Bridge: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us!
Can you you give a brief description of who you are and where your from?
I go by the stage name 1 Shot Mac and I’m an R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer. I grew up in Toledo,Ohio but I’m currently based out of Southern Michigan.
Bridge: What first got you into music?
It’s tough to say, because I always felt that it was a part of me. Music sort of came natural to me at an early age. I remember singing popular songs on the radio and trying to recreate the melodies on my dads keyboard to impress my friends.
Bridge: Who inspired you to become a musician?
That’s an easy one. There are two main people. Usher and Sammie. They were dominating the R&B space at the time. There are others, but those are definitely my top 2.
Bridge: Do you play any instruments? If so which is your favorite?
Yes, I play the guitar,keyboard,trumpet,sax and drums. Drums are my favorite. It was actually the first instrument I learned to play.
Bridge: Where do you believe your singing ability came from?
I guess it just came natural. One day someone heard me singing and told me I had a gift and just kind of honed in on it. There are a few singers in my family. It could be in my genes.
Bridge: Did you go to school to learn to play?
No, I’m self-taught. I did learn music theory a few times. When I went to Full Sail University for my BS in Audio Production, we were taught music theory and made compositions for class playing keyboards, but that was the most formal training I’ve ever had.
Bridge: What is your creative process like?
When it comes to song creation, I typically start out by making the beat. I start with the chords, then move on to the melody where I start brainstorming what I want the hook to be. Then I start adding the drums and percussion. Once I come up with the skeleton of the song, I sit back and listen to it and vibe out till I feel inspired to write. From there I create a chorus that supports a theme, then write my verses.
Bridge: Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Jacob Latimore. I love his work.
Bridge: What is your most recent big accomplishments in terms of your music career?
Becoming a charting artist on my first release! I recently signed a distribution deal with ILL Ruckus Entertainment as the labels first R&B artist We worked on marketing strategies for the release. Shortly after, my new single “I’m Home” dropped, it landed on #28 on the R&B/Soul Top 40 iTunes charts! I charted the top charts for 3 days, It was exciting! They loved it!
Bridge: Wow! Do you have any upcoming shows?
That’s to be determined. I had budgeted to do a few during the summer but other opportunities came up. So, there’s a possibility, but it’s not set in stone.
Bridge: If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Tone Stith. He is very talented and it would be an honor.
Bridge: How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?
I feel like the internet helped many independent artist with great music get discovered without a major label. We now have ways through digital distribution to release our music and collect royalties. It sort of leveled the playing field a bit. As for the major labels, I think they might be suffering from a major revenue loss because of it. The internet opened the eyes of many musicians. You can obtain a wealth of information about the music business and how it works through researching.
Bridge: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
The crediting process. I would like the whole industry to have 1 streamlined and accurate crediting standard where everyone is recognized for their roles and positions. Along with that, have all the digital service providers showcase those credits in a section on their platforms.
Bridge: What’s next for you?
I’m planning on hitting the airwaves with my single “I’m home” on some pretty big radio shows.
Bridge: Anything else our readers should know?
Yes, If y’all get a chance check out my newest single “I’m Home” on all major streaming platforms. Also, I would like to give a shout out to my label manager Christopher Gaines of ILL Ruckus Entertainment and Ms.Tiffany Gaines of SS Global Entertainment.
