Adam Mac: The Uncomfortable Truth About the Grind That Separates Overnight Dreams From Real Staying Power

As a part of our series about Nashville’s rising stars, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Adam Mac.

Adam Mac infuses his rural Kentucky roots with grit, soul and blues to create a sound that is uniquely his own. Born Adam McPhaill in small-town Russellville, KY, he was raised on ’90s country and gospel music, often bribed by his mother to sing during Sunday service. His sound is influenced by pop legends such as Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse, who changed the trajectory of his style and desire to perform. Since living in Nashville, Mac has competed on American Idol where he placed in the Top 60 in the nation. Adam’s debut EP has garnered over 220,000+ streams on Spotify, and his latest single “Make You Mine” showcases his broad range of influences and soulful sound.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I grew up in a small rural town in Kentucky — Russellville, KY to be exact. It is the kind of town where everyone knows everything about everyone. My first memories of music came from my mom. She was a superfan of artists who still inspire me today, like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Shania Twain — looking back now, it was a really eclectic mix and I’m super thankful for that. My childhood basically consisted of my mom bribing me at every turn to sing in any event or function that would have me, thanks, mom.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to music?

Aside from my mom pushing me to sing at all times, I think the event that really showed me the power of music and songwriting was when my best friend passed away during our senior year of high school. It was a very sudden and unexpected loss that really hit me hard. It’s what sparked me to dive into songwriting. I had always written poems and short stories for fun, but it was really that event that changed my trajectory and showed me the healing power of songwriting.

What is the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

Hmmm, I think maybe the wildest, most interesting story that pops into my head first, is this time I went to see The Chicks a few years back, and a friend of mine that works with them, last-minute asked if I wanted to jump on stage with them to play the tambourine (which I don’t play….) it was my first time in an arena in front of 30,000 people and literally feet from my childhood icons. It was a night I’ll never forget!

What is one of the funniest mistake(s) you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

A lesson I learned very quickly when I first moved to town was that hardly anyone becomes an overnight sensation and that it takes a lot of hard work and persistence to even get your footing in this business. The lesson I learned was that I couldn’t be afraid to put myself in uncomfortable situations because that’s how you learn and grow.

What are some exciting projects you are working on now?

I am so excited to be working on an album that I think truly encapsulates the type of artist I am growing into. It’s basically all of my favorite influences and styles thrown into a blender to create something that feels really unique and authentic to who I am.

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What are “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Share a story or example for each.

I think one of the main pieces of advice that I did learn very on, was the importance of persistence. No one ever makes it by giving up. Another one that comes to mind is staying in your lane and not falling victim to comparison. For the longest time, I would constantly be down on myself for not being further along or not being where I thought I should be. Meanwhile, I was exactly where I needed to be to lead me to where I am today. Lastly, I would say go to all the shows, all the writers' rounds, all the networking. Nashville is a small town, and it truly is all about who knows who. I’ve met some of my best friends and favorite collaborators just by showing up to a show where I didn’t know anyone who was playing.

Which tips would you recommend to aspiring artists to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

I would just say to choose the things that make you happiest and fulfill you. This industry can be so damn disheartening and can feel like no after no, but I constantly remind myself of the “why”, which for me is that there is nothing else in this world that gives me the adrenalin rush of performing or finishing a new song. At the end of the day, we do this because we love it, because it’s the only thing that will ever fill that place in our soul and sometimes that’s all you need to be reminded of, to keep going.

If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?

For me, it’s uplifting the voices who feel silenced. In life, I try to be a beacon for people who don’t fit the traditional mold in society. Whether it’s orientation or race or just the weird kid who’s counted out, we all deserve a seat at the table. I will always fight for the underdog.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I would not be the person I have become without the endless support from my mom. She has always been my biggest champion, always pushed me to keep going even when I doubted myself. She is a true testament to people having the capabilities to grow and change their opinions on things and admit their mistakes. When I came out, it wasn’t super easy for her at first, but it did not take her long to see that her love for me, outweighed any of her preconceived notions of what having a gay child meant.

Can you share your favorite life lesson or a favorite quote? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. I love this quote. It takes the mystery out of just chalking something up to “oh they’re just lucky.” No, luck is when you’ve put in the work, and the opportunity you’ve been working towards finally presents itself.

If you could have a meal with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

It has to be Beyoncé. There’s no other option. Dinner with Queen Bey is the ultimate goal in life. I feel like you could just sit in her presence and soak up wisdom.

How can our readers follow you online?

You can find me @adammacmusic on all the socials! Follow me! Let’s be friends!!

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!