Check our exclusive interview with young talented British singer Mackenzie Sol.
We chat about his music influences, his experience at “The X Factor” and the approval of Simon Cowell, his hit song “Laugh” & more.
Hi Mackenzie, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m Mackenzie Sol, I’m 16 years old from the north east of England. I sing, dance, act and play a number of instruments! I started my professional career in musical theatre before moving to LA to pursue my music career
Who is your biggest supporter? And why?
Definitely my mum! She helps with everything. In fact, all of my family is supportive, but me and Mum have gone on every step together.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Funny, hyperactive, friendly
What is your musical background? Who are some of your musical influences?
Both of my parents sing and were in Motown bands. My mum was on stage singing all the way through her pregnancy. Our house consisted of everyone singing, doing harmonies, or making music. My influences in music were George Benson, Sam Cook and bands like the Temptations and Fourtops. And my all-time favorite singer is Stevie Wonder, although as I got older, I started to love Michael Jackson and then Bruno Mars. Also Justin Timberlake as he is a multi-talented guy.
Describe your music in 3 words?
Fun, upbeat, meaningful.
What is your next goal as a musician?
I just want to keep making good music, working hard to improve my skills, and connect with people.
Tell us about your single “Laugh”?
My single “Laugh” has a great summer get-up and dance feel to it. It also has great meaning behind it. Too many people, especially kids my age, take things too seriously, and this song is to try and encourage people that no matter how bad things get, you’ve got to laugh it off!
We love the reggae/pop-inspired style, how did you come up with this particular style?
Thank you glad you like it! Since I was raised on Motown, I love that sound and that it makes you want to dance. But the reggae sound, to me, feels a little similar to Motown- where it still makes you want to dance and smile. That all-around up-beat, and positive feel is something that I really wanted in my music.
Did you write “Laugh”? If not, how did you choose it?
Myself and team were having a listening session, meaning listening to lots of tracks and when we heard this we all agreed instantly that it was perfect. It totally describes my personality as I don’t take life too seriously.
Who are your producers or your label management? How did you meet? What is it like working with them?
I am so blessed to have the team I do behind me. Between them, they have worked with so many amazing artists like, Michael Jackson, Will Smith, R Kelly, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, to name a few haha! They really are so supportive, believe in my talents and that I have something special. And it’s awesome that people with so much experience in the industry encourage and support me.
What was it like auditioning for Simon Cowell for “The X Factor”?
It was great at 4 years old to be in the same room as Simon – I’d love his feedback now!!
You’re acting AND pursuing music. How do you balance them both?
My music career is more my focus, but any auditions I get I still put in all my effort because I love that part of entertainment as well. It can be hard to balance, but if you’re doing things that you love, you make it work!
So now you are “Dance Moms” Abby Lee Miller favorite student? Tell us about that Tweet!
Abby is amazing I met her at the ALDC and she called me a Justin Bieber wanna-be haha! Then she asked me to sing in front of everyone, she probably thought I’d get shy, but not me LOL! I sang and she was impressed and invited me to sing at an event. From there we’ve been very close, and she’s like a second mother. She not only coaches me with dance, but also pulls me up on my manners and encourages me – she’s def my biggest fan, as I am hers!
Best advice anyone’s ever given you?
Work hard!
What are the 3 things you can’t live without?
Phone, phone and phone. LOL
Seriously my phone, my one wheel and my mum
What kind of music do you like?
I listen to every genre, but my 3 favorite songs right now are:
– Bruno Mars –“That’s What I Like” – I love all of his music- he’s amazing and think he brings the old sound back
– DJ Khaled, Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper, Lil Wayne- “I’m The One” – I love how Bieber is experimenting with different sounds
– James Arthur “Say You Won’t Let Go” – James is from the same town as my dad, and worked the pub circuit like my parents. I love his success story and think he has an incredible tone to his voice
Any loves, other then music?
Magic – I’m self taught via YouTube
Soccer – My Team – Sunderland
Any exiting news you want to share with us?
I’m very excited about releasing my single “Laugh”, and even more excited for everyone to see the video! The fact that my fans where involved with the making of the video is amazing and I’m so excited for everyone to see it!
How’s a normal day in your life?
Up at 8am
Run and warm up my voice
Get shouted at by my mum for my room been a mess ha ha
Then this changes daily, but either drive to the studio to record or work on social media and trying to answer messages from everyone who supports me
In the evening, I’m either at dance at the ALDC or at soccer
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Lie in, Do a live stream, Be lazy or surf, Mum makes traditional English dinner of roast beef and Yorkshire puddings then on the nights I play soccer
Do you support any charities?
I have a couple of charities I’m very close with. One is “If u care share” it’s a suicide awareness charity. Unfortunately, I lost my cousin to suicide and still see our family and close friends live through this horrific tragedy to this day.
A second charity close to my heart is Friedreich”s Ataxia, it’s a disease my uncle has, and he’s one of my biggest inspirations. He is an amazing man that has done so much and never lets the fact he’s in a wheelchair stop him.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think social media is incredible because it allows you to connect with people who support you – no matter where in the world they live.
Where we can follow you?
Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube / Spotify / Musical.ly
Quote: Don’t wait for the light at the end of the tunnel, stomp along and turn it on yourself
Book: Family Guy Album
Sports Team: Sunderland
Food: Oreos
Movie: Happy Gilmore
Song: Stevie Wonder “Sign Sealed Delivered”
TV Show: Family Guy
Holiday Destination: Los Angeles
