Who Is Mac Henson? | Interview
When you think of the impeccable talent that comes from the state of Virginia, some of the artists that first come to mind are Pharrell, Missy Elliott and Timbaland. These legends have definitely made their mark in the entertainment business, especially after being in the game for long. Making a mark is something that multi-instrumentalist Mac Henson plans on doing as well.
“I see myself being apart of the biggest records and my sound having an impact on the game”, says Henson.
The Hampton native Mac Henson takes the time to talk about his early introduction to music, musical influences and what he sees his future looking like 5 years from now.
Check out the full interview below.
What is your earliest memory of music?
The only way I would sleep as a baby was if classical musical was playing. But my dad played Jazz/ Funk/ Gospel R&B and all types of stuff all the time growing up.
Being that you were exposed to music at such a young age, when exactly did you get into producing?
I got into producing around 2014, but didn’t take it seriously until around 2016.
Do you play any instruments? If so, what instrument(s) and when did you start playing?
Yes. I play the saxophone, piano, drums. I also started doing band in, like, the 5th grade.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I usually create a Jazz/ Neo-Soul/ R&B/ Trap fusion. It really just depends on how I’m feeling that day [haha].
I think there is so much talent that has come out from Virginia. How would you say growing up in Virginia had an impact on your music/ sound creatively?
Growing up in Virginia, it for sure impacted my sound. I’m specifically from the 757 area where Pharrell, Timbaland, Chad Hugo, Michael Vick, Missy Elliott, Bink, Nottz, The Clipse, Allen Iverson and Lex Luger are from. Everybody came up in the game not being scared to bring something different. That always pushed me to do something different when I create.
Every artist has their own creative process when it comes to making music, so I'm curious to know, what your creative process like exactly?
My creative process changes a lot. I usually start making a melody and then I do drums. I use Logic Pro X and a midi controller if I’m using my laptop. But if I’m not using my laptop, I use a MPC and a Roland Fantom keyboard with a synthesizer.
On his inspirations, Henson explains,“I have my solo project called “Commotion” that is dropping soon. I am also apart of a band and we’ve been working on our project. I will be releasing info on that soon.” so make sure to be on the lookout for his new project!-I’m honestly inspired by everything musically forreal. I listen to Gospel music daily and that has an influence on me because the songs are so well put together. All black music has an influence on me. I’ll list some of them which are: Prince, The Neptunes, Missy Elliott, Bryan-Michael Cox, Southside, D Rich, Robert Glasper, Rich Harrison, Raphael Saadiq, Rodney Jerkins, Zaytoven, T-Pain, Battlecat, DJ L, Nas, Herbie Hancock, George Clinton and Funkadelic, Mint Condition, Bink, Nottz, Earth, Wind and Fire and a lot more”.
The pandemic hit back in 2020 and had a large impact on the world. Would you say that the pandemic has had an effect or shifted the way that you create music? If so, how exactly?
The pandemic has definitely shifted the collaborative process for me, but it hasn’t changed the way I make beats. When it comes to studio sessions and collaborating with the other producers, I’ve backed up some from doing that in person than how I was before. But I still believe some of the best songs and beats have been made in the studio with everybody there.
A lot of amazing music dropped this year. Do you have any favourite songs at the moment?
My favourite song at the moment is either “Uman” by a group called Kororoko or “Y Not?” by Lucki.
*You can also stream the song above on: Apple Music | Tidal
*You can also stream the song on: Apple Music | Tidal
Now going back to production, what is your favourite song production of all time/ currently?
My favourite beat of all time might be Luv U Better by LL Cool J. Full Moon by Brandy, or Geechi Liberace by Rick Ross. My favourite beat that I made right now might be between “Like This” or “Monday Thru Sunday” by Seddy Hendrinx or “Actin Different” by Quez4real (w/ YoungBoyBrown).
You mentioned that you collaborated with Seddy Hendrinx, what was it like working with him and how did you both link up?
I love working with Sed. He is one of those artists who could get on any beat and make it sound hard forreal. So it’s fun hearing him mesh with my sound to make something unique. He told me that he likes how my beats make him think of the ocean. I’m from Hampton, that’s right on the water, so that might be the connection. He is good energy to hang around and in the studio too, so it’s always fun. We first linked up because of Filmswave. With Filmswave, we’re all a big family, but Filmswave Bray was cool with Sed and he pushed him to try to get on my beats. We all hung out a couple times before we actually got to have a session. But it all worked once we finally got in the studio.
On artists that Mac would like to collaborate with, he mentioned he would love to team up with are Johnny Cinco, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Future, Common, Mary J. Blige and Jean Deaux.
You touched briefly on “Filmswave”, can you explain what that is?
Filmswave is a creative collective that I’m apart of.
Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations that you share you are working on?
Well Sed by Seddy Hendrinx just dropped with DJ Drama. I have other songs with artists but I’m not sure when or if they’ll drop so I can’t say anything right now. I have my solo project called “Commotion” that is dropping soon. I am also apart of a band and we’ve been working on our project. I will be releasing info on that soon.
Stream album on: Apple Music | Spotify | Tidal
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself being apart of the biggest records and my sound having an impact on the game.
Lastly, Henson has mentioned, “I have my solo project called “Commotion” that is dropping soon. I am also apart of a band and we’ve been working on our project. I will be releasing info on that soon.” so make sure to be on the lookout for his new project!
