MkX – Welcome to 2021

By starrymag | March 15, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I make Pop music, but I love to incorporate obscure sound design techniques along with hints of other genres. Sometimes there’s some R&B, EDM, House or Hip-Hop influence. But it all usually falls under the Pop umbrella.  I love to pay homage to the music I grew up listening to, so there’s always a little taste of late ‘90s/early ‘00s Pop.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Some producers I’m influenced by are Max Martin, RedOne, Rami Yacoub, Darkchild, Sophie and Cashmere Cat. Some artists I’m influenced by are Lady Gaga, Tinashe, Charli XCX and *NSYNC.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Welcome to 2021.”

 

A) I wanted to make a record that would empower people going into the new year. My goal in general is to create music that makes people feel good. I came up with the idea in the shower and immediately started writing the rest of the song (once I dried off, of course).

 

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

 

A) 2020 was a tough year for a lot of people in many different ways. Everyone was counting the seconds until 2020 was over and a new chapter could begin. So, I wanted to create the perfect record for that moment we’ve all waited for.  I’m really glad people are connecting with this record.  I wanted to put some positivity into the world with this optimistic message, and people are responding to it pretty well.

 

Q) When can fans expect a full video release for this infectious track?

 

A) I made a fun little visualizer when the song dropped, inspired by the iconic ball drop in Times Square. I’ve been really focused on getting a bunch of new music ready for release, so I don’t think I’m going to make an official video for this record. I do miss making videos though. The last video I made for my previous single “Fall” was a lot of fun to film and edit.

 

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

 

A) A lot of people ask me if I have a set method or process to writing music and truthfully each record is different. Sometimes I’ll start off with a lyrical concept and build everything around that. Other times I’ll fully produce an instrumental track before I even think about the lyrical content.  My creativity usually strikes in particularly random moments in many different forms.  So, when it happens, I drop everything to record it or write it down.

 

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

 

A) I do all of the production myself. When I write songs, I hear exactly what I want them to sound like in my head. So, I basically translate my thoughts into waveforms.  A lot of times the songwriting is all by myself too, but I also love to collaborate.  I would definitely be open to collaborating on production as well, as long as the songs stay true to my artistry.

 

Q) “Welcome to 2021” has become a TikTok sensation. How does that make you feel?

 

A) I feel really proud that this record was able to resonate with so many people. My intention with this song was to bring positivity to as many people as possible, so watching that happen in real time was an absolutely incredible feeling.

 

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

 

A) Yes, hopefully soon! I keep going back and forth deciding whether I want to put out an album/EP or release each song as an individual single. Only time will tell!

 

Q) How do you usually shake off a long day in the studio?

 

A) I’m a night owl, so I usually wake up in the afternoon/evening and power through until the morning. I’m most productive and inspired when it’s dark outside, so I usually wind down by taking a walk during the sunrise or making breakfast which is technically dinner?

 

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

 

A) It would be an absolute dream to collaborate with Lady Gaga one day. I’ve been a diehard fan of hers since 2008. She’s so incredibly innovative and I really admire how she approaches her art.  Each record she makes has a fully realized concept and vision that goes hand in hand with the song.  She’s a true artist.

 

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

 

A) I really loved Galimatias’ album Renaissance Boy. Such a cool blend of interesting textures and sound design with beautiful musical composition. It’s a really good album to get lost in.

 

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 has allowed me to not only spread my music around the world, but also show my gratitude to everyone who supports what I do. It’s really incredible to see how much social media has developed over the past fifteen years or so. It’s such a crucial tool in today’s music industry and I’m very grateful for it.

 

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

 

A) THANK YOU for believing in me, my music and my vision. Your support means the absolute world to me and I can’t wait for you to see/listen to the next part of this artistic journey. Stay true to who you are and embrace all of the things that make you different.  Cheers to a new year of music, optimism and creativity.

 

 

 

Watch The Video For “Welcome to 2021”