MarkMeets Artist of the Month Angie McMahon

Angie McMahon, the captivating musician from down under, takes center stage as MarkMeets’ featured artist for December 2023. Angie’s journey in the music world began with her role as the lead singer of The Fabric, a soul-inspired band. Interestingly, her path crossed with the band members during her time at a private Catholic girls’ school in Australia, while the guys attended the associated boys’ school. It was a unique connection forged in the crucible of school life.

However, leading a soul band wasn’t Angie McMahon’s ultimate aspiration. She embarked on a solo career to explore her individual creativity and musical identity.

A Journey of Discovery

Angie’s quest for self-discovery and artistic validation led her to enter songwriting competitions. She humorously mentions that she needed deadlines to spur her on and to test the waters of her talent. One pivotal moment was her participation in the Telstra Road to Discovery competition, where the grand prize was a recording trip to Nashville. Angie envisioned it as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the Australian music scene and the expansive world of American music.

Though she didn’t secure the Nashville trip, fortune smiled upon her as she won an opening slot on Bon Jovi’s “Because We Can” tour in 2013. This experience provided her with the unique privilege of opening not only for Bon Jovi but also for Kid Rock, who shared the stage as the second headliner.

It was a surreal experience for Angie, who vividly recalls the early moments of a stadium show when the crowd was still trickling in. She characterizes it as a significant yet relatively low-stakes moment that left her feeling somewhat shell-shocked.

Charting a Path to Artistic Clarity

After the whirlwind tour, Angie decided to take a step back and reflect on her journey as a songwriter. In 2017, she released the single “Slow Mover,” marking a significant turning point in her career. By 2019, her debut album, “Salt,” garnered critical acclaim and won the Australian Independent Record Awards for Best Independent Rock Album or EP. It was a testament to her burgeoning talent and unique voice in the industry.

Angie McMahon doesn’t fit neatly into the singer-songwriter stereotype; her vocal prowess is capable of filling any room, a characteristic honed through her experiences fronting a robust nine-piece soul band and performing in front of Bon Jovi’s stadium-sized audiences. Her music delves into a wide range of emotions, addressing themes as diverse as relationships and her personal battles with mental health.

A Sonic Palette of Influences

Angie often defines her sound by drawing inspiration from various artists and their intention. Her musical journey includes a “Bruce Springsteen rock thread” that guides her, the vocal intensity reminiscent of Patti Smith or Chrissie Hynde, and, on her best days, a courage that she strives to tap into. She also incorporates elements of Bon Iver, Missy Higgins, and a sprinkle of ’80s synth.

The Record: “Light, Dark, Light Again”

Angie’s deeply personal second album, “Light, Dark, Light Again,” carries a thematic thread that runs through nearly every track. The titular phrase itself appears in the final track, “Making It Through.” The album effortlessly shifts from uplifting narratives to poignant stories and back again. It’s a rock album that embraces both powerful moments, like the riot grrrl-inspired outbursts in “Letting Go,” and quieter, more intimate moments, such as the evocative “Fireball Whiskey.”

With themes ranging from climate change to psychology, Angie McMahon has created an album that is best experienced in its entirety. It’s a musical journey that attempts to capture and articulate the profound emotions coursing through her.

The Breakthrough Moment

In 2017, Angie released “Slow Mover,” a contemplative single that showcases her powerful voice and deceptively profound lyrics. The song’s message of self-acceptance and late-night fast food runs struck a chord with listeners, and it was certified double platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association.

For Angie, the release of “Slow Mover” marked the beginning of her journey into the digital world of music. She suddenly found herself needing to craft an online persona, manage interviews, and navigate the world of music industry expectations. It was both exhilarating and intimidating, and the feeling of venturing into the unknown has stayed with her.

The Future: An Experimental Journey

As Angie prepares to tour her latest album, she also has her sights set on exploring new horizons. She is eager to return to her songwriting roots and experiment with beat-making. The future may hold an experimental meditation or atmospheric album, reflecting her evolving musical interests.

Must-Have Studio Equipment

Angie’s indispensable studio companions include her guitar, which is her trusted companion for crafting melodies and lyrics. She also has a special fondness for the Yamaha Reface CP keyboard, a relatively compact instrument that delivers amazing sound. It was introduced to her during the recording of her latest album and has become an essential part of her creative toolkit.

Spotlight on Fellow Artists

Angie extends her support and admiration to fellow artists who may be flying under the radar. One of them is Annie-Rose Maloney, a dear friend who creates beautiful songs and has a refreshingly grounded approach to life. Despite having minimal music online, she is set to release a record in the future. Another artist deserving of recognition, according to Angie, is Mimi Gilbert, known for her outstanding musicianship and the profound emotional impact she has on her audience during performances.

A Message to Fans

Angie hopes her latest album, “Light, Dark, Light Again,” ignites a spark of hope in the hearts of her listeners. She aspires to inspire them to confront their fears, step into the unknown, and find the good waiting on the other side. Whether it’s dealing with rejection, battling crippling depression, or simply feeling unsure, Angie’s music aims to connect with listeners on a deep and meaningful level. Her most treasured feedback is when fans express how her music made them feel seen and understood, reinforcing the idea that her music serves a greater purpose.

Angie McMahon’s journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and artistic expression, and her music resonates with the complexities of life, making her an artist worth keeping an eye on.

The MarkMeets Platform: Spotlighting Emerging Artists

MarkMeets’ Artist of the Month feature is a prestigious slot that spotlights emerging talent, and Angie McMahon is the latest artist to earn this coveted recognition. The platform has a long history of supporting and promoting up-and-coming musicians, providing them with a valuable stage to showcase their artistry to a broader audience. The MarkMeets platform’s commitment to unearthing hidden talent and giving them the exposure they deserve has made it a sought-after platform in the music industry.

Success Stories of MarkMeets Featured Artists

The success stories of artists featured on MarkMeets are a testament to the platform’s impact. Over the years, MarkMeets has introduced numerous artists who have gone on to achieve significant recognition and success in the music industry. These artists have garnered chart-topping singles and albums, establishing themselves as household names.

The High Demand for MarkMeets’ Featured Artist Slot

The MarkMeets’ featured artist slot is highly coveted, and the demand to land this prestigious position is exceptionally high. Emerging musicians understand the significance of this platform in launching their careers and connecting with a wider audience. As a result, there is fierce competition to be selected as MarkMeets’ Artist of the Month.

MarkMeets’ commitment to impartially promoting emerging talent has made it a trusted and influential platform in the music industry. The dedication to raising awareness for artists who may not yet have had their breakthrough moment is a crucial part of MarkMeets’ mission.

Angie McMahon’s selection as MarkMeets’ Artist of the Month for December 2023 further underscores the platform’s role in supporting and celebrating the diverse and talented artists on the brink of stardom.