Sonny Mackenzi – New Crush

By starrymag | August 17, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My sound is pretty upbeat. It’s free-spirited and worldly with some edge, but definitely pop. I’ve tried to carve out my own path, and keep my sound unique to who I am and what I love. My producer, Craig King, and I actually went back and fourth for a long time in the creation process and took a look at lot of different sounds and different types of music that really moved me and we ended up making kind of a hybrid pop sound. It’s a throwback to the 90’s, with some elements of EDM and R&B and I’m super proud of it.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I love all kinds of musical genres, but on the pop scene I’m a serious Katy Perry and Taylor Swift fan and creatively they have definitely influenced my writing style. Musically and vocally I’m moved by Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Jessie J and Sia.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your song “New Crush.”

 

A) “New Crush” is about that moment you realize you’re totally falling for someone and how that person just makes you feel like you can do anything in the world as long as you’re together.

 

Q) What is it about the song that fans are connecting to?

 

A) I think this is an easy song to relate to. Anyone who’s ever been in love or had a crush just gets it. There is nothing like that honeymoon stage of love, when everything is new and even the little things feel big, like just seeing that person’s name pop up on your phone when they call or text. “New Crush” is three minutes of that feeling and that’s one of my favorite things about it. I really think that’s what my audience is responding to as well.

 

Q) How does the video for “New Crush” play into the message of the song?

 

A) “New Crush” in particular has a throwback, 90’s vibe, and so when the video director, Derek Blanks, suggested an old school Drive-In date idea I loved it. It’s the perfect setting for that kind of song. Drive-ins are nostalgic to a lot of people, and they’re usually a place where a lot of new romance happens. The song and the setting of the video are both really genuine to the type of person I am as well and that’s really important to me as an artist. I grew up in the mountains and going to drive-ins, so the video shoot felt really comfortable for me and I had so much fun.

 

Q) The song was written by Nash Overstreet and Kiana Brown. Did you get to give some of your input on the lyrics?

 

A) I try to be pretty involved in the writing and co-writing of my music, but “New Crush” is special. It was written by Nash Overstreet and Kiana Brown in LA while I was in Atlanta working on my EP. My manager actually played the song for me and asked if I wanted to do it. To be honest, at first I wanted to pass on it because I thought it was too different from the direction I was going. The thing is, after hearing “New Crush” once I wanted to hear it again and again and I just started to fall in love with it. When I realized how infectious it was and how much I related to it, I knew it had to be mine.

 

Q) What was it like to work with producer Craig King?

 

A) To say working with Craig King has been amazing would be an understatement. Not only is he a brilliant producer, he’s also just a really good person with years of experience in the music game. When I first met him, I was still developing my sound and Craig was really open to that, which is awesome. He never tried to force me into any particular direction, which I really appreciate, especially now looking back. He really listened to me and respected the artist I wanted to be and then he helped me hone in on that musically. We spent a lot of time together with a lot of talented writers and musicians just molding this perfect sound. For a person like him with his accolades to take the kind of time he did with an up and coming artist is so humbling to me. I have so much respect for him and I am so grateful for his friendship.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Sonny Mackenzi performance?

 

A) My dancers and I have been rehearsing hard over the past few months and I’m so ready and excited to get on stage and see my fans. They can definitely expect lots of fun, energy, props and audience interaction. Most importantly, they can expect to get a very genuine side of me. I hope that when people come to my shows, they will feel very connected to me, and they will know how much I appreciate their support.

 

Q) Will there be an EP or album coming out soon?

 

A) Yes, I’m finishing up my EP now, so stay tuned on any of my socials or my website, sonnymackenzi.com, for the official release date.

 

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

 

A) It would be amazing to do a song with Calvin Harris or Flume. I’d also love to write with Sia and Max Martin is definitely on my musical bucket list.

 

Q) What can fans do to help promote your music?

 

A) Just be vocal about it and spread the word. If you like my song, share it on your socials and tell your friends. Word of mouth is the best advertising.

 

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

 

A) It’s really important for me to know my fans and what I like best about social media is that my audience is right there my fingertips. I can read and respond to their comments easily and it feels like a very personal connection. My fans are so special to me and for the most part they are just sweet and positive and uplifting, not only to me but to one another. I’m like a proud mama bear when I see stuff like that. I really do adore them.

 

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

 

A) I would just want to say thank you guys so much because without your support I couldn’t be doing any of this. The fans make everything I do possible, and because of that, I feel a great responsibility to make sure I put out quality music with positive messages. You guys make me want to be a better person and artist every day, and I love you for that.