Crossan's self-titled debut album was nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Recording Package at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, making him the first artist to be nominated as both a musician and creative director for the same album. His remix of Haim's "Walking Away" won Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.
Early life
Crossan was born and raised in Guernsey. After playing guitar, bass, drums and singing in local punk, hardcore, deathcore and gospel bands, Crossan started self-producing at the age of 15, "searching for samples on YouTube and other corners of the internet". He entered the electronic music scene after learning about Hudson Mohawke and streamed music via YouTube, where he discovered James Blake, Cashmere Cat and SBTRKT. Crossan's influences, including Gorillaz and The Smiths, inspired him to write music and learn to play different instruments. At 16, Crossan started to make electronic songs using Ableton Live, and uploaded them to SoundCloud the following year under the alias Mura Masa, taken from Japanese swordsmith Muramasa Sengo.
At 17, Crossan uploaded his first tracks, remixes and bootlegs to SoundCloud. The track "Lotus Eater" was picked up by BBC Radio 1 with Zane Lowe, Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart all playing the song on their shows. After leaving Guernsey to study English literature at University of Sussex in Brighton, Crossan began playing his music live, with sold-out shows at the Green Door Store in Brighton and Electrowerkz in London. Crossan started his career by posting a mixtape called Soundtrack to a Death to SoundCloud in 2014. The mixtape was subsequently distributed globally by German label Jakarta Records.
Someday Somewhere: 2015โ2016
Crossan signed to his own label Anchor Point Records in 2015, in partnership with Polydor Records and Interscope Records who distribute in the UK and in North America respectively. As well as Mura Masa records, the label has released music by Dublin artist Bonzai and post-music duo Jadu Heart.
In April 2015, he released his debut EP Someday Somewhere, with lead track "Firefly" being chosen for the In New Music We Trust playlist at BBC Radio 1. Released via Anchor Point, the EP featured UK vocalists Nao, Denai Moore and Jay Prince. The track "Lovesick" from the EP reached number 1 on the Spotify viral charts in the UK and USA. On 27 April 2015 he broadcast a 60-minute mix on the BBC Radio 1 show Diplo and Friends Alex was long-listed for the 'BBC Sound of... 2016' in December 2015, and placed 5th overall in the shortlist in January 2016.
On 15 March 2016, he unveiled the second single "What If I Go?" from his upcoming album. On 30 September 2016, he released his collaborative single titled "Love$ick" featuring American rapper ASAP Rocky via Anchor Point and Downtown/Interscope Records. The song is a newer version of Masa's 2015 single "Lovesick Fuck". Crossan said he arranged a meeting to discuss the collaboration with Rocky when he happened to be in London for several days. An official music video for the song was published on 3 November 2016 by Mura Masa's VEVO channel on YouTube.
Mura Masa: 2017โpresent
Crossan co-wrote the track "First Things First" on Stormzy's Gang Signs & Prayer, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number 1 on 3 March 2017. The track also entered the singles chart at number 25. On 17 March 2017, he released "1 Night", a collaboration with Charli XCX. Speaking about the collaboration, he said "I think I just had that beat lying around for a while and we sent it to a couple of people. Then Charli just did her thing".
Crossan released his self-titled debut studio album, Mura Masa on 14 July 2017. It was released on 14 July 2017 by Polydor, Interscope, Downtown and Anchor Point Records. The album was produced and recorded from 2014 to 2016, and has guest features by A. K. Paul, ASAP Rocky, Bonzai, Charli XCX, Christine and the Queens, Damon Albarn, Desiigner, Jamie Lidell, NAO and Tom Tripp. Upon release, it received positive reviews by critics, and debuted at number 19 on the UK Albums Chart and at 192 on the US Billboard 200. The album received nominations for Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Recording Package at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.
In June, Crossan worked with Nile Rodgers-organised collective Chic on the band's comeback album, It's About Time. He featured alongside Cosha and Vic Mensa on the comeback single "Till the World Falls", which was released on 22 June 2018. Before that, 12 June 2018, the band also premiered another song from the album "Boogie All Night", which features Crossan, alongside working affiliate Nao. Crossan's remix of Haim's "Walking Away" won Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards on 10 February 2019.
Today
Mura Masa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Came and it left me wanting more
Looking over rooftops, over shoulders, over high hopes
I'm looking 'cause you're smiling, 'cause you're holding, 'cause I can't stop
We take flight together
You and us, together
Right, shook me, threw me over
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (looking over rooftops) (passin' me by)
Passin' me by (over shoulders)
Passin' me by (over high hopes) (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
(Mm, I'm really fuckin' sorry)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
You didn't know, but now you know, now you know
I'm looking over rooftops, over shoulders and high hopes
Take my hand, pull me by the hand
Pull me, mm
We can change, you can leave
Don't be cute with me
Today's for us, today you'll make good
Today's for us, today you'll make good
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
(You can change, you can leave, don't be cute with me)
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Today's for us, today you'll make good
Today's for us, today you'll make good
(?)
(?)
(Passin' me by)
(Passin' me by)
The lyrics of Mura Masa's song "Today" describe the feeling of being lost and disoriented, yet hopeful for a better future. The singer reflects on his thoughts and emotions, as he thinks about the past and wonders what the future might hold. He talks about looking over rooftops, over shoulders, and over high hopes, trying to find his place in the world. The repetition of the phrase "passing me by" suggests that time and opportunities are slipping away, and the singer is struggling to keep up.
The second half of the song takes on a more optimistic tone, as the singer encourages someone (or perhaps himself) to take action and make a change. He asks them to take his hand and pull him along, reminding them that today is the day to make things right. The final chorus repeats this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment and making the most of today.
Overall, "Today" is a song about the struggle to find direction in life and make meaningful change, but also about the hope and potential that each day brings.
Line by Line Meaning
Came to my mind this morning, yeah, yeah
I thought of you this morning and it made me happy.
Came and it left me wanting more
Thinking about you wasn't enough, I wanted to see you.
Looking over rooftops, over shoulders, over high hopes
I searched through the city, hoping to catch a glimpse of you.
I'm looking 'cause you're smiling, 'cause you're holding, 'cause I can't stop
I can't help but look at you because you make me happy and I want to be close to you.
We take flight together
When we're together, we feel free and alive.
You and us, together
Our relationship is important and strong.
Right, shook me, threw me over
You had a powerful impact on me and it was unexpected.
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (looking over rooftops) (passin' me by)
Passin' me by (over shoulders)
Passin' me by (over high hopes) (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
I keep missing opportunities to be with you, even though I keep searching for you.
(Mm, I'm really fuckin' sorry)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
You didn't know, but now you know, now you know
(Apology) You didn't realize that I wanted to be with you, but now you do.
Take my hand, pull me by the hand
Pull me, mm
We can change, you can leave
Don't be cute with me
Today's for us, today you'll make good
Today's for us, today you'll make good
Let's make the most of today and our time together. Don't hold back, and let's focus on each other and our relationship.
(?)
(?)
(Passin' me by)
(Passin' me by)
Unknown
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Alexander George Edward Crossan, Tirzah Miriam Lois Mastin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@aiyyabasheer8128
Lyrics โจ
Came to my mind this morning, yeah, yeah
Came and it left me wanting more
Looking over rooftops, over shoulders, over high hopes
I'm looking 'cause you're smiling, 'cause you're holding, 'cause I can't stop
We take flight together
You and us, together
Right, shook me, threw me over
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (looking over rooftops) (passin' me by)
Passin' me by (over shoulders)
Passin' me by (over high hopes) (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
You didn't know, but now you know, now you know
I'm looking over rooftops, over shoulders and high hopes
Take my hand, pull me by the hand
Pull me, mm
We can change, you can leave
Don't be cute with me
Today's for us, today you'll make good
Today's for us, today you'll make good
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
(You can change, you can leave, don't be cute with me)
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Today's for us, today you'll make good
Today's for us, today you'll make good
(?)
(?)
@OllieN94
Not gonna lie, feeling pretty privileged at being able to listen to these tracks at such an early stage, just so pure without any hype or judgement yet.
@yoseppi
The way Alex overlapped her vocals and crafted the song around her voice is actually stunning
@Min4to3
this one and teenage headache dreams are gold and on repeat...chills!
@L0veepanicc
tirzah's vocals are everything
@quart3rbackpunk
I'm glad this is underrated. its not played everywhere to the point of it getting overplayed
@amayahuq
I actually get what you're saying.
@aNSaNgom
Word
@gab1066
the beauty of underground artists
@aiyyabasheer8128
Lyrics โจ
Came to my mind this morning, yeah, yeah
Came and it left me wanting more
Looking over rooftops, over shoulders, over high hopes
I'm looking 'cause you're smiling, 'cause you're holding, 'cause I can't stop
We take flight together
You and us, together
Right, shook me, threw me over
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (looking over rooftops) (passin' me by)
Passin' me by (over shoulders)
Passin' me by (over high hopes) (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
You didn't know, but now you know, now you know
I'm looking over rooftops, over shoulders and high hopes
Take my hand, pull me by the hand
Pull me, mm
We can change, you can leave
Don't be cute with me
Today's for us, today you'll make good
Today's for us, today you'll make good
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
(You can change, you can leave, don't be cute with me)
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Passin' me by (passin' me by)
Passin' me by
Today's for us, today you'll make good
Today's for us, today you'll make good
(?)
(?)
@andrewesposito5338
bro it literally says the lyrics in the video how on earth did you get them wrong