Mack Davis, Toronto-based songstress, is finally letting go of her first single titled “Issues” and she has a story to tell. Her soulful vocals and song writing are obviously polished as she uses every word to power her melodic approach. Mack Davis’s story is as intriguing as her music. Along with the song you get to see her first visuals that paint a vivid picture of the city at night. “Issues” sets the tone perfectly for her upcoming project 6°. Mack Davis sits down with us to speak on what it means to be a girl in 2015.
The Source: What’s the story behind Mack Davis?
Mack Davis: In highschool my friends started calling me Tasha Mack when the show “The Game” was popular. “Mack” caught on and it just stuck. I don’t think I’m a player but I’m always mackin’, so-to-speak. I don’t hold back, I play the game.
How long have you been making music for?
I always loved to sing and make up songs, but it wasn’t until I left highschool that I really got behind the mic seriously. I started recording music as part of a female crew called Blck Coffee, and we would perform at various venues in Toronto. That was about two years ago.
Is this something you always wanted to do?
I was in University without really knowing what I was doing and I wasn’t happy. I decided I couldn’t live that way anymore, I needed to pursue what I love. My music started as a very private thing, but then I realized I had all these crazy ideas that I didn’t want to keep to myself anymore. It’s vulnerable sharing your personal work.
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What is the story behind your single “Issues”?
“Issues” describes my experience on the scene. The Toronto party scene and music scene intertwine on so many levels. There are a lot of politics involved. There’s so many surface judgements that acquaintances will make about you. I’m a pretty introverted individual, so putting myself out there hasn’t always been easy. Not to mention the handfuls of shady people that I have encountered along the way. People have wasted my time and money, and “borrowed” my ideas throughout this process.
Tell us about 6° (Pronounced Six Degrees).
6° is my first project. It takes on different meanings. There’s the temperature aspect; I want the words you’ll hear to bring you chills like when you step outside in six degree weather without a coat on. I tried to be as raw as possible, it’s cold. I think a lot of people in Toronto especially are gonna be able to relate to that. You’re gonna hear crazy sounds and crazy moods.
What does it mean to be a girl in 2015?
Girls can be whatever we want to be and I think it’s our time to recognize this. We have all these girls on TV and Instagram being praised solely for their looks and booty. I’m not opposed to showing off female beauty, but there’s so much more than that. I interact with so many boss-ass women on a regular basis, of all shapes, sizes and colours who take charge of their business and take risks. These girls are in control of their life and they’re not afraid to speak up, even if it makes them seem less “lady-like”. To me, that’s real beauty and empowerment.
Do you feel your music speaks for a lot of today’s younger girls whether it’s Toronto or anywhere else?
Absolutely. I’m all about girl power. We are bombarded with sexist and contradictory messages everyday. I want to address certain double standards and encourage young girls to speak their minds. Girls are constantly told how to look and dress and I think it causes many of us to feel insecure at times. There’s so much pressure to look hot and then there’s so much shaming girls for being “hoes”.
Ultimatley what is that youd like to achieve in your career?
Success, really. I want to be able to experiment and learn as much as possible. Money and fame are intriguing, but I care more about sustainability. I want to be respected for my creativity and the message I’m sending out. I’d love to be able to song write for other artists that I respect as well.
5 goals in 2015:
Release my first project.
Do some epic collaborations.
Travel and tour outside of Toronto
I want my name to be recognized. I don’t want to have to introduce myself to the same person twice.
Quit or at least cut back on my day job.
Watch Mack Davis’ video “Issues” below.
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