Music Spotlight: McCall

LA-based indie-pop artist McCall recently released her 4-track EP Under The Reign, all about growth + change, and we can’t get enough of the all-too-relatable lyrics + infectious vocals. The singer-songwriter took the stage at Love Song Bar this past Tuesday (May 7) + will be hosting a backyard concert fundraiser in support of Times Up tonight (May 9). We chatted with her all about the EP, the fundraiser + what’s next. If you’re like us, you’ll have Lavender on repeat indefinitely.

photo by Margaret Levya

Asymmetric Magazine: Congrats on your recent EP release! Can you tell us about Under The Reign and what it means to you?
McCall Kimball: Thank you! To me, UTR is everything I needed to say before I was able to move forward as an artist and as a writer. Each of those songs were written at very distinct, impactful moments to me over the last two years, and it felt right to lead with those out the gate.

AM: Where did the EP title come from?
MK: It comes from the opening line of the first song, Stone Cold, which says ‘I’ve fallen under the reign’. I thought it was such a powerful name. At first it sounds cocky, as if I’m saying you’re all under my reign, but really it’s about everything that had been controlling me over the last two years.

it’s about everything that had been controlling me over the last two years.

AM: Where do you draw your inspiration from when you’re writing lyrics?
MK: Lately I’ve been writing a lot about growth, change, and fear of the future. It’s a bit of a hectic time, so I’m trying to observe and internalize everything as much as I can and write it all out once I get alone.

AM: Are those consistent themes you typically pursue through your music?
MK: Recently, I’ve been trying to not let my songs just have one tone to them. Like if it’s a sad song, I pair it with a happy melody or throw in a couple of uplifting lines and vice versa. I also pull a lot of visual themes from Ancient Greek and Roman myths and renaissance art.

AM: We love your album art! How do you think it complements your sound?
MK: Thank you! I think it has the strength and messiness that my lyrics have, while showing it in a more regal way. St. George is the artist, and I feel so lucky that he was willing to work on the last EP!

AM: For first time listeners, how do you like to describe your sound?
MK: Somewhere between Maggie Rogers and St. Vincent

AM: What other musicians are you currently listening to?
MK: Kevin Abstract, Dominic Fike, Lizzo, Kyle Lux, Cautious Clay, Mykey

AM: On Thursday (5/9) you’re hosting a backyard fundraiser event in support of Time’s Up, can you tell us a little bit about that?
MK: Of course! A few sexual assault allegations were recently brought up about a USC student that a lot of my friends know and work with. After these allegations came out, his release show got cancelled, so we decided to throw a fundraiser on the same night. Our goal is just to raise some money for a great cause, and provide a space for people who aren’t comfortable publicly condemning their former friend to come and show their support to the victims.

AM: We loved your set this week at Love Song Bar! For people who have yet to see you live, what can they expect from a live show?
MK: Equal parts crying and dancing.

photo by Fawn Testa

AM: What role does Los Angeles play in your work?
MK: Everyone is here. Ten of the best producers and writers I’ve ever known live within 20 mins of each other, and that’s something you can’t get anywhere else.

AM: Is there one place that you feel completely in touch with your creative self and your music
MK: Pretty basic answer, but my bedroom. I have a giant tapestry of The Birth of Venus surrounded by posters of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, St. Vincent, and Cher, and I just look up at them when I write.

AM: What can we expect to hear from you next?
MK: Part two of Under the Reign will be out this summer and then a fun little full-length album to follow? Who knows?

// listen to Under the Reign:

// Listen to more McCall on Spotify.