BY ALISON PARIS
Australian cellist Kathryn McKee embraces the intersection of art music and popular styles in her originals project K Mak.
Drawing on diverse influences from Kanye West to Elena Kats-Chernin – yes, that diverse – Kathryn creates colourful and imaginative works that attract an equally diverse audience.
Before you enjoy our premiere of the music video for K Mak’s new single Play With Me, take a look at our interview about her influences and aesthetics.
Read the interview, then watch the official video premiere.
First of all, tell us a bit about yourself and the inspiration behind your originals project K Mak.
I’m a cello player: one who loves music that moves me, regardless of genre. I feel lucky my career keeps involving classical, opera, contemporary, folk, jazz, pop, and alternative playing. The universe has planned it much better than I could have!
As a cellist-turned-original artist, what made you choose to pursue this path – combining your classical training with electro-pop styles – as opposed to a more traditional route?
When I did some post-grad study to sharpen my cello skills, I got right into the elective subjects – production and composition. I connected with the wide palette available for making sounds, and the limitless creativity that the computer opened up.
Although it wasn’t a conscious choice initially, it is certainly at the front and centre of my life now. I find it exciting and all-encompassing.
How has working outside these conventions, of composing and performing within a single genre, shaped your identity as an artist?
It means I’ve been able to ‘access all areas’ when absorbing ideas and approaches to music. This is turn has meant being able to connect musically with more people, which I am thrilled about.
Aesthetics aside, I feel that to stay afloat in the industry, we need to flex and have a broad outlook. The more people we can relate to, the better.
How would you describe your new single Play With Me?
Simple, building, playful, deep, heartfelt.
What are your goals for the future of K Mak?
Make more music. And make more film clips (it’s catching!). Maybe some festivals and collaborations, too – I loved working with the dancers. Love to travel with it, too.
WATCH! This is the official premiere of the video Play With Me by K Mak.
CutCommon is the first media organisation in the world to share this new music video. It has also been released on K Mak’s own Facebook channel, which you can follow right here.
Shout the writer a coffee?
Alison volunteered her time to bring you this story with CutCommon. If you enjoyed the read, why not shout her a coffee, or even treat her to a fancy meal to say thanks?
No amount is too much or little. Thanks for supporting Australian arts journalism, you outstanding individual.
Pay what you like through PayPal. 80 per cent of your contribution will go to the writer who composed this piece, and 20 per cent to our volunteer editor for getting this show on the road. (You don’t *actually* have to take them to coffee.) We protect your personal information.
