INTERVIEW: We meet emerging Kiwi artist MCK
New Zealand’s always been a country that punches above its weight when it comes to world class femxle talent. Artists like Kimbra, Lorde, Gin Wigmore, Ladyhawke, Brooke Fraser, Benee and Aldous Harding have taken the world by storm in the last 10 years; and there’s no shortage of up-and-comers ready to follow in their footsteps.
In a three-part series, Women in Pop gets to know three emerging Kiwi artists, and today we chat to MCK, who released her debut EP Confessions in March this year. MCK creates gorgeous, stripped back electronic-R&B pop and is currently working on her second EP Hot Sounds due for release later this year, which will include her latest single ‘Better’.
Makes us a pitch about yourself in 50 words or less.
Always evolving, changing and becoming who I’m meant to be. As an artist and as a woman.
Last album you listened to in its entirety?
Would have been Alina Baraz’s It Was Divine. You can hear the work that’s gone into curating every story and the role it plays within the project in it’s entirety. She also just has such an incredible voice and an ability to be vulnerable and empowered at the same time.
What was your first-ever concert?
Delta Goodrem. I cried my eyes out, her voice was so powerful and Innocent Eyes was the first album I ever held close and knew back to front. Not the last time I’d cry watching Delta Goodrem either (I have this photo of her hugging me and I’m a big, puffy blubbering mess. It will never see the light of day.)
Last concert you attended?
Foley! At Whammy Bar on K Road. It was epic. Those two know how to put on a show, and their opening act Levyne was so talented, too.
Tell us about your upcoming EP
Hot Sounds was this little catchphrase Josh Naley (producer) and I started using as we made music. If we loved something it was a hot sound. We didn’t set out to make a body of work but the songs came together so cohesively. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster though – starts out quite high and then ends on more emotional terrain, which pretty accurately reflects the range of feelings I was experiencing at the time.
Is there a recommended best time to listen?
Different songs would suit different occasions! The beginning will hopefully make you dance, mid-way make you sing along, and the end maybe more reflective.
You first released music when you were just a teenager, then you took some time out before releasing under the MCK moniker. Did the break from music change your perspective on the industry - and how?
Absolutely. I had no idea what I was doing – I thought I was about to live out some sort of High School Musical, Hannah Montana teenage dream. The best thing I ever did was stop and come back down to reality. I wasn’t sure if I would ever make music again in the same way; but knew if I did I would have to be in complete control of my creative process and artistry. My independence is now something I’m very protective of.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I love RnB, so – Jhené Aiko, Alina Baraz, H.E.R.
Best thing about the NZ music scene right now?
There’s SO MUCH good music being made in New Zealand right now. Now more than ever I think it’s so important to celebrate that as artists we have this incredible way to connect and cut through the chaos. I just feel grateful that I was able to shoot a music video in between two lockdowns. Crazy.
Hot tip on other Kiwi up-and-comers to look out for?
Wells*!! Stream ‘Baby That’s You’, you won’t regret it. And our new single ‘Better’!
What’s your goal for the next 12 months?
I would like to start working on something bigger, an album or something. And play some live shows to celebrate the EP. Other than that, I do have a full time job which keeps me pretty busy!
‘Better’ by MCK featuring Wells* is out now. You can download on iTunes and stream on Apple Music and Spotify.
To keep up with all things MCK you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
