Watch our interview with Fascinator below!
Fascinator, the solo musical project of Johnny Mackay of Children Collide, recently unveiled his third studio album, Lovesongs. We caught up with the musician to chat about the release, it's conceptual nature, his artistry and so much more!
Presented as a curated body of work of love songs, the record brings together ten songs written throughout Mackay's life and dedicated to former flames who broke his heart. Love and heartbreak fuel the albums conceptual nature, laced with introspective and intimate lyricism that captures the warmth and endearment between a couple and the emotional turmoil that arises when a relationship meets its demise.
Mackay's hypnotic vocals glisten above 60's psych-rock leaning soundscapes, with production and instrumentation from Loren Humphrey (Florence & The Machine, Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys). The records personal nature stems into the musicians collaborators, having tapped friends and fellow musicians to contribute to Lovesongs. Jesse Kotansky (David Bowie, Aerosmith) plays strings, organ and oud, with Aku Orraca-Tettah (Santigold, Solange) on piano and backing vocals and Jaie Gonzales (Mark Ronson, Weyes Blood) who contributed synthesier. Legendary music magus Paul Hicks (The Beatles, Coldplay, Elliott Smith) mastered the record.
Images: Vasili Papathanasopoulos ©
Filming: Katerina Papathanasopoulos and Vasili Papathanasopoulos
Lovesongs is out now!