Gavin Mac On New Single ‘Sideswiped’
A swaggering alt country ode to misadventures, the brand new single Sideswiped out now from Sydney-based country sensation Gavin Mac is a slick follow up from Mac’s 2023 trio of singles, Bushfire, Live Your Life and Getaway. Also marking a further glimpse into Mac’s impending debut album, Make You Feel set for release in September, Sideswiped is a crisp outing as well as a meaningful full circle moment for the talented artist.
Produced by multi CMAA and ARIA Award winner Matt Fell, Sideswiped welds Mac’s effortless combination of nostalgic country licks, with rock, folk and soul hues linked alongside nods to Chris Stapleton, Eric Clapton, Midland, and John Mayer. Summed up by Mac himself as being “like mechanical bull riding”, Sideswiped evolved from a demo that first drew Mac to the attention of Sony Music Australia as a teenager.
Teaming up with Grammy Award winner William Bowden on mastering duties, Sideswiped also features Mac’s effortless vocals and earworm choruses along with guitarist extraordinaire Ben Butler (Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Suzanne Vega) on lead guitar, culminating in a track built both for sun-soaked highway road trips and hazy whiskey bars. Gavin answers a few questions about the single for Hi Fi Way.
How has the build-up been leading up to the release of Sideswiped?
Great, I’m working with an amazing team on the single launch and a great bunch of musos for the supporting shows, so it’s been a lot of fun.
Was the process of making your single as challenging as you thought?
I didn’t think it would be challenging, so much as I hoped it would come out sounding good! I worked with super producer Matt Fell, so was in very good hands.
Sonically, how would you describe your music?
It’s earthy, but upbeat and draws from influences across my music journey.
Who would you consider to be the biggest influence on your music and why?
Eric Clapton, Chris Stapelton, John Mayer – Soul, Country and Blues driven guitar/vocalists are my biggest influences.
Best piece of advice you have been given?
Don’t give up. Most people do.
What is the “Gav Mac” life story?
Born and raised in the north east of Melb, played music since I was twelve, worked professionally for years and took a break whilst I had a family, now back doing what I love.
Are you looking to tour more broadly?
I love playing and building community with live music lovers, I’II play as much as I can.
What’s next for you?
I’m in the run up to releasing my debut album ‘Make You Feel’ in Sept.
Who’s your favourite Adelaide artist/group at the moment?
Lochy Doley, what a talent!
Interview By Rob Lyon
Connect with Gavin Mac
Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Spotify
