Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Austin P. McKenzie

Singer-songwriter and actor Austin P. McKenzie has made a name for himself on the stage, screen, and in the studio. From starring in projects like Spring Awakening to When We Rise, Austin has proven to be one of Hollywood’s most versatile young stars.

This August, Austin shows off another side to his artistry with the release of “I’m Not Ready to Go.” The indie-folk ballad is a deeply personal song about suicide, and ultimately deciding to keep living.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Austin about his development as a songwriter, “I’m Not Ready to Go,” and his upcoming album.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Austin: The very first thing I wanted to be when I was growing up was a music minister at church. I was a devout Christian. I first became dedicated to the idea when I watched a famous Christian artist named Kathy Troccoli. That was back in the late ’90s. I was obsessed with her. I loved Kathy Troccoli. She sang this song, “Go Light Your World.” I ran up on stage, and my mom chased me up there. Kathy Troccoli picked me up and gave me a kiss or something like that. That was the beginning. Now I’m a total heathen. [laughs]

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Austin: I was in a really dark place about five or six years ago. When I met Kevin [McHale], my partner, it really changed everything. I definitely wouldn’t be in the place I am artistically without him. The confidence he’s given me is what it took for me to become the artist that I am. Confidence is something that I’ve always lacked. He really ignited that in me.

As far as influences go, I was obsessed with the band Young the Giant when I was eighteen, nineteen, twenty. I’m still obsessed with them, but that’s when I discovered and really started listening to them. They were one of the major influences on my writing, especially when it came to writing melodies and lyrics.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back is there a particular moment that stands out?
Austin: That’s nice of you to say. I definitely don’t feel that way. I was just having dinner last night with Kevin, and we were drunkenly lamenting our failures and fears, so it’s nice to hear you say that.

One moment that stands out? The response that I got from Kevin when I showed him the album I had written and that’s coming out in a month or two. This album is a huge turning point for me. I put out an album a few years ago that was mostly piano and vocals. That was more of an experiment. The album after that was a bit of emotional baggage I needed to get out and was rough around the edges.

I knew that I needed to warm up with those two albums. This one feels like I’m actually running the race. This is a big pivotal moment for me. Right now, it’s the pinnacle. Even though I’ve done some big things in the past, this is the biggest thing I’ve done artistically.

PC: One of the songs off your upcoming album is “I’m Not Ready To Go.” Can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?
Austin: I remember a specific moment when I was lying in bed. I was thinking about how afraid I was to die. Most of my life, I had been content with the idea of dying. My perspective might have changed because I had gained more confidence and was starting to think about my future beyond the age of twenty-seven and all the things that I could do, all the things I wanted to do, and all the things that I wanted to put into the universe.

I’m not a devout Christian anymore, but I still pray. I’m not sure of the meaning of it, but I still do it. I remember thinking, “God, I really hope that you can forget about all my prayers asking to not be alive anymore. I really hope you let me live and do things because I have so much more that I want to do.” I took my dog for a walk, and then the melody and lyrics came to me and I sat down that night and I wrote the song.

PC: You’ve stated in previous interviews that this is one of the most vulnerable songs that you’ve ever written. Was that ever a scary prospect to tap into? What was that process like?
Austin: I’m a very type A person. When it comes to writing a song, I really see it as a math equation. Most of my music is very, very personal. I usually hide behind a lot of innuendos. I’m inspired by a lot of ’20s music that is full of innuendos and lyrics that actually mean darker things. I’ve always been able to hide behind those metaphors, but this song is really “what you see is what you get.” Writing it felt mathematical. Producing it and doing the vocals and all of that felt logistical. You forget about how personal it is until the moment when you put it out.

For me, it’s not like I have millions of people listening, so it’s not like I was worried about what the world is going to think. But I did find it strange that my most personal song was being released for however many people to hear. It’s strange because I write for myself. This song is my truth. I didn’t really have any other option but to make it and put it out.

PC: If you had to pick one song off of Somewhere in Space that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Austin: There’s a track on the album called “The Navajo Forest.” Sonically, lyrically, and vocally that’s the song that I’m most proud of. I worked with a few producers on this album, but one of them was completely new to me. I’d never met him. I still haven’t met him. He lives in Chicago. He’s a friend of a friend. He’s incredible. His name is Matt Dougherty.

“The Navajo Forest” was the second song he produced for the album. The first song was a bit like an audition. It was like, “Okay, that worked.” Then he produced “The Navajo Forest.” The first time that I listened to it, I took a video of myself bawling and crying in my bedroom. I feel like every artist can relate to that.

Being an artist, especially when you’re independent, is such an uphill battle. There’s barely momentum. There’s a lot of falling down the mountain and getting back up. Every single step of the journey had been completely me. When I heard what he did on this song, it was the first time that I thought that I finally had nailed it. All the pieces came together exactly how I wanted it to sound. It was a really special moment for me. It makes me really excited for the next album.

PC: What do you hope to say as an artist with Somewhere in Space?
Austin: The album is a reflection on all the sh-t that we’ve seen in the world in the past year or two. The biggest thing that I want to say is that I’m not writing about the answer to all of that. I’m not writing about my perspective or saying that my perspective matters.

The biggest message that I want people to get is that I’m not trying to be some savior. I wanted to be really careful with that. I’ve heard artists talk about how the world could be better. No one cares what White men have to say. I don’t care what my White men have to say. I definitely don’t want to do that. I hope that people get that my album is just a reflection on what’s happening in the world.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Austin: I don’t know if any of them would be surprised. I literally listen to the same three artists all day. I’ll say Yola. I listen to Yola most days. Also, Megan Thee Stallion.

PC: First album you bought?
Austin: …Baby One More Time by Britney Spears. My mom must have known I was a gay kid because I would do little concerts for her.

PC: First concert you attended?
Austin: I think it was Kathy Troccoli.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Austin: Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey. I saw her album cover at Amoeba Music in Hollywood. It was really intriguing so I bought it. Without knowing the effect it would have on me, I put it in my CD player and it changed my life artistically and personally.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Austin: House of Blues in Chicago. I would love to play that venue. Chicago is my favorite city in the world, and I’ve seen some great shows there.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Austin: I’m a minimalist. I just need my body. Also, if I could have my dog that would be amazing.

To keep up with Austin, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music.