Mackenzie Maughan stops by THEAUSSIEWORD.COM.

How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?

I’ve been singing since I was 4, and by the time I was 7, I was already writing my own songs. My parents recognized my talent early on and enrolled me in singing lessons with the amazing Amanda Colliver, a vocal coach who has worked with Australian stars like Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman.

At 12, I was fortunate enough to perform in Annie the Musical alongside the West End cast at the Marina Bay Sands Theatres in Singapore. This experience was a game-changer for me and deepened my love for musical theatre, which ultimately propelled me towards pursuing my passion for songwriting, and sharing relatable music.

What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?

I’ve always believed that music is a universal language with the incredible power to connect people. What motivates me to write great music is the opportunity to create something that resonates with others, helping them feel seen and heard. I truly believe that music is the closest thing we have to magic—it can heal, inspire, and capture a wide range of emotions in a single lyric.

What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?

One of my biggest dreams is to go on tour and perform for international audiences. I was born in London, spent six years in Tokyo, and lived in Singapore for 13 years, so it would be surreal to go back to these places that I once called home and share my music there.

What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?

I recently had the opportunity to perform at an exciting Ralph Lauren event, and am looking forward to welcoming 2025 at h2o’s NYE party in Melbourne, right in front of the city’s famous fireworks! There are also some amazing gigs on the horizon, including performances at the Australian Open, and an exciting launch party to celebrate the release of my single KISS & TELL. There’s definitely a lot to look forward to!

Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?

I would describe my music as a fusion of emotive ballads and high-energy pop. I love exploring both styles and don’t like to limit myself or my creativity—there’s so much freedom in blending different sounds and pushing boundaries. The exploration of these genres is apparent in my two latest releases Haunted and KISS & TELL.

KISS & TELL started as a soft acoustic ballad, which is where I feel most comfortable, so transforming this into a more energetic pop-rock anthem was a huge leap out of my comfort zone. However, I have absolutely loved how KISS & TELL has evolved, and I hope everyone streaming is enjoying it as well.

KISS & TELL is an electrifyingly catchy track that I think all of us can relate to. In KISS & TELL I use my own experience to call out all the insufferable exes of the world that make the process of moving on seem a lot harder than it needs to be.

My hope is that KISS & TELL can be an outlet for people to channel those feelings of heartache, frustration, and even empowerment. My message to listeners is simple: YELL KISS & TELL!

Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?

I’m always looking for new experiences to draw from— whether that’s booking a solo holiday, taking a road trip with friends or going on a spontaneous date. I feel that the more you open yourself up to the world the more there is to write about it.

I also find a lot of inspiration in poetry, especially in the early stages of songwriting. It helps me shape ideas in creative and symbolic ways. I also find when I’m working on melodies that experimenting with Type Beats on YouTube is a great way to spark new ideas for the vibe and overall sound I’m going for.

Success, what is the secret to it?

For me, success is about fulfillment. It’s about being proud of the work you create and knowing it comes from a place of authenticity and passion. The secret lies in hard work, resilience, and a deep love for what you do. There will always be setbacks, but perseverance is key. As long as you continue learning, growing, and staying true to your vision, success will follow.

I’ve also learned the importance of collaboration and mentorship. Success isn’t achieved alone; it’s about building a community and staying open to new opportunities whilst also creating your own. Ultimately, success is about dreaming big and believing you can get there!

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Winning the Top Vocalist and Top Performer awards at a talent showcase in the US was definitely one of my proudest moments. It was such a rewarding experience to be recognized out of thousands of talented artists in front of my family and friends who have always been my biggest supporters. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their encouragement to follow my dreams.

Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?

Tate McRae was a huge influence on me growing up. I used to watch her Create with Tate videos on YouTube, which inspired me to start my own channel and share my music. Adele is another artist I deeply admire. Her voice is incredibly powerful, and her ability to craft emotionally moving lyrics is something I aspire towards.

Are there any new projects in the pipeline?

Yes! I’m releasing a stripped-back version of KISS & TELL soon. Since the song started as an acoustic ballad, I wanted to return the song to its raw roots and give my audience a chance to experience the lyrics in a more intimate way.

I also have three original songs that I am currently working on and will be releasing next year which I am extremely excited for!

The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself in a few years?

In the future, I see myself as an artist who embraces change while staying true to my creative vision. I want to keep evolving, experimenting with new sounds, and pushing myself to explore different styles. The music industry will keep evolving, and I want to grow with it.

What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?

The joy and fulfillment I get from writing music, performing gigs and recording original songs is unmatched. I truly believe that this is what I was made to do, as there is nothing that makes me happier than singing and sharing my voice and creativity with the world!

My least favourite part about this line of work is the uncertainty that it can sometimes bring. It’s often hard to throw everything into music as the industry can be unpredictable and inconsistent at times.

Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.

Growing up, I was always surrounded by my mum’s love for Kylie Minogue—tracks like Spinning Around and On a Night Like This were on repeat. Seeing her comeback with Padam Padam was so exciting! I also admire artists like Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy, Ricky Lee, and Guy Sebastian. I remember being obsessed with Guy’s Battle Scars—it’s a song I’ve listened to countless times.

The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?

The music industry has definitely changed a lot, especially with the rise of social media and streaming platforms. I love how these changes have made it easier for independent artists like myself to share music with a global audience. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify have given me the freedom to promote my records directly to my fans, without relying solely on traditional media or label support.

However, there’s also a flip side to this. The sheer volume of content out there means that standing out can be a challenge. It’s no longer just about making great music; you have to constantly create engaging content, post updates, and stay active on social media to maintain visibility – you really have to become a content creator as well as a creative artist. However, it’s all worth it when you connect with listeners who genuinely love your music and support your journey.

How will you continue appealing to the international market?

Following the release of KISS & TELL, I’ve had some amazing coverage, including features in Beat and Forte magazine in Australia, as well as a write-up in the US-based Pop Passion blog. To keep reaching both Australian and international markets, I’ll continue to embrace platforms like Spotify, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. These tools have been essential for connecting with my audience.

Do you like to collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?

I absolutely love collaborating with other musicians and creatives. Without collaborating with my producers for KISS & TELL I would have never felt confident to step out of my comfort zone of writing emotive ballads and turn KISS & TELL into the electrifying pop-rock anthem that it came to be!

As for dream collaborations, it’s very aspirational, but it would be a huge honour to work with Taylor Swift. Her songwriting is extraordinary—she has this incredible ability to tell a story through her music, and I admire the way she crafts timeless songs. It would be a dream to learn from her and create something special together.

What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?

The best advice I can give is to stop doubting yourself. Don’t worry about what people think—this journey is for you, not for anyone else. Not everyone will like your music, and that’s okay. What matters is that you believe in what you’re doing. And remember, every person who critiques you is just another person paying attention, so keep going!

A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?

I love connecting with my fans on social media and meeting them at my shows. Your support means everything to me!

Any last words?

I just want to send a heartfelt thank you to my friends, family, and fans who have been so incredibly supportive throughout the release of my first pop-rock single. I was definitely nervous putting KISS & TELL out into the world, but the love and encouragement it’s received has been overwhelming. I’m beyond excited to share more music with you all soon and can’t wait to continue this journey together!

Instagram / TikTok: @mackenziemaughan + YouTube: Mackenzie Maughan