Meet Mackenzie Howe | Musician & Owner of Bandwagon Vintage

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mackenzie Howe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mackenzie, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and have lived in the greater LA area my whole life. My upbringing was unique in that I had a single mother, who struggled to make ends meet, while attending a school where most of my classmates came from well to-do families. I feel like that gave me a passion for people at a young age, especially living in the multicultural landscape of LA. Whether I am working on a musics project, or selling vintage clothes I want it to be, and feel, accessible to all.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was in a band full time for most of my 20’s and that was my identity. It was an incredibly experience full of highs and lows. A lot can be accomplished in a group setting like that. The pandemic haulted most touring musicians lives for 2 years. Though I still identify as a musician I realize now that how you make money is not who you are, nor are you your creative outlet. When people ask me now “What do you do?” I often laugh, because I don’t know anymore! I make music under “Pet Dress,” I sell clothes under “Bandwagon Vintage,” and I style on the side. I make money in several different ways but truthfully what I love doing is finding/up cycling vintage, and playing music with my friends. My biggest success the last few years has been detaching from a title. I kicked and screamed for a while there, thinking “what will I tell people when they ask what I’ve been up to, if I’m not touring or in the studio?” But the ultimate issue is why do we need to have a success check-list when people ask that question? I am proud of the music I’ve made, and the ability to support myself, but I am most proud of my commitment to evolving, because it takes a ton of vulnerability.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When folks visit LA I LOVE to play tour guide. The Valley has some of the best thrifting and architecture. Topanga Canyon is Particularly special, I tend to take friends to Hidden Treasures vintage store, before or after a day at the beach. The East side where I reside now, is rich with history. Not only does it have craftsman and Victorian homes but some of the best food in LA. The Taco trucks are unparalleled. The Pasadena Rose Bowl flea market is incredible for visitors. Naturally people want to see Hollywood or Venice Beach but I often try to show them the LA they didn’t know existed. Our hikes are beautiful! My favorite spot to get a beer is Permanent Records Roadhouse. My favorite breakfast burrito is from Patra Burgers. Oh and little Tokyo has great ramen and karaoke!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I most certainly would not have had the courage to pursue music or start a vintage clothing business if my friends hadn’t encouraged me. I joined a band early in my 20’s because several of my friends convinced me I could and should. Attending a Waldorf school my whole life gave me incredible artistic tools but also felt crippling because I was surrounded by so many amazing artists, I often didn’t feel like I should even try unless I was the best. I still struggle with that but point of creative expression is that your unique perspective is valuable to the whole, which is something my boyfriend constantly reminds me of when it comes to my creative ventures.

Website: https://www.mackenziehowe.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pet_dress_?utm_medium=copy_link

Youtube: https://youtu.be/e8G_UZj6fbs

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5YZDpvSGRXzYGXJOiSx8ti?si=gwRdQ1XbQUuPpOdNxeguXg

Image Credits
Daniel Topete Grady Wenrich