Katie Mac – Self Sabotage

By starrymag | December 30, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I like to call myself, “relatable pop.” For me, the lyrics and story are very important. I want people to listen to my music and feel like they know me, or even better, that they relate! Sonically, I love vocal-focused, quirky production that still sounds reminiscent of Top 40 while still feeling personal to me!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Some of my earliest influences would be Stevie Nicks, Taylor Swift, Stacie Oricco and Britney Spears. As I’ve gotten older, I’m really inspired by amazing songwriters like Charli XCX, Fletcher and Julia Michaels.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new EP Self Sabotage?

 

A) Self Sabotage is really true to its title. The songs are definitely an exploration of self and some of my not-so-great tendencies. To me, it feels very reminiscent of the cliche chaos that comes with your early twenties. Ultimately, I feel like the EP really feels like me, and I’m proud of it for that.

 

Q) What was the process like for you selecting the five songs that went on the EP?

 

A) When selecting these songs, I knew that I wanted them to have a central theme. I wrote so many amazing songs after my first album and they might still come out, but the songs on Self Sabotage were very specific to the central idea.

 

Q) The songs that standout most to me are “No Fun,” the title track and “Till It Hurts.” Which songs hold a special place in your heart and why?

 

A) I truly love all of the songs on the EP, but “Worried About Me” definitely holds a special place in my heart. I wrote it with two of my best friends (Will McBeath and Danny G) and I felt like I could be painfully honest. The song explores a lot of my deep insecurities and writing it was very cathartic for me.

 

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

 

A) My process definitely changes day to day! Sometimes a song comes all at once and sometimes it can take a long time. Usually, lyrics and melody come simultaneously for me!

 

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

 

A) I’m very involved in production. A lot of times, I’m sitting in the room with producers helping make choices and I often cut/comp my own vocals. I’m currently learning other production skills and I hope to produce a full track for myself one day!

 

Q) With this EP in particular, how did you shake off a long day in the studio?

 

A) So, for this one, a lot of the work was done remotely because of COVID. The studio was often my bedroom! [laughs] Normally I don’t feel drained after sessions because I love it so much, but when I do I love to relax through running and yoga, it definitely helps a lot!

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new EP as a whole?

 

A) I hope that people can listen to the new EP and feel connected to me/ the songs. If they relate to the stories, I hope it makes them feel less alone in that chaos. Ultimately, I just hope that people can enjoy the songs in their own way!

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, will there be some live streaming events?

 

A) We definitely have been doing live streams and I’m always game for more, but I don’t have any on the books right now.

 

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

 

A) Oh wow, this is tough. I would absolutely love to collab with Charli XCX. Her last album was so IT for me.

 

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

 

A) I’ve recently been getting really into this guy, Remy, who I think makes the most fire blend of hyperpop/and lofi pop. I’m also loving everything from Fletcher, Charli XCX and the new Meghan Thee Stallion album.

 

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

 

A) I love social media! I think it’s so special to be able to create real relationships with people there and I love hearing how people relate to my music.

 

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

 

A) I appreciate them so, so much. Truly any small amount of support doesn’t go unnoticed and I can’t wait to be back playing shows so I can meet them in person!