We caught up with Gavin Mac who today released his debut album ‘Make You Feel’.
Congratulations on the release of your debut album, Make You Feel! What inspired the title track, and how does it set the tone for the rest of the album?
Thanks! Make You Feel was actually the last song I wrote for the album, and it kind of sums up the whole vibe of the record. It’s all about reconnecting with those forgotten parts of yourself. The goal was simple: to make people feel something, whether it’s through the lyrics, the melodies, or just the overall mood. The rest of the album follows that same idea, bringing out emotions and memories.
Your music video for Make You Feel has a distinct 1980s theme. What was the vision behind this era-specific setting, and how does it complement the song’s message?
The 80s theme was intended to elicit nostalgia, through the vision alone. The 80s have this timeless quality, and the visual aesthetic just felt right for a song that’s all about remembering and feeling. It complements the song by creating that atmosphere of reminiscing and looking back at the good times, when the lead character was younger, during the 70’s.
The album features a mix of sharp empowerment anthems and poignant love songs. How did you balance these different styles throughout the album?
I like to think of the album as a reflection of life’s ups and downs. One minute you’re feeling empowered and ready to take on the world, and the next you’re caught up in a moment of love or reflection. Balancing those styles came pretty naturally because that’s just how life is. You’ve got Bushfire, which is fiery and intense, and then you’ve got something like How Much Better, which is all about the softer moments with family.
You’ve mentioned that your music draws from influences like John Mayer, Chris Stapleton, and Eric Clapton. How have these artists shaped your sound on this album?
Those guys are masters of storytelling, and that’s something I tried to bring into this album. Clapton’s guitar work, Mayer’s melodic style, and Stapleton’s emotional depth all played a part in shaping the sound. I love how they blend classic influences with modern twists, and I tried to do the same, taking inspiration from the past while making it fresh and personal too.
After a significant break from music, what motivated you to return and create this album now?
Honestly, the pandemic gave me time to reflect and rediscover a lot of the old songs and ideas I’d left behind. It felt like the right time to dive back in and create something that meant a lot to me. Plus, being away from music for so long made me realise how much I missed it, it’s hard to stay away when it’s such a big part of who you are.
How does it feel to have your debut album finally released after such a long journey?
It feels pretty surreal! There were definitely moments when I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get here, but now that it’s out, I’m just excited for people to hear it. It’s been a long time coming, but I think the wait made it all the more rewarding. It’s like finally crossing the finish line after a marathon, exhausting but totally worth it.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you? Do you have plans for new music or projects in the near future?
Oh, for sure. I’ve got a few gigs lined up to promote Make You Feel, and the next album already well in development. I’ve also got some collaborations in mind. The goal is to keep the momentum going and see where the music takes me next.
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