Masc For Masc

"Masc For Masc" is a song by British recording artist Jack Stevens, and is the first single from his fifth studio album Close Encounters.

Background
‘Masc For Masc’ was the first track written for Jack’s fifth studio album ‘Close Encounters’ and was recorded in the Spring of 2020 as Jack returned to the recording studio, initially as a creative outlet with no recording contract of plan to release any material. The track has been dubbed an LGBTQ+ anthem with its comical and tongue in cheeks lyrics representing the common issue of femme shaming within the community on dating apps and social media.

‘Masc For Masc’ was confirmed for release in September through Jack’s official social media channels and Jack embarked on a heavy promotional campaign for the track and accompanying album which saw him perform at the MTV EMA Awards, Strictly Come Dancing and The Graham Norton Show in the UK as well as recording remote performances for broadcast across Europe, Australia and The Late Late Show in America. The campaign was widely recognised within the industry as being very successful and was nominated in the industry category of ‘Best Promotional Campaign’ at the URAPS Critics Choice Awards 2021.

Music Video
An initial music video for ‘Masc For Masc’ was recorded in June 2020 at a secret location in London with the concept being a homo-erotic 80’s style men’s only gym which would be mixed with footage of anti-gay marches and news footage of hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. However, upon receiving the finished version of the video Jack was unhappy with the video and it was scrapped.

A second visual for the song was filmed in October 2020 and was a glossy, camp and fashion heavy visual that featured footage of Jack in a number of studio set ups.

Reception
‘Masc For Masc’ premiered in November 2021 on Jack’s official YouTube channel in unison with the release of the single to digital platforms and received heavy press attention due to Jack’s appearance in the video. Jack is seen in a number of scenes wearing heavy make-up and more stereotypical female clothing after a scurry of negative articles in relation to the promo, Jack issued a statement through his social media channels citing that the reaction to the music video proved femme shaming is still very relevant and that the themes explored within the single were correct. Fans and LGBTQ+ campaigners praised the video and Jack’s statement.

Digital
01. Masc For Masc

Digital EP
01. Masc For Masc (Knobfeelers Big Dick Energy Mix) 02. Masc For Masc (Knobfeelers Top To Bottom Club Vers-ion) 03. Masc For Masc (Knobfeelers Ghosted On Grindr Candlelight Mix) 04. Masc For Masc

7" Vinyl
A limited edition number of 7" vinyl singles were released as part of a pre-order bundle with 'Close Encounters' on Jack's official website. 01. Masc For Masc 02. Masc For Masc (Knobfeelers Big Dick Energy Edit)

Critical Reception
‘Masc For Masc’ received unanimous praise from critics and fans with many citing that track as a “return to form” and one of the best tracks of his career. In particular the lyrics for the song and it’s focus on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community were strongly praised as well as Jack’s openness around his sexuality.

Urapopstar Critics Choice Awards
'Masc For Masc' was nominated for Best Single and Best Promotional Campaign at the 1st Urapopstar Critics Choice Awards.

Chart Performance
'Masc For Masc' peaked at number one on the official Urapopstar singles chart and has been certified platinum for sales of 602,217 copies across 14 weeks on the chart.