Carolyne Mas: The Rock & Roll Storyteller

Carolyne Mas is an American rock singer-songwriter and guitarist who emerged from the vibrant New York music scene of the late 1970s. Her self-titled 1979 debut album on Mercury Records became a cult classic, propelled by the driving single "Stillsane" which earned significant FM radio play and cemented her reputation as a formidable rock talent.

Early career

Born in 1955, Carolyne Mas grew up in New York and began her musical journey performing in Greenwich Village clubs. Her powerful voice and skilled songwriting, blending rock energy with a lyrical, story-driven approach, quickly garnered attention, leading to a recording contract with the major label Mercury Records in 1979.

Breakthrough

Her breakthrough arrived that same year with the release of "Carolyne Mas." The album, produced by veteran John Boylan, was a critical and commercial success, fueled by the anthemic single "Stillsane." The track became a staple on AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) radio stations, driving the album onto the Billboard 200 chart and establishing Mas as a prominent new voice in rock.

Key tracks

Stillsane — This urgent, guitar-driven anthem served as her signature hit and the lead single from her acclaimed debut album.

Quote Goodbye Quote — A standout track showcasing her nuanced songwriting and vocal intensity, further defining the sound of her debut record.

Sittin' in the Dark — This powerful ballad demonstrated the dynamic range and emotional depth present throughout her 1979 album.

Hold On — Featured on her 1982 sophomore release "Hold On," this track exemplified her continued evolution as a rock artist with a distinct melodic sense.

Following her impactful debut, Mas released her second album, "Hold On," in 1982. She continued to tour and record, later releasing music independently, including the 1999 album "The Road Less Traveled," which reaffirmed her enduring songcraft and connection with a dedicated fan base.

For fans of Carolyne Mas's brand of intelligent, guitar-based rock, similar artists featured on our site include Pat Benatar for shared vocal power and rock drive, John Hiatt for a similar rootsy and story-oriented songwriting approach, Rickie Lee Jones for a comparable jazz-inflected lyrical style, and Warren Zevon for a mutual talent for crafting sharp, character-driven rock narratives.

Carolyne Mas's music maintains a steady presence on the airwaves, particularly on classic rock FM stations and online rock radio streams that celebrate the foundational artists of the album-oriented rock era. Her songs are regularly featured in rotations dedicated to the essential rock tracks of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The music of Carolyne Mas can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or listen to this influential American rock artist through a variety of classic rock and independent music radio stations available on onairium.com.