Music Spotlight: Kevin McHale

Jul 18

Jul 18 Music Spotlight: Kevin McHale

Singer-songwriter Kevin McHale released his debut EP Boy last month via innovative distributor Vydia, and we’re obsessing over his refreshingly feel-good, funky sound + relatable lyricism encapsulating modern romance. The 5-track EP will have you dancing all summer long, and if you’re like us, Help Me Now will be your new favorite anthem. “This EP is about having confidence in being self-conscious,” Kevin says. “As counter-intuitive as that may sound, I just mean that it was all about being able to express whatever I wanted regardless of how self-deprecating or vulnerable or arrogant it might come off, and to feel good and confident about that because ultimately the music is for me—for me to express my memories, feelings, thoughts and work through them. I want this music to be a conversation for those who see themselves in it and those who don’t and myself—an open dialogue about our experiences with no filter and some nice beats.” We chatted with the former Glee star about the EP + his favorite track.

Asymmetric Magazine: Congrats on the release of your debut EP! Can you tell us about the Boy and what it means to you?
Kevin McHale: Thank you! I’d say Boy is a reflection of my recent life up until now. It’s a little bit of everything—different stages of relationships, nostalgia, insecurities, and I guess a little sexiness! It feels like me coming of age in song form.

AM: We've heard that James Dean is your favorite track on the EP; what's the reason for that?
KM: James Dean was really the first song we did with the intention of working on my music seriously, and it came together so quickly and organically that it felt like we just needed to do more of whatever made that happen. So, it really was the catalyst for the entire EP. It felt very me and felt like something I could identify myself in.

AM: What are your plans following the release of Boy?
KM: More videos! It doesn’t quite feel complete to me until we can get all of that out there! I’m just so happy people are now able to have it for themselves and form their own opinions and translate it to their own experiences or not. Whatever works—I’m just happy it’s out!