Today we’d like to introduce you to Mick McMains.
Mick, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Our story starts in Paris France where my Pops was working at the American Embassy. My older brothers, Moose & Jim McMains had a high school band that got signed to CBS and put out a string of hit singles in the mid/late 60’s as “Les Irresistibles”. When Dad was done, we all moved out to Southern California. The Twins got involved in numerous projects over the decades, sometimes with their little bro. A record released in the early ’80s got airplay on all the LA stations that played indie rock, even KROQ. Later I got some seasoning from stints working with Earl Slick / John Wicks / DJ monkey and whatever was happening at the time. Now at this stage of our lives, the McMains Brothers, or just McMains as we go by now, are singing together again and the world is better for it. Our primary musical influences continue to be The Mills Brothers and The Sons of The Pioneers. Our latest CD is called “American Soul” and it features our Grandparents and Great Grandparents on the cover – one of whom is the Granddaughter of Devil Anse Hatfield of the Hatfields & McCoys. Devil is our Great-Great Grandfather and a subject of our song “Devil Don’t Care”. There are love songs, cowboy songs and general pop songs on the record. Family-friendly. We recently opened for The Motels at the Rose in Pasadena. Also, our most recent video got a premiere on the Americana Daily site which was very nice. We released the song on Valentine’s day – I wrote the tune for my wife, it’s called “Since I Started Loving You”. Over 100,00 spins on Spotify so far… Love Rules.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Struggles are going to be there, but nothing will interrupt your path if you persevere. Business is a struggle. Art is fun. We are lucky to be artists, but there is a cost. If you keep a cheerful attitude there is much to appreciate. Once in a while, you might get involved with the wrong musicians. You might waste time pursuing a gig you don’t really want for the money. Usually, that money turns out not to be there. Money is the wrong reason to create art if that’s what you do. It’s great to get paid for creations, but we all have to learn to survive. Part of the game.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about McMains – what should we know?
We have a unique vocal harmony blend that comes from being siblings. Part genetics, part singing countless hours together for decades. At this point, we are bringing in some help. We produce our own records, but we got an old friend of ours, Jim Scott to do some mixing as well as Rich Mouser from Altadena. Jim has a bunch of Grammies for his work and Rich is very well respected in the biz. Trying to launch new music is a challenge, but we are giving it our all.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Firstly there is an advocate who became a collaborator. Joey Alkes of Altadena is a songwriter of some renown that I have been friends with for a while now. We were hanging out at my studio so I played him the songs I had been writing since I had gotten married and had basically stopped gigging. He was so excited about the new songs, he said we had to get this stuff out there. Now I haven’t had my own band since the ’80s, but because of Joey’s years in the music business, I knew he would have the connections to get something heard. The other side of the advocacy coin would be my wife Li. Li is from Shanghai, China and is my biggest fan and supporter. And my harshest critic. Many of the songs on “American Soul” were initially rejected for this that and the other thing. Many times I was asked to re-sing something I thought I had nailed. But what we ended up with is something I am so proud of. I kept reminding myself, even Hemingway had an editor…
Pricing:
- “American Soul” on Welland International CD’s
- $10 / $2.45 shipping
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mickmcmains.com
- Email: mick@mickmcmains.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008328063003
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