McKay, the genre-bending artist whose sound is as diverse as his influences, is making waves with his latest single, “Breathe.” The song is an intimate reflection of regret, vulnerability, and redemption, drawn from deeply personal experiences. In an exclusive interview, McKay shares the story behind the track, his creative process, and how his musical journey continues to evolve.
The inspiration for “Breathe” came from a moment of deep self-reflection. After hurting someone close to him, McKay channeled his emotions into the track. “The song is an apology, but it’s more than that,” McKay explains. “It’s me being vulnerable and admitting where I went wrong. I wanted the track to capture the emotions of regret, guilt, and the desire for redemption.”
This vulnerability is a hallmark of McKay’s artistry, shaped by years of self-expression through music. From a young age, McKay found solace in the melodies of Nigerian greats like Davido, Wizkid, and D’banj, whose raw emotions and storytelling deeply influenced him. These artists inspired McKay’s own approach to music, driving him to create tracks that connect on a real, emotional level.
McKay’s creative process is fluid and intuitive. He begins with a feeling or experience that’s weighing on him and lets that emotion guide the rest. “Whether it starts with a melody, a lyric, or even just a single word, it always comes from something that I need to express,” he says. This organic approach allows McKay to dive into complex emotions and create music that resonates with listeners on a deep level.
One pivotal moment in McKay’s career was when he bought his first video camera. “I don’t box myself in as just an artist. I’m a full creative, and that includes writing my own scripts and directing my own music videos,” McKay shares. That investment allowed him to take full control of his creative vision, further shaping his artistic identity. Today, McKay is a multi-dimensional artist who blends his experiences with a passion for storytelling, using both audio and visual mediums to express himself.
When asked about his current artistic identity, McKay describes it as “honest and evolving.” He’s committed to staying true to himself, even as he continues to experiment with new sounds and genres. “I’ve grown a lot, both personally and musically. Right now, I’m focused on being as real as possible. I want my listeners to feel the raw emotions I’m putting out there.”
McKay’s honesty shines through in “Breath,” which explores themes of regret, guilt, and redemption. He hopes the track will inspire others to take responsibility for their mistakes and seek forgiveness. “Healing and forgiveness, while difficult, are possible if you’re willing to put in the work,” McKay says. “The song is about growth and redemption, and I hope it inspires others to confront their own mistakes.”
As McKay looks to the future, his focus remains on growth. He’s excited about releasing more music, experimenting with new sounds, and reconnecting with his audience after a break. “I’ve got some new tracks in the works that dive into different aspects of my life and experiences,” he shares. He’s also looking forward to collaborating with other artists and exploring new genres, with the ultimate goal of bringing his music to international stages.
For McKay, the journey is just beginning. His evolution as an artist is fueled by a commitment to authenticity, and he’s eager to see where his music will take him next.
