25-year-old New Zealander, singer songwriter Connor Mac, released his second single ‘See Through’ on 19th October via Moretone Music. This follows his critically acclaimed debut single ‘Purpose’ released in July. He has now had over two million streams to date and counting. ‘See Through’ was written, recorded and produced by Connor in his home studio in Switzerland (where he has lived since the age of 17). The single is an emotive anthem that compels the listener to take confidence in themselves. The track was mastered in Australia by Grammy award winner Joe Carra (Courtney Barnett/ The Teskey Brothers /King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard).
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Connor Mac, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hey Kamil! Thank you so much for having me. My dad was my primary influence for getting into music. I spent my childhood surrounded by music as my dad was lead singer in various bands… mainly performing funk and soul. I was learning my first instrument by 5 years old and was singing and playing in a rock band for the first time a couple of years after.
How do you balance your time in the studio with other commitments such as a part-time job, family, admin?
I am full time performing musician so it certainly can be tough to find a balance between being creative and work. Between the months of December and April I’m often playing up to 9 events a week which more or less leaves me with no time and little energy to be in the studio. My prime creative time is in May, September, October, and November when I have less work. This time is sacred to me because there’s nothing more I love than being in the studio!
Your latest song is 'See Through'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
Admittedly the bulk of the recording of See Through, including lead vocals, was done almost 4 years ago. I remember the instrumental session coming together so quickly and the production felt effortless. It was unusual coming back to it earlier this year and ‘freshening’ it up to a higher standard sonically though. To help achieve a richer sound I had strings recorded at Roundhead Studios in Auckland NZ, drums recorded by Brody Simpson remotely from Australia, and bass recorded by Nick Taylor in NZ. Aside from these added elements the song was unchanged from its original recording!
What is one message you would give to your fans?
I have an album coming out in August 2023. I will have three more singles released in the build up to the release!
What would you be doing right now if it wasn’t for your music career?
I was meant to start studying Law & Commerce at Victoria University in Wellington NZ in February of 2014. I decided to defer a year because I was enjoying my time in Switzerland so much. I then deferred the following year… I realised music was my true passion and I am really glad I stuck at it. 8 years later and it certainly is strange to think I could’ve been a lawyer now instead!
How do you know when a work is finished?
I’d like to say I’m good at wrapping up projects but I’m a perfectionist by nature and because of that I really struggle to call a song DONE. It is getting easier though. I’m starting to realise simplicity in a song, rather than excessive layering, is the way forward!
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
Earlier this year in June I returned to Europe after a month in New Zealand and had to head straight to Italy to perform in Lake Como for a private event. I had been very ill the whole time I was in NZ and eventually was diagnosed with Pneumonia. I wasn’t able to sing really for the whole period and was paranoid coming straight into a relatively high pressure performance. I warmed up for a couple of days and rehearsed the set inside out and to my surprise I delivered probably the best vocal performance of my career so far. I guess the forced vocal rest while I was ill did some good!
Do you have a mentor or coach?
Not in particular but I certainly would not be opposed to getting a life coach some day!
Who is your favourite musician?
This is a really hard one to narrow down, but John Mayer is the first person to come to mind. His Live in LA show changed my life!
What are your plans for the future?
Aside from the Album in August 2023, with some singles leading up to it, I will playing a couple off shows in Sydney and Auckland in March 2023… I will be announcing some shows for Europe next year as well!