If you had your eyes peeled on this blog or its chat show on Instagram recently, then you’ve definitely seen this pretty little face around – MAKK MIKKAEL – thanks to her debut ‘Jungle’. Featured last November, the single found its way to NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Songs of 2017 list, ranking at #7 and is currently named Song of the Month by the blog. With a grand entrance to the music scene, I think she deserves a place on the interview hot seat…
NLM: Thank you for agreeing to do an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC.
MM: Thanks so much for reaching out to me, and the constant support you guys have shown me.
NLM: First up, I have to ask you this question: is Makk Mikkael your real name? If not, how did the name came about?
MM: It is my real name with a swedish twist on it. The correct spelling of my name is Mackenzie Michael but I prefer going by Makk Mikkael.
NLM: You released your debut single‘Jungle’ back in November.What’s the public’s reception beyond this blog?
MM: I’ve been stoked on the feedback I’m getting from listeners. I recently won a contest with “The Deli Toronto” as artist of the month. The fact that I was even included in that is just bizarre. Excited for everything that’s happening and the journey I’m on.
NLM: How would you describe your sound to potential fans?
MM: Artist wise I would say my music is in the same category as “The Weeknd, Esthero, Alina Baraz, Imogen Heap” to name a few. I really look up to those artists. Toronto has a really cool thing going on sound wise right now so I’m inspired by the scene there. I think my sound would be described as spacey, ambient R&B.
NLM: What’s your inspiration behind your unique sound?
MM: I experimented with a few different sounds earlier on in my career when I was around 14-15 and released a country album. haha I don’t do country now and could never see myself doing that again… In the last few years I would say my style evolved to my sound now and keeps evolving constantly with artists I’m inspired by and from experiences I have. I love the R&B sound a bunch so I think that’s just what I gravitate towards naturally.
NLM: If you had to collaborate with ONE mainstream artist who would it be?
MM: Just one? That’s brutal. I would without a doubt collaborate with The 1975. I’m constantly inspired by what they do and who they are as human being’s. They produce their own records and co-produce with Amber Bain of “The Japanese House”. The sound they’ve created for themselves is a sound that really speaks to millennials. I think we’d make some great stuff and dive into something unique.
NLM: If you had three wishes to change the music industry today, what would they be?
MM: I would put all three of my wishes towards making sure all artist’s can make a living doing what they love. Having the financial freedom to create whatever they want whenever. Artist’s are so valuable in our society, if we could focus 100% on our art it I think it would make a difference.
NLM: So what are your plans for 2018?
MM: My goal is to start touring with artists and obviously continue to release music. I’m currently working on my album and more music videos.
NLM: How can potential fans make contact with you?
MM: I love having fans/artists reach out to me. On my website http://www.makkmikkael.com you can send me a direct email. Or on my instagram: makkmikkael you can leave me a direct message.
NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what would you do?
MM: I think I would be a photographer, screenwriter, author, or director. Anything in the creative field really. I Love the idea of being behind the screen and creating for people. I’m very into directing I think that’s super cool. Sophia Coppola is my favourite movie director, would love to work alongside her on a project in the future.
