katie MAC – No Fun

By starrymag | May 6, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my sound as relatable pop. I try to encompass a range of emotions within catchy pop sound. My music tends to focus on catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, typically centered around vocals and production.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I definitely grew up listening to Top-40 Pop and I have always loved the pop queens of the 2000’s like Britney Spears, Stacie Orrico and Michelle Branch. I credit a lot of my pop instincts to that era of music, but I’ve loved a wide range of music since I was a kid. As I got older, I explored all kind of genres but kept coming back to pop structure in my writing. Currently, I really look up to incredible artists/writers like Julia Michaels, Ryan Tedder, MUNA, Taylor Swift and so many more.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “No Fun?”

 

A) The song was inspired by the real-life situation where I had caught feelings for someone who I was in a very friendly, casual relationship. This person and I danced around our feelings for months and months because I was scared to pull the trigger and say how I felt. So, I just decided to keep it fun and light, blaming it on the fact that we were both really young and that there was no reason to be too serious. When I sat down to write about it, I literally said to one of my co-writers, “I’m actually pretty in love with him, but I feel like that’s no fun and we should write about something else.” And my co-writer was like, “That’s it!” And so, we wrote about how I was feeling a lot for someone, but really scared to make it real.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think a lot of people are scared to talk about how they really feel. I also think that it’s a very Millennial and Gen-Z attitude to have towards dating. We tend to keep things care-free and fun because it’s easier that way. I don’t necessarily think this is a bad thing either! I really enjoyed my time with this person and I think we have a lot to learn from all types of relationships.

 

Q) How does “No Fun” show how you have grown as an artist?

 

A) I think that the production and musical choices we made were definitely a growing point for me. I don’t normally use a lot of guitar in my sound, but I’ve been really liking it lately! There’s almost a nod to country music in the sound here and that was intentional. I currently live in Nashville, but I make pop music. I’m constantly surrounded by country music and I thought it was kind of fun to give a little shout out to that in this song. I also think it shows a new side of my songwriting that is less jaded and sad than my last album, mostly because I’ve outgrown a lot of those feelings and experiences, and traded them for new ones!

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) This definitely depends on the day! Most of the time the lyrics and music come at the same time. They inspire each other. This song was a collaborative effort between myself, Chelsea Balland and Cleve Wilson (two incredible Nashville writers). We worked on the track and lyrics at the same time.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I’ve recently started to produce, so I’ve had a greater hand in my new music more than I ever have! I really trust the producers I work with, but I like to be really specific and hands-on just to make sure the vision is coming to life the way I want it.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes! With all the craziness in the world we don’t have a release date. But there is a project in the works for sure.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I absolutely love performing live. Some of my favorite shows have been in Nashville’s High Watt and Mercy Lounge. One of my favorite shows I’ve done has been in my hometown of Kansas City. Getting to bring my last album home was really special.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would absolutely love to work with Julia Michaels. I think she’s brilliant.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them

 

A) I’ve recently been re-obsessed with MUNA and their album MUNA Saves the World. They’ve always been one of my favorite bands and I think this album is full of such beautiful imagery and story-telling. It’s fantastic.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I think social media and the internet are such an amazing opportunity to have real conversations and connections with people all over the world. There is nothing more amazing than getting a message from someone who has been touched by your music. I typically reply to almost all of my comments and DM’s and I love building real friendships with people who like my music. Especially in today’s world, I think real connection is so valuable and important.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I have so much love for anyone who supports my music. Truly, just knowing that one person relates to the art I make makes everyone worth it. I can’t wait to continue to put out music and, hopefully, grow deeper connections with fans as I release more and hopefully visit their cities!

 

 

Pre-Save “No Fun”

https://frtyfve.lnk.to/KMNoFun

 

Listen To “No Fun On Spotify: