Hiya Mac Wood, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
Honestly, I cannot really remember, for as long as I have known I have been into music, my mum and dad used to play all their favorites in car journeys. So bands like ‘The Stone Roses’, ‘The Smiths’ and ‘Glasvegas’ were some of my earliest memories of music.
What’s the live music scene like in Birmingham right now? Anyone we should be looking out for?
I would say Birmingham’s music scene is underrated, but it is building. Digbeth has a really great emerging talent vibe, it’s where grassroots artists spend time with each other at events and to build networks. I feel lucky to be part of it all. There are too many up and coming artists to mention but if I wanted to spot the next generation of musical talent I’d definitely head down to the ‘Night Owl’ or ‘Deadwax’.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
I do find it hard to consistently be a persona on social media when I all I really want to do is focus on my music. But on the flipside it is a great way to reach out to people and get feedback and reactions to what I’m doing. There is not denying it’s an important tool right now for musicians.
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
I try and be relatable, show an honest side to being an independent songwriter. I like to have a bit of fun and also build anticipation of upcoming projects with snippets and teases. It’s always very reassuring and rewarding when users like what you have been working on.
What’s your view on the music industry today?
It’s exciting times, it seems more than ever that anyone can make it. I love the recent resurgence of indie in the mainstream as well. Bands like ‘Fontaines D.C.’ have captured a massive audience on social media despite their alternative sound which is really cool.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I feel like with music today there are so few artists that keep it simple, loads of what you hear day-to-day has to be the next defining beacon of music technology and sound engineering. I think that’s really cool and all but I like to keep it pretty stripped back and let the story of the song be heard by the audience.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Just toss social anxiety down the drain! No, in all seriousness you have to be open-minded, try and talk to everyone, seek out opportunities and throw yourself at them even if you think it will suck. You never know who you might meet or what might come out of it.
What was your best experience on stage?
I think the best experience is when you get a brilliant or unexpected reaction. I played a really small gig where I introduced my new single The Times and afterwards a music industry professional approached me and said ‘you are the reason I do this’. Those few tiny words had such an impact on my self-belief at such an early stage of my music career. I think they will always stick with me.
Tell us something about people would be surprised about.
I was born in Singapore, didn’t come to the UK until I was 12 years old which, even though my passport is British, was actually a culture shock. A lot of my music stems from some of those experiences, kind of feeling like an outsider, not sure where you belong. I could teach you some Singlish though?
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
The Times comes out May 1st. It has been a long time coming and has driven me half mad. It is a song reflecting my own struggles in adapting to becoming an adult and letting go of childhood. I hope people can relate to it. I feel like it’s something my generation can struggle with, growing up is a frightening prospect, right? Like we hit a point in our lives whether 16,18 or 20 where we are like “damn, time to grow up now”.
What was the recording process like?
It was a mixture of good and bad. I spent so long writing and mixing it myself and couldn’t get the mix quite to where I was happy with it. I sent it off to Adam who is a pro producer and my guitarist, and he just finished the mix with a fresh set of ears and it clicked. I think also what is cool about the song is how DIY the recording of it was. Like my vocals were literally just me sat in my cupboard with a blanket over my head. If anyone heard or saw me doing that the must have thought I was mad.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Being able to come to a point where your just like “I have to just release this” because I am so much of a perfectionist when it comes to mixing and writing that I feel if I didn’t have other people telling me it was ready my songs would sit in limbo forever.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Nothing honestly, I had a blast making the song and met some wonderful people in the process and I can’t wait for you guys to hear it on May 1st!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Keep your eyes peeled, I have so many new things coming this summer and beyond and I can’t wait to grow alongside my fans and friends.
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