A wonderfully talented pop singer and actress, McKenna Camille has been keeping it real in her newest release, 'Real Me (demo)'. A track that debuted on September 30th this year, 'Real Me (demo)' was a creative rollercoaster ride inspired by juice cleanses and diet culture, where people tend to project their own toxic ideals about food onto others.
To celebrate the release of the single, McKenna was kind enough to sit down with us to speak about the single, what inspires her, and where it all began.
It's so lovely to speak with you today, thank you for taking the time. When did you first start making music?
"I’m not entirely sure honestly. My parents put me in piano lessons at around six but I was playing around well before that and singing in school and such so it’s all very foggy. I started writing my own music at around 8 when I wrote my first piano pieces."
What influences inspire your sound?
"It changes depending on who I’m working with or what I’m writing about but my lyrics have also had a Taylor Swift feel and other parts of my music are heavily 70s inspired. Right now, I am also really into Dua Lipa!"
Is there a constant meaning or message behind your music?
"Everything I write comes from life experiences which is really the only constant in my writing. I like changing it up based on how I’m feeling I’m the moment."
We've been really enjoying your latest project, how would you describe the sound behind it?
"My most recent release, a cover of Party Favor' by Billie Eilish is one of my favorite songs of hers. When recording we wanted to put our own spin on it, so when you listen you will hear acoustic guitar instead of her uke, but if you watch me perform it live with a band, you can bet you will hear an electric guitar instead, just to spice things up."
Let's focus on your current single, can you tell us a bit more about the track?
"Raw, honest. 'Real Me (demo)' is a demo I had a hard time working on and expressing. There’s anger there, there’s confusion and it’s very messy which I love and why I’ve kept it a demo."
What is your songwriting process, and what is the most important thing when you're bringing a song to life?
"My songwriting process has stayed the same for a while now, being that it’s totally random. I find inspiration in random conversations with people I just met to even an item on a menu. When I get that inspiration, if I can’t immediately write, then I put it in my notes app or song book and stash it there for later."
What’s next for you as an artist?
"Bigger and better things! I’m looking to expand my music and dig deeper into pop as well as test its boundaries. I’m also very eager to act and perform in these coming months. I have some very exciting releases and projects I’m working on!"
A few final questions before you go, What advice would you give to new artists?
"You won’t please everyone so you may as well make art for yourself first."
What has been your best moment as a musician/band so far?
"Performing not once but twice during NYFW (New York Fashion Week) has been such a highlight for me."
What do you like most about playing music?
"Some people journal, some people go on a run, I write music. It is just my one true way of expressing myself."
Co-written and produced by her team at NiMusic in Studio City at Studio City Sound, formerly Fidelity Studios which hosted such legendary artists as Michael Jackson and Billy Joel. McKenna’s team truly brings out the best in this talented performer and encourages her to express herself in a way that is relatable to her fans.
McKenna has released about ten singles including the hits Strawberry Shortcake and Runaway. Most recently she has also performed at both New York and Paris Fashion Weeks. McKenna plans to release another cover in November before the much-anticipated release of her single No Friends on January 1st to kick off 2024.
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