ArtistRack has the pleasure of catching up with the talented ‘McKenna Camille’ for this exclusive interview and insight into her latest release ‘Vacation Flirtation’
McKenna Camille has always loved performing, but it wasn’t until high school that her journey as an artist really began. Struggling with anxiety, OCD, and depression at such a young age, McKenna now uses those painful times as a catalyst for her music career turning those experiences into powerful songs such as her hit Bad One which discusses anxiety and bullying. The carefree, fun side of this up-and-coming young artist can be heard in her summer hit Strawberry Shortcake. Not just a singer/songwriter, McKenna is studying acting at the prestigious Tisch School of Dramatic Arts at NYU and is well on her way to a successful career. Growing up on a lake, McKenna is an expert in all water sports and was a member of the show/trick water skiing team, Portland Spectacular. When not working, writing music, or volunteering she enjoys playing golf, tennis, and spending time on the water or in nature.
Where are you from?
I am from Oregon.
How long have you been making music?
I have been making music since around junior year of high school officially, but I’ve been playing piano and singing for much longer.
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
I’ve released three songs and one remix
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
My last release “Vacation Flirtation” was inspired by the family spring break vacations to Palm Springs. Lyrically, it is inspired by the “devil’s advocate” idea.
How have you ended up in the music industry?
I wanted to be Hannah Montana when I first watched the show and it just kind of stuck and landed me here.
What do you think of the music industry in 2022?
I love being in this industry, I am so lucky to be a part of it surrounded by so many creative wonderful people, but I do think there is a lot of pressure on artists to go viral these days and I wish it was more focused on the actual music.
Who do you think the most influential artist?
I think the most influential artist changes very frequently as trends go by but overall, I would have to say Elton John.
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
I’ve collaborated with my friend Blessed Integrity on a remix of my debut single “Bad One”.
How do you think you differ from other artists?
My biggest influence is 70s music and that really shows the more music I release which is what makes me different from a lot of other artists.
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
Elton John, Miley Cyrus, Blu DeTiger, or Wallows
What was the first album you bought?
The first album I ever bought was Hannah Montana
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
My favorite song at the moment is “Only You” by Eddie Benjamin and Alessia Cara or “Van Gogh” by Aminé.
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
If I had to sell my music collection tomorrow, I couldn’t part with the Hannah Montana album since that started my passion for music.
What is your favourite saying?
My favorite saying is “Try saying yes!”
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
I do a lot of water skiing in my free time, I’m on a show ski team as well. I also try to go on many outdoor adventures and try new things often.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
I have zero tattoos and zero piercings because I am horribly terrified of needles.
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
I have my first EP coming out in august and I’m so excited. The songs fit together as a little timeline of a time in my life and its super fun.
What’s in the pipeline after this project?
After this I have my second ep coming out which is even better
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.
Thank you for interviewing me!
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