Indie folk singer-songwriter and influencer Sky McKee, known for his intimate storytelling and reflective soundscapes, is back with a new EP titled Less Is Less. We caught up with him to learn more about this background, new release and upcoming plans.
Can you tell us about your musical beginnings? When did you first start playing and writing music, and what initially drew you to it?
Honestly, I wrote poetry and never had much of an interest writing music. After playing bass in bands an old lead singer said he had a dream about one of my poems being a song and shared the chords with me. It sparked my obsession with turning my poems into songs.
Who were some of your biggest musical influences growing up? Are there any artists or albums that inspired you to pursue music professionally?
I grew up listening to whatever my dad had on the radio so Red Hot Chili Peppers and Soundgarden shaped my early musical taste. As I ventured off I listened to a lot more random artists – The Chariot, Talking Heads, etc… Grace by Jeff Buckley and In Rainbows by Radiohead inspired me to pursue music because I didn’t know rock could be palatable and artistic.
How has your journey as an indie artist shaped the way you approach creating and sharing your music? Are there any defining challenges or lessons you’ve learned along the way?
To be honest, I don’t know if I’d even consider myself an artist. I geek about lyrics and have my head down 90% of the time… the music is a byproduct of blabbing and syncopated riffing. I’m learning to be proud of the art I’m making even though I am incredibly critical.
Your new EP, Less Is Less, has a very raw, stripped-back sound. What inspired you to take a more minimalist approach in this project?
I just want to hear the lyrics. Why work so hard on something that nobody can hear? It just sorta happened after that notion.
What’s your favorite song from the EP and why?
Talking Heads because I revere my friend Evan Moring and what he did for me. I come from abuse and he just got me out of the house and helped shape my music taste as we drove around town.
What do you hope listeners take away from Less Is Less? Is there a particular message or feeling you want them to experience when they hear it?
People are special and you may not realize that you’re in a social bubble until it pops so hold the one’s you love close and tell them they’re important.
