FEATURED ARTIST *Mac Summer* - Transformation - SINGLE REVIEW + INTERVIEW

---

FEATURED ARTIST

Mac Summer

Auckland, New Zealand

---

BACKGROUND

---

The Auckland based EDM veteran returns with a heart-pounding anthem. Towing the lines between liquid drum & bass, jungle, and darkwave, Mac Summer has built up an impressive catalog of genre bending electronic music. His latest track is one of his most impressive to date, displaying his mastery of tension and release while providing a soundtrack fitting our chaotic times. ‘Transformation’ blends minimalist piano with relentless rhythms, providing a perfect backdrop for an anxiety ridden male/female duet. Its memorable hook is as powerful as it is simple: “Nothing makes sense anymore.” These feelings of confusion and doubt are perfectly articulated by Mac’s intricate production, making it a must hear for any underground electronic music fan.

---

REVIEW

---

Blurring the lines of liquid DNB, jungle, and darkwave, Mac Summer has built up a spectacular catalog of genre bending electronic music. His latest track is one of his most amazing to date, displaying his mastery of tension and release while providing a soundtrack fitting our chaotic times. This track is called - ‘Transformation’. Opening with a ping pong delayed piano synth before futuristic synths make an impact I was so excited to hear how this track would develop! A DNB beat swept me up into the mix with full force. Heavy 808s, a heavy metal feel swoops in to uplift the track even more! Female and Male vocals join forces to bring a vocal symphony of EDM wonder. The female vocals are reminiscent of heavy metal whereas the male vocals are almost country! The male vocals remind me of 'Hey Brother' by Avicii and Aloe Blacc but with a DNB speed about it. The lyrics talk of struggle, trying to make sense of life and present classic existential contemplation. There are so many influences in this track that bend genres without losing the classic EDM structure. Hints of Arabian string playing mix effortlessly in and out of this production to add something spicy. There are also hints of House influence found in parts of the melodic synths. The track suddenly strips right back down to almost nothing as the sound of water fades us out. This producer has created something extremely experimental and unique without sounding out of place. I'll definitely be keeping an eye and an ear out for what this producer creates next and you should too! I don't have any constructive criticism for this producer at all. He's blown me away. Click the link below! I would recommend this track for fans of Liquid DNB and deep lyrical content for a full blown explosive experience. I had the pleasure in discussing the genius behind this masterpiece so make sure you read the interview below!

STREAM HERE

---

INTERVIEW

---

Credit - Lisa Morrison

What would be your ultimate achievement for your latest single? Is there a particular vision that you had when putting the song together?

I wanted a song that embraces all the changes going on in the World. The track needed to give people a chance to think about how world changes affect them personally. The song will mean different things for people, perhaps in an enlightenment way.

If you could define music in one short sentence (no cheating) what would you say?

Humanities main source of healing.

When did you first realise that you had the potential to be an artist?

10 years ago, I was recording in an LA studio with my hero Bruce Swedien (Micheal Jackson etc) when I realised that I needed to be on the other side of the glass. That is, not the engineer/producer but the artist. From that point on, I focussed on writing music for myself rather than spend countless hours working on other peoples music. This was the real turning point for me that I’ll never forget, thanks to the late Bruce Swedien.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Swedien

How would you define your sound?

Ultimately the music is to help heal and repair peoples DNA through it’s vibration. By using a combination of dark cinematic atmospheres, soaring melodies, catchy hooks together with well crafted drums and cool bass lines creates an unforgettable experience, especially in a ‘live’ setting.

Cubase, Protools, or neither?

Over the years I’ve used Protools and Cubase, but for high energy dance music I switched to Ableton.

This might be a tricky one but Studio vs Live - Which do you prefer and why?

I way prefer ‘live’ because that's where the audience will really benefit from the musics intentions. The energy filling the room from fans is almost like a drug and helps in the writing studio environment.

How do you collaborate with vocalists and other artists?

With apps such as Sessionwire and Listen To the world has become a lot smaller! I prefer to colab using Sessionwire because its like being in the same studio. With session musicians it’s simply a matter of booking them into a recording session, connecting the Sessionwire App, then hitting record! This new technology means we can now work with the best person for the job anywhere in the universe.

If you had the opportunity to work with one of your favourite musical artists, who would you most like to collaborate with and why?

I’d love to work on a track with Netsky as I love his liquid drum & bass style that he infuses into his music.

What are your future plans?

Right now I’m booking dates for a New Zealand tour beginning in June. This will take the live show on the road up to New Years Eve. In between performing I’m working on my 4th single. Its always a juggling act between performing live and being creative in the studio.

What can we look forward to for the rest of 2022?

I’m hoping that I’lll have two new songs out before the end of the year. Both will be quite different to what’s already been released. One of the tracks that features MC Wasp who performed on ‘Hand in Our Till’s is in the final production phase, so it may come out in December.

Where can we find the track? Links to socials and distribution handles

https://open.spotify.com/album/6XTO3ycqOZesTr3AY6a4Op?si=TI4ZZxdWQa-xqfKUZpD0pQ

https://linktr.ee/macsummer

https://macsummermusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MacSummerMusic

https://www.instagram.com/macsummermusic/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5lf3ImSYbSM7mCbu8jkg-g

https://music.macsummermusic.com/transformation-all-stream

---