Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Brian Mackey
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Singing in the bathtub the natural reverb was inspiring . Playing piano with my Grandma she would smoke a cigarette while playing and when she put it down the ashtray I would take a drag.. She was not pleased!
How did your passion for creating music begin?
From listening to the radio and trying to sound like whoever I was into at that moment.After some time I wanted to sound like me. Not leaning to hard on influences helped me develop what was actually my voice.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Reply The current release is Wasn’t I Good
It’s a song of asking someone if they remember the roots that grew the relationship before it all went to a place of mistrust and hurt. It’s asking for forgiveness and hoping to move on together in someway if that’s even possible. It’s admitting I was a horrible person.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Warm. As cold as it might be lyrically in some songs I’ve always been a fan of contrast and
giving a blanket of nice tones vs emotional lyrics. Makes things interesting I believe.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Try anything. If you let yourself be removed from Ego and your past work you’re not anchored to making the same long song .
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
A piano, guitar, I’m using Logic on my end. Protools on the engineer side which most times is worked remotely. A midi controller and a host of sounds. Lots of organic hidden noises and sounds I introduce into songs for texture.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right
I’ve been digging Gregory Alan Isakov
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
This is paramount. Letting out what I’ve felt or seen or noticed. Inspiration in every loss, heartbreak and gain . Rebuilding has always ignited new material whether I liked it or not
It’s going to come .
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Each song is a moment from my life and if they can relate is some way even a small way that’s the hugest honor I could be given really .
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
You have to not be lazy. Lazy is the enemy.
It’s ok to take a perspective break just don’t use it as a non productive pillow of complacency.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Madison Square Garden
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Billy Joel . He’s just a real person that makes unreal music and love his way .
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?(Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Brianmackeymusic.com Brian Mackey Spotify
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brianmackeymusic?igsh=ZzloN3Y0Z2Ryd2o0&utm_source=qr
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
More touring ! Have a EU UK tour in March 2026 coming up and will get more so that’s really cool.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I’m a flawed person. Perfect is boring . I love the way music makes me feel I hope that feel the same about what I’m creating.
