on the rest of our age group because we are molding our artistic identities at such a young age with guidance from experienced mentors.”
Now a senior, Mason is exploring a different facet of the music business as a Music Production & Engineering major while continuing to perform with the Academy’s Popular Music Ensemble.
We caught up with Mason to learn more about his Interlochen experience—from working with amazing instructors and performing in historic venues to exploring the beauty of northern Michigan.
Tell us how you ended up at Interlochen. How did you know it was the right place for you?
After becoming obsessed with punk music, I knew that music was the only career path I was interested in, so I looked for a high school that would support me in achieving my goals. I was 14 when I left home for Interlochen—which was tough on me—but I knew it would ultimately pay off. It’s easy to take a supportive environment for granted when it’s the norm, but I realize how awesome it is to be surrounded by artists of all kinds.
What do you like most about your major?
While studying songwriting, I enjoyed how Courtney Kaiser-Sandler tailored her teachings to my style. Coming into Interlochen, I was doubtful that I’d find a teacher or curriculum that was catered to my identity, but aside from generalized classes—that I’ve happened to find largely applicable to my artistry—[Kaiser-Sandler] seems to be an insider for all types of music and has always provided amazing recommendations and insight. She has pushed me in all the right ways, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
While studying popular music, Dr. Mattew Cochran instilled a set of invaluable musical philosophies in me that have, so far, proven to always be true. Joshua Davis has taken the popular music program in an open-minded direction that I admire.
Now, as a Music Production & Engineering student, I receive a good balance between engineering instruction and production ideas and opinions from my teachers, Marc Lacuesta and Josh Hoisington—whether that’s running a vocal session in an astonishing studio or receiving feedback via more conceptual, musical ideas.
I also really appreciate how all my instructors have put up with my annoying and oddly specific questions for four years now. My teachers really opened my eyes and took me under their wings.
What are some of your favorite memories of your time here at Interlochen? Are there any particular lessons, performances, or events that stand out?
I’ve organized live music for different events, namely the Halloween Dance, and that has always been a blast—plus an invaluable learning experience. The annual singer-songwriter concert at the Traverse City Opera House is a fun show with an elegant aura, and 2024’s installment was especially cohesive and diverse in a memorable way. In the depths of winter, my band put on a show performing on the floor that felt exhilarating and was an extraordinary learning experience.
What do you like to do when you’re not in class?
Interlochen is fortunate to have an excellent gym and weight room, so I work out there. I’m sort of an introvert/extrovert hybrid, so I enjoy the solitude of walking through the woods and bonding with fellow artists over normal teenage things. I practice meditation and other spiritual routines. Recently, I’ve been a Late Night with Seth Meyers addict.
What’s next for you? Do you have any plans after graduation?
I dream of living in Brooklyn. I want to move there and integrate myself into a scene of like-minded artists and share my ‘Noise-Pop-Rock’ music with the city. Though, recently I’ve also thought about moving to Seattle, Minneapolis, or even across seas.
I’m still deciding between continuing down an educational path studying music business or throwing myself into the real world—where I can obnoxiously promote my music and fight for a platform because Interlochen has equipped me with enough musical experience to thrive in a musical profession.
What advice would you give to other students who are considering going to Interlochen?
Maximize your time at Interlochen by taking advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities and collaborating with a diverse range of artists. Socializing with weirdos and wacky artists is amazing: Spending time with people who are different from me has opened my eyes to different interests and perspectives I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. Lastly, stay open-minded by exploring and researching art pieces and forms you wouldn’t normally identify with.
Want to learn how Interlochen Arts Academy can propel your musical journey? Learn more about our music programs or start your application today.
