An Interview With the 16 Year-Old British Triple Threat, MACKENZIE SOL!

Meet the 16-year-old British triple-threat and social media star Mackenzie Sol! He recently released his newest single called “Laugh”. Just like Mackenzie’s charismatic personality, the reggae-pop-single is bound to make you smile and brighten your day!

Mackenzie’s entertainment experience spans from London’s legendary West End, to training at The Royal Ballet School, to acting for Nickelodeon and Pupstars 2 (not yet released).

He also has stamps of approval from talent curators: Simon Cowell (as the youngest audition in the history of The X Factor at age 4), & Dance Moms’ Abby Lee Miller and Mackenzie’s management/label team of veterans have worked with global icons like Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake.

Stay Connected to Mackenzie Here:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

Spotify

Learn more about Mackenzie in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! So where does this interview find you today? Is there music playing in the background? If so, what is it?     

I’m talking to you from my home in Sunny Southern California via New Castle, England.  And this morning it’s totally chill-  I’m listening to Boyz ll Men’s “Legacy” album.

How is 2017 treating you so far? Did you approach the start of this year any differently then you did last year?

2017 has been amazing and getting better everyday. The huge difference walking into 2017 was that I knew I had the support of an amazing team having just signed to a new label, The Hana Road Music Group. I’m now working with a management team and a label that have worked with incredible artists like Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Will Smith, R Kelly, Britney Spears and more. This is so exciting having people with such great experience and knowledge in the industry that believe in me.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your first musical memory? Could you see yourself doing anything else today?

100% – This is my dream and I could not see myself doing anything else.. I really believe this is what I was meant to do. I have a million musical memories. From getting my first drum kit at the age of  2, to being on stage singing “My Girl” by The Temptations – again at only 2 years old. My parents told me that I made everything into a microphone from my forks and knives to my toothbrush. I have early memories of doing everything to a melody in my head – like walking in time to beats. When I would play soccer, I use to try and run and kick the ball to a beat in my head. Actually, I still do!

Then of course doing the X Factor UK when I was 4 in front of Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne. That was a huge childhood memory.  From a very young age I loved listening to music and picking out harmonies. Both of my parents were in Motown bands, and sometimes I’d sit in on their rehearsals and teach band members (professional singers) harmonies.

I’d love to know what has been the coolest part about this whole musical ride that you have been on so far?

I’m very excited about my new single “Laugh” and making the fan-sourced video –  that was amazing. We held an event at Awesomeness TV where we invited fans to come along and film the video with me. It was so cool to meet everyone, and I got to direct which was amazing. One of my loves is film-making and editing, so to get to be a part of that process was great. 

Another cool thing I had the chance to do was sing along side Josh Groban, Jennifer Hudson and Babyface for the Carousel of Hope, which is a charity for children with diabetes. I received a standing ovation – I looked out and saw Rod Stewart applauding – I couldn’t believe it!

Let’s talk about your newest single, “Laugh.” How exactly did this song come together?  

Myself and my team were in a listening session. We’d listened to lots of tracks then “Laugh” was played, and I fell in love with it straight away. I totally loved the lyrics, it describes my personality and I believe it gives off a great message to not take life too seriously. Every person at some point will have a bad day, and this song is to tell you to laugh it off.

How did your channel with Awesomeness TV get started? What is your favorite video that you have put out? What videos are you currently working on?

I partnered with ATV a while ago-  their team is amazing, and since I also act, we thought it seemed a great fit as they work with their own streaming shows. My favorite video is my last single “ My Name”. We had so much fun shooting. Kalani Hiliker from the show “Dance Moms “ was my love interest, and she’s a friend so it was lots of fun shooting with her. Oh, and Kalani and I were dancing – I love to dance!

Do you remember being on The X Factor when you were 4 years old? Why did your parents decide to put you on the show?    

My actually parents didn’t put me in. My mum and her band were auditioning and she couldn’t get a babysitter, so she had to drag me along. There were cameras everywhere and I followed the production team around, trying to sing in front of them all. Eventually, the producers asked my mum if I could go in and audition. It was a four year old singer’s dream!  I went in by myself and in front of the cameras performed for Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne – I genuinely thought I’d won!! Ha! 

What artists have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

Oh this is a tough one as there are so many. I was brought up on soul and Motown, so my first inspirations were the likes of George Benson, Luther Vandross, Sam Cook (no one can hold a melody like Sam Cook!), and my favorite all-time artist is Stevie Wonder. My favorite bands were the Four Tops and the Temptations. I loved all the Motown music and then I fell in love with Michael Jackson – his stage presence was incredible. As I got older, I started listening to pop and really liked Justin Bieber. I also saw myself on stage, performing like Justin. I’d love to work with a million people – so many talented artists out there, but I think right now I’d have to say James Arthur and Bruno Mars.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music? What do you hope is the message of your songs?   

The message in my new single is that sometimes you just have to take a moment and not take life too seriously. I want my music to serve as a positive message to my fans. So many people, especially teens, take things to heart and let it affect them. I hope to spread positivity and happiness through my music.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

The video for “Laugh “ will be released soon, and it’s going to be awesome! It’s a fan-sourced video,  and I hope everyone will love it.  I have some really exciting things coming up-  I’m continuing to write and I will be collaborating and working with some amazing writers and producers.  I look forward to sharing my music with my fans and seeing everyone this year as I tour for the US for the first time!