[Premiere] Pop Crooner Mackenzie Thoms Releases New Single “Shout”
I’d hate to be that person that constantly tells you how hot some pop soul singer is because that’s definitely not the only reason why you should listen to Mackenzie Thoms. Though, yes, it IS one of them… but it is just ONE of them.
If you’ve missed good pop R&B since 1994 like I have, then let us rejoice that Mackenzie is releasing a new single this week called “Shout.” The follow up to his last sexy hit, “Do Me All Again,” I’m sure you can sense the theme here. Mackenzie himself says that his songs may share similar themes in that they are both about “physical touch,” but the connection I’m making is that his music will make good for that sexy soundtrack you need when your guy is over and you feel like more than spooning.
With a smooth, confidently sexy vocal atop a steady synth-peppered beat, Mackenzie brings the heat with “Shout” in which he sings “Don’t speak, it’s better when you let your body preach.” And I’m sure plenty of us would be fine with this demand when coming from him.
Check out the new single, “Shout,” and then read about how Mackenzie used to sing John Legend songs to the ladies below in our Q&A!
First of all, we need the origin story — where did you come from? How did you realize you could make music?
I’m from Edmonds, Washington just 20 minutes outside of Seattle. Randomly, I first realized I could sing when I was listening to Blackstreet “No Diggity” when I was in the 9th grade. From then on, I knew I wanted to make music for the rest of my life.
What are some of your influences? If you were to describe your sound, like Cyndi Lauper meets Guitar metal, what would it be? If you were to tell someone about your music that hasn’t heard it — how would you want it described?
I had all kinds of influences growing up from R&B, classic rock, country to soul. I’d want my music described as Pop/Soul with a new twist. If I had to choose specific influences for this song it would be Prince meets Empire of the Sun.
If SHOUT were on a movie soundtrack, set to a specific scene maybe, what would it be and why?
Off the top of my head I would say Top Gun. When they start out hot and heavy on the motorcycle just as the sun is setting. I feel like if “Shout” was playing it would make it feel provocative in a cool way.
What is SHOUT about? Is about anyone specifically?
Shout is about the idea of being comfortable with someone, being able to express yourself freely with them. You don’t always have to be so uptight when it comes to love, it’s about not holding anything back.
I’m noticing there’s a theme with SHOUT and DO ME ALL AGAIN – at least lyrically. Lots of poetic sexualness happening here – tell us about that.
I would say both songs have different layers to them. It just so happens that the consistent theme is based on physical touch. You can write a sexual song without it being explicit. Songs like these can have a meaning behind them, but it’s also easy to forget that because we’re so desensitized.
Do you believe that every song is about something? Or do you think songwriters just write what sounds cool?
I believe writing songs are a combination of the two. With my music I always try to use something I’ve personally been through to write about. I always want to be as honest as possible.
If you could play an acoustic show like MTV unplugged, what songs would you cover?
John Legend (All of me) Michael Jackson (PYT) Drake (Hotline Bling) One Republic (Kids)
Do you think it’s easier to be an artist in the day and age of digital music and Spotify? Do you think it’s harder to connect with people in terms of getting the music out there?
I think it’s easier if you’re the type of artist that stays consistent with all aspects of social media. We live in a world of instant consumption; people are always wanting more content but are quick to move on to the next thing. For me, I’m still learning how to be happy with a final product and not tweak or change it further. I do think it’s extremely convenient as a fan to discover new artists because of the whole streaming game and seeing how important playlists can be to that discovery. You can actually have a direct voice to your fans now and don’t have to wait for a label to get on board before getting more music to them.
What kind of fans are you hoping to connect with this single?
People who aren’t afraid to take a chance to press play. I wanted to show a different side of me creatively, so that’s what (producer and co-writer) Cameron Jaymes and I did. I just hope they can listen and relate to it in some way in their everyday lives.
Have you ever done anything using your musical abilities to convince a girl to go out with you? Give us an example. 😉
I may or may not have charmed a girl by singing a John Legend song on the guitar to her back in the day…
When can we expect to hear a full album from you?
I’ll be releasing a couple more singles, then come spring time you can expect an EP, as well as some cool collaborations in the next few months.
What’s next for you? Is there an upcoming tour?
I’ll be starting live performances in the next couple months!
Where can we find out more about you? Social media links?
Instagram: @mackenziethoms
Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/mackenziethoms
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mackenziethoms
