Autumn Mackenzie Visits Section 36 Music!

Section 36 Music had another visitor! Autumn Mackenzie is ready to release her debut EP this week! I am thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss the EP, and a bit more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Autumn Mackenzie visits Section 36 Music!

I can’t wait for your upcoming EP, “Hi, My Name is Autumn”. What can you tell me about it?

“Hi, My Name is Autumn” is my first release, and it feels like a long time coming. I’m an only child, and when I was little my parents would make me go up to other kids and introduce myself by saying, “Hi, my name is Autumn, do you want to be my friend?” It felt like the perfect title for my introduction to the world. Each song on the EP was written three years apart, at ages 13, 16 and 19, and now I’m 23, and I am so excited to finally get to share them with the world.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

I had the privilege of working with so many fantastic musicians, Soraya Rafat, Jaxon Lane, Matthew “Steady” Ricetti, Matilde Heckler, and Regan Kulig (also known as Gage Kay) during the recording of the EP. What might be the most special part of the recording process though, is that I got to do it all with one of my closest and oldest friends, Kiara Nothhaft. We met at 14 years old, and she’s watched me develop not only as an artist but as a human. I’ll always reflect fondly on laughing in the studio with her and bringing this EP to life together.

The album includes your recent single, “I’ve Dated the Devil”. How does that song fit with the tone of the rest of the EP?

“I’ve Dated the Devil” has always felt like the proper choice to be the first single I released. It’s catchy, witty, and makes listeners say, “did I hear that right?” I love making people laugh or double take. Overall the EP takes great influence from classic country artists like Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard and meets that influence with modern touches of early Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves. “I’ve Dated the Devil” is definitely the most twangy, true to the genre song on the EP, but “Mercy” and “Rabbit Hole” hold onto those influences while incorporating others. I’d not only called this EP my introduction, but a twisted fairytale as well. We start in Hell and end up in Wonderland, and you’ll have to listen to find out how.

Who or what would you consider your biggest musical influences?

Taylor Swift is the reason I started writing songs at 7 years old. As a child my dad was listening to the Eagles and Carole King, and my mom was listening to LeAnn Rimes and The Chicks, so that’s my basis for music. When I was old enough to develop my own taste outside of their influence, I found Kacey Musgraves, and I would say my writing style is most reminiscent of her: honest, creative, and sarcastic at times.

If you could cover any Disney song, which one would you choose? Why?

My favorite Disney song of all time is “I Won’t Say I’m in Love” from Hercules. I’m fairly cynical and like my independence, so when I feel something I fight it until I can’t anymore. It’s also just such a fun song, and I love how the backing vocals create a conversation between her and the muses. It’s a song I could cover with my friends, which is my favorite way to make music.

What are your immediate musical goals?

All my life all I’ve ever wanted was to write music, have someone hear it, and know that I’m here, I feel it too, and neither of us is ever alone. In the immediate future I am performing in three concerts this fall. I hope to keep playing shows and doing interviews as I promote the EP, as a way to meet people who connect with what I’ve experienced. I would love to play a full band show in the next year as well, have physical CDs made of “Hi, My Name is Autumn” and release more music. Keep your eye out for what’s next.

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I'm definitely excited for more music!

As always, I want to thank Autumn for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview. 

I'm sure you’ll all want to follow her and see what she has going on. I would follow her on Instagram and Spotify to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks again, Autumn, and good luck reaching your goals!