A Dirty Dozen with MALACHI GAGNON – October 2022

According to a recent press release: “Tampa, FL-based viral pop artist Malachi Gagnon has released his third single “Without You.” Church is often called the ultimate schooling for a singer. For 15-year-old Malachi Gagnon, that proved to be true. Hailing from a small town in New Hampshire, the Florida singer-songwriter is unveiling “Without You,” an impassioned ballad in which Malachi shares his feelings for a girl he never wants to leave. For Malachi, it’s the logical follow up to his two break-up songs, “Craving Me” and “Psychopath.” We get Malachi to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1.Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

“Without You” is a song that captures the feeling that you feel when you don’t want to lose someone you love. I think all of us have people in our lives that we couldn’t live without. People tend to think there is a girl singing with me in the chorus but is just me singing falsetto.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

It’s a funny story… I’d never sang in front of anyone until about two and a half years ago. But me and a few of my friends were doing this talent show, and I thought “hey, why not”. And my dad realized that I could actually sing, so I just started doing covers on Instagram and TikTok and other platforms. It’s crazy to think 7 months ago I released my first song and now my songs have over 1 million streams on Spotify. I remember thinking how amazing it would be if one of my songs got streamed 1000 times so you can imagine how blown my mind is!

3.Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

My styles is so hard for me to pin down. Shawn Mendes is a big inspiration for me. I feel like he’s almost pop country with his natural pop feel and his writing style being so story like. Morgan Wallen has been a huge inspiration as well.

4.If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Such a great question! Probably Charlie Puth. I feel like he would be so fun to collab with. He’s a great writer and just so creative. I could learn so much from him – hopefully someday!

5.What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

I love writing my own songs and just making music. I also love spending time with my friends and family, just hanging out and chilling. I love to golf, watch stand up comedy and I love history documentaries.

6.How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Country song writing and roots with a pop beat and feeling. I hope to blend those two worlds in a new and fresh way. I don’t always agree with the comparisons I hear, but I’m just thankful to be in the conversation.

7.When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

So far when my band is together we are in the studio. So we eat pizza, drink coffee and write music!

8.When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I saw Harry Styles in concert recently. I love his music so it was really special to see him in person.

9.What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Being able to put words to feelings that people have. The thought of people singing songs that I’ve written that help them heal or even vent is just so amazing!

10.What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I’m not tired of answering any questions. I am thankful for the opportunity to answer them. Hmmm, a good question. If we were able to send people to the moon, why can’t we figure out how to get cell service in a steel building? Answer… NO IDEA!

11.Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

It’s too early tell:) I’m just hoping I have a long career in music!

12.If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Thriller By Michael Jackson. It’s such an amazing record. It consists of some of the greatest songs ever (as far as my opinion goes). I think it’d be cool to see how they thought of some of things they threw in there. Like the intro to “Billy Jean”…that’s a masterpiece. And plus Paul McCartney is on there…that’s a pretty cool record!

MALACHI GAGNON LINKS:

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews