Mackenzie Sol – Laugh

By starrymag | June 9, 2017

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?  

 

A) I would describe my sound as pop with a bit of soul. The new single “Laugh” has more of a reggae-inspired production as I wanted that feel-good summer vibe.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?  

 

A) I was brought up with soul and Motown so my first inspirations were the likes of George Benson, Luther Vandross, Sam Cook (no one can hold a melody like Sam Cook!) and my all-time favorite artist is Stevie Wonder. I love playing piano, too. My favorite bands were the Four Tops and the Temptations. I loved all the Motown music and then I fell in love with Michael Jackson – his stage presence was incredible. As I got older, I started listening to pop and really liked Justin Bieber. At the moment, I love listening to James Arthur; his tone is amazing love his voice. Bruno Mars also inspires me – I think he’s amazing!

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Laugh.”  

 

A) My team and I were in a listening session. We’d listened to lots of tracks then “Laugh” was played and I fell in love with it straight away. I totally loved the lyrics because it describes my personality really well and think it gives off a great message to not take life too seriously. Every person at some point will have a bad day and this song is to tell you to “Laugh” it off.

 

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

 

A) The production of the song has a reggae inspired feel, which I think gives the song that feel good summer vibe. Also the message it’s a fun message- sometime you just gotta “Laugh.”

 

Q) How will the video for it play into the message of the song? 

 

A) The video is a crowd-sourced video. We had so much fun making it! We had fans send in their own clips and we also held a “Laugh with Mackenzie” party at Awesomeness TV. Fans came from all over to be in the video. I got the chance to direct, it was fantastic. This video is fun and energized. I love it and I hope everyone will love it as well.

 

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

 

A) I write in many different ways, sometimes collaborating with other writers and producers. But I do prefer to create songs on my own.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Mackenzie Sol performance?

 

A) I’ve spent my whole life on stage. I worked in musical theatre from the age of six years old and even before that when I was two years old I used to get on stage with my parents who were both singers. I just love performing. Get ready for lots of dancing and singing and lots of audience participation.  I love to get my fans involved!!

 

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

 

A) I think if you love performing, every place or location is special; but I’m looking forward to performing in my hometown in England so my family can be there.

 

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

 

A) Yes, but at the moment we are focusing on singles. But, I’m recording a lot!

 

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

 

A) This is a tough question as I have so many inspirations. I’d love to sing with Stevie Wonder, play with James Arthur, but mostly I’d have to say Bruno Mars.

 

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

 

A) Again James Arthur and Bruno Mars. Although, I think Harry Styles’ new album is great.

 

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

 

A) Social Media is amazing because it makes it easy to talk to fans and let them know how much I appreciate their support. I have so much fun doing live streams.

 

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

 

A) Thank you so much! You’re all amazing and I love you all. I can’t wait to go on tour and meet everyone. I feel they are more my friends than fans.