Anyone who has Mickey Avalon approach them to join him on tour as a supporting act has got to be grinning from ear to ear. Whilst I can’t see hip hop artist - Kid Mac’s grin, I can hear it in his voice. With upcoming shows across Australia, starting at Melbourne’s Palace Theatre (27th of February) and finishing at Sydney’s Bondi Pavilion (March 28), what we’d all ought to be asking is, ‘where did this Kid come from?’ ‘Where did he get his name?’ And, ‘why is it only now that we’re hearing about him?’
A little Kid Mac history: rewind to the early 80s, to a home in the suburb of Maroubra (which we tend to affiliate with the Bra Boys). This is a home where guitar cords were strum, Naughty by Nature blared, and Video Hits played every Sunday. From what I gather, Kid Mac is a survivor. He’s survived being the youngest kid and the treacherous antics only older sisters can put a brother through.
Despite this, he takes after his dad first-hand. Mac, speaks of fond memories, when “me and me old man grabbed guitars” at any chance possible. Kid Mac, born Macario De Souza not only shares musical passion with his dad, he also shares his name with his father; Macario. In his younger days the pair were known as Big Mac and Kid Mac hence how Kid got his name.
For those of you who haven’t heard his tracks, (if you’ve seen Bra Boys then you have) jump online and visit www.kidmacmusic.com. You can download his mix-tape. Mac’s music career took a leap and bound when he suggested to Roadshow producers that he could write some music for the film Bra Boys, with fellow Bra Boy Nate Ford (forming duo 3SEVEN7). After listening to their tunes, Roadshow agreed to the offer. Such an opportunity has provided Mac the leverage to branch out solo.
What I love about his tunes is that he’s taken songs from other artists such as T.I, Jason Mraz, and The Beautiful Girls, and mixed them up by adding in his own lyrics. He’s fusing Kid Mac with popular tracks; creating an original sound, and that is what separates him from the pack.
His lyrical content derives from personal experiences, some of it ‘very personal’, yet he’s not afraid to get out there and share it with the public. Showtime, the feature song for his set on his upcoming tour, is one these songs. “The song is about the drive. It’s very personal. It’s about fighting a bit of a battle to get noticed and working hard at a bunch of things”.
Showtime was originally written for the producer of Football Superstar, (similar to Australia’s Next Top Model). The producers needed a track, Kid Mac said he’d work something out - they loved it and used it on the show.
Mac’s performed in the US and worked with producers Jamie Holt from Sydney rock band The Camels, Tony Wall (Kanye West, Kiss, Olivia Newton Johns, Jimmy Barnes). He tells me that it seems Aussie’s have to ‘make it’ over in The States before they are accepted here. I agree. The difference is “we’re more of a novelty in the US; they’re open to all hip hop.” It’s a sad reality, yet it’s not going to stop him from conquering Australia.
All these little leaps and successes could easily get to his head; but they don’t. At the first hello of our interview, Kid Mac came across a little subdued, maybe even shy…I was misguided because ten minutes in, I could feel his energy and passion burning down the phone line. There is a quiet confidence about Kid Mac. I see him as the guy sitting quietly and chuckling to himself in a room full of egotistical performers. Why? At the end of the day, he is the kid that’s going to jump out from round the corner and scare the shit outta ya when you least expect it.
I ask him what he believes makes a great performer, “I think back to what shows I have been to, how and why they have moved me. Music has to touch the audience; people have to relate to music, lyrical content is a big ingredient in successful performers. It’s people that perform with so much energy – what I call, a teste pop. They have so much passion that there are little glitches in their performance, which are natural. He furthers in saying, it also comes back to lyrical content and live instruments, (someone that can play an acoustic set) that adds to a good performer.”
From the sounds of it, he seems to have a good idea of what it takes. He’s obviously been observing (remember the room full of egoists) and taking notes. So do you think you have what it takes? I threw at him. In a cool, calm and collected tone he replied, “I do, yeah…I really believe in what I am doing and taking it all the way - without being cocky.”
Kid Mac is real, level, and very gracious. He’s not another kid looking for fame - you can feel it. Kid Mac is here because he wants to be heard, he wants to entertain.
Hello Australia? World? – This Kid’s got talent!
- Monica Kade
‘A Quickie’ with...Kid Mac
Favourite food: I am the fussiest eater on this planet…So its either Anything that comes from my Mum’s oven or a good Brazilian BBQ.
Your indulgence: Sweets... I can eat ice cream for days!
Favourite book: Scar Tissue
Favourite film: City of God or Slumdog Millionaire
Favourite curse word: Fuck-off-a lot!
The CD you are listening to at the moment: Sunny D. Levine “Love Rhino”
The last time you humiliated yourself publicly: Everytime I get drunk. Just ask my mates.
The last person in your dialed numbers: My girlfriend Amy.
Your indulgence: Sweets... I can eat ice cream for days!
Favourite book: Scar Tissue
Favourite film: City of God or Slumdog Millionaire
Favourite curse word: Fuck-off-a lot!
The CD you are listening to at the moment: Sunny D. Levine “Love Rhino”
The last time you humiliated yourself publicly: Everytime I get drunk. Just ask my mates.
The last person in your dialed numbers: My girlfriend Amy.
