On this day July 29 1985, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason stepped further into the spotlight with the release of Profiles, his collaborative instrumental album with Rick Fenn of 10cc. As Mason’s second solo effort, Profiles stood apart from his work with Pink Floyd by diving into ambient textures, smooth synth driven arrangements, and carefully layered instrumentals with occasional guest vocals.
The album featured ten tracks, most of them atmospheric and cinematic in tone, echoing the experimental side of 80s progressive rock. While not a mainstream commercial hit, the record did find a niche audience among fans of instrumental rock and electronic influenced soundscapes. The standout track Lie for a Lie included vocals from David Gilmour and Maggie Reilly, giving it broader attention and modest airplay.
Profiles gave Mason an outlet to explore beyond traditional rock drumming and showed his interest in production and ambient composition. For fans of Pink Floyd’s more atmospheric work, it offered a natural extension and a fascinating glimpse into Mason’s personal musical style during the 80s.
80s insight: By 1985 established rock artists were branching out into solo experiments and Nick Mason’s Profiles captured that creative spirit through mood driven instrumental storytelling.
The album featured ten tracks, most of them atmospheric and cinematic in tone, echoing the experimental side of 80s progressive rock. While not a mainstream commercial hit, the record did find a niche audience among fans of instrumental rock and electronic influenced soundscapes. The standout track Lie for a Lie included vocals from David Gilmour and Maggie Reilly, giving it broader attention and modest airplay.
Profiles gave Mason an outlet to explore beyond traditional rock drumming and showed his interest in production and ambient composition. For fans of Pink Floyd’s more atmospheric work, it offered a natural extension and a fascinating glimpse into Mason’s personal musical style during the 80s.
80s insight: By 1985 established rock artists were branching out into solo experiments and Nick Mason’s Profiles captured that creative spirit through mood driven instrumental storytelling.
