By: Karen Steinberg
Photo By @poundingthenail
Q) Your music is often described as punk, but how would you describe your sound?
A) Punk cannon
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) My dad, my sister and anyone who sparks inspiration really, it changes as time goes on.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Socialism Ditty.”
A) It’s just sarcastic commentary on the billionaires, controlling our government along with the economic divide and the country.
Q) I love the guitars on “Socialism Ditty.” Mac, how did the riffs for it initially come together?
A) Not sure, I was just trying to do something different from what I usually do, chords and scales that I don’t usually play.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think there’s a lot of generational stress right now and making something catchy that fans can relate to on a deeper level such as not being able to afford basic things and the frustration for billionaires on top.
Q) What are some themes you will be exploring on your EP R.I.P.T.?
A) Commentary on my own personal growth, generational stress for social issues right now and biased viewpoints.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) I usually need to be alone in order to let myself get vulnerable with my lyrics, the guitar in the lyrics come differently for each song.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I work with Robert Adam Stevenson. As a producer, he helped guide me and push me on lyrics. He tries to keep all the recordings as live – sounding as possible, while refining certain parts.
Q) My favorite tracks on the EP are “Eat Chips and Talk Shit” and “Grinding My Teeth.” Which of the tracks holds a special place in your heart and why?
A) “Grinding My Teeth” is probably the most honest one for where I’ve been at lately, but I can’t choose one over the other.
Q) You have some upcoming tour dates. What songs off your EP are you looking forward to performing live?
A) We should be playing Long Beach and LA upcoming June and July; I love playing “Socialism Diddy” and “Eat Chips” because of the hype. “Letter to Elon” people love to head bang to or shine their phone light. All of them are super fun to play.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to R.I.P.T. as a whole – either as an emotion or message?
A) Honestly, not sure, that’s for the listener to decide.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) It changes over the years. Right now probably house venues because our demographic tends to get super excited at house venues, I also love playing at the Venice, West and Gold Diggers. We used to go up to Seattle a lot to play shows because that was where our original fan base was, but now that I’m older, I’m trying to play more shows where I’m based.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Jane’s Addiction if they ever get back together, Red Hot chili peppers, Sex Pistols or New Model Army.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) For some reason, I’m really digging a band called Getdown Services. I love their lyrics and their new generational punk vibe.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you for all of the support. It’s been a long journey, but I’m glad people enjoy what I make.
All Questions Answered By Mac Rettig