The High-Lonesome Highway: Mason Via Explores Love and Ambition in “Running With You”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Since the release of his acclaimed self-titled album on April 25, 2025, Mason Via has been reinforcing his status as one of bluegrass music’s most vital young voices. While the album is a treasure trove of instrumental brilliance, the track “Running With You” is rapidly emerging as a centerpiece—a soulful, high-energy anthem that captures the bittersweet reality of the modern-day troubadour.
Released via Mountain Fever Records, the single has struck a chord with “highway warriors” and home-bound dreamers alike, blending the driving rhythms of traditional bluegrass with a sophisticated, contemporary narrative.
The Cost of the Open Road
“Running With You” is a story of a travel-worn rambler caught between two worlds: the magnetic pull of the open road and the quiet gravity of the one left behind. To pen this journey, Via teamed up with co-writer Barton Davies, frontman of the acclaimed group Boy Named Banjo. Together, they’ve crafted a song that treats the road not just as a location, but as a metaphor for the separate dreams that can pull even the closest lovers apart.
“Sometimes leaving it all behind is what it takes to meet again, to intersect in the middle,” Via reflects. This emotional depth peaks during a particularly poignant lyric that Via admits hits him every time:
“I gave it all I had, but the neon lights lost their shine, and darling without you this dream don’t mean a thing.”
It is this vulnerability—the realization that success is hollow when shared with a ghost—that elevates the song from a standard travel tune to a heartfelt ballad of resilience and regret.
A Bluegrass Powerhouse Ensemble
While Mason Via’s vocals and guitar work lead the charge, the track is bolstered by a literal “who’s who” of elite pickers. The infectious energy of the song is driven by a masterclass in ensemble playing:
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Aaron Ramsey: Mandolin
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Jason Davis: Banjo
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Jim Van Cleve: Fiddle
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Jeff Partin: Bass and Dobro
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Kyser George: Second Guitar
The track’s vocal texture is equally impressive, featuring a “wall of sound” harmony stack with Brooks Forsyth on baritone and Nick Goad on tenor. Together, they create a rich, soaring soundscape that honors the genre’s “high-lonesome” roots while maintaining a fresh, modern vibrancy.
About the Artist: Mason Via
Mason Via is more than just a bluegrass artist; he is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who possesses the rare ability to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. His 2025 self-titled album has been praised for its versatility, moving seamlessly from:
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Tender, introspective ballads that showcase his lyrical depth.
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Driving, high-energy tracks that highlight his virtuosic guitar work.
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Soulful storytelling that has earned him a dedicated following across the Americana and Bluegrass landscapes.
With this latest project, Via continues to establish himself as a premier craftsman, proving that he can hold his own among the legends of the genre while bringing a youthful, “highway warrior” perspective to the craft.