Meet Alie Mac

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

Hi Alie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?

I used to say yes to every project. I would be so flattered that someone wanted to collaborate with me that I would do things for free and things without realistic concepts. What ended up happening is that I built time for these projects for others, some paid gigs and my own personal projects and felt like attending my family and friends get-togethers, events and celebrations were taking me away from my over committed schedule. I found myself not being present for the things that really mattered. I learned that I need to add my social network, my family, my support system into my overall pie of time that makes up – feeds and takes – my energy. I’m much more selective now to get involved with projects and really ask early about the scope. Understanding what I’m saying yes to is so crucial in making sure that I have time to be in the moment with the people I care about.
When a new project comes across my path, I think about it now through the lens of the people in my life. I think back on those overpacked times when I never said no and how much stress it caused them as well. Being a good friend, partner, colleague means being sure that you have a good balance, and being honest, with what you can handle. Bringing your best energy – and your rested, invigorated energy – is much more beneficial and can contribute in a more impactful way to a project than being unable to say no and bringing a version of yourself you do not believe in.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I write pop music and create music videos that tell the story. But more than making music videos, I create teams. Teams of talented people coming together for a short burst of creativity. Music videos are short and often have stunning visuals. It gives me freedom to focus on how the vibe is, the true emotion captured. I am Californian which means we have endless locations that are not a backdrop to a story but an integral part of the narrative.

My favorite part of the day is there’s a moment at any of my music video shoots or on set and it usually comes right after the lunch break for me. It’s a moment where I see a team of people who were strangers a few hours ago all talking and getting along – there are smiles and phones out exchanging socials. When we reconvene to do the rest of the day, there is a sense of camaraderie and excitement from everyone’s eyes looking back at me. Knowing that I curated the right team and everyone is comfortable and positive. That everyone had the right thing to eat and felt taken care of. That everyone looks good in their wardrobe and are feeling confident. Being the gatherer of good people and ensuring they are heard and supported. That makes me truly happy.

When I was starting out on my first couple music videos, I didn’t know anyone in the industry or where to start. I lived in a small beach town and I simply Googled music video directors in my area and then posted on Craigslist with my budget that I needed someone to shoot me singing in a music video and a concept(I had scene by scene drawn out and a script). It was a lot of money at the time for me to put out for someone to help me make my vision happen. Since it was a minimal amount of money for most DP’s/Directors, I got the talent that matched my budget. I didn’t get people who were excited about my work or wanting to collaborate on something unique. I got replies from those who were desperate for money and would take any project not caring what it was about. I didn’t know what to look for at the time and got myself into several situations where I had a person doing DP / videographer/sound capture who had control of all the aspects. I was just there. Since it was their equipment and I knew nothing about cameras or lenses at the time, they ran the show. I had a time where someone was 2 hours late from their lunch break and came back way too high on drugs that they couldn’t operate the gimbal. I had a time when someone’s angry abusive partner showed up to set to locate them and wouldn’t leave demanding money, then did donuts in the lot I had rented. I had a time where someone finished the shoot day, and I didn’t know to bring a drive to get my footage, and refused to edit my content or give me the footage unless I paid more money. I had a time, since I didn’t know what dailies were or that I could ask to see the shot, that my footage turned out nothing like what I thought and no sound was captured for the entire day.

These early first experiences shooting content as a self-taught creative director has shaped how I now approach building a team. The experience on set for the talent in front and behind the lens is as equally important to me as the visual content being shot. So, that moment when I look around at my group of strangers turned fellow supporters, smiling from a shared lunch conversation, it makes me truly happy to know that I have made a positive experience for everyone on set and it was one more time that they didn’t have to experience what I did when I was starting out.

In finding myself as an artist, I have jumped into bold color and visuals that complement pretty and a little quirky. I use bright colors and interesting sets. I love highlighting strong women being both fun and sexy because, after all, women are so many things all at once.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Eat: Breakfast at Shaky Alibi
Sandwich from Beachwood Market
lunch at Nonna Mercato
Dinner at Mr. T’s, Pine & Crane Silverlake
Coffee at Alfred’s at Glassier Alley, Cafe Caravan (SunsetxHollywood), Jurassic Magic
Bagels from Yeastie Boys truck

Visit and Play:
Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery
School of Rock Fairfax – free trial lesson, amazing teachers
Bitterroot Pottery – my pottery studio. They offer intro beginner workshops and fun date/friend nights.
Silverlake Dog Park
Melrose Art District murals
The Dash route up to Beachwood Canyon has the Hollywood sign view
Big Bear hike and visit Pickle’s Pie Shop

Sit and Enjoy:
The Grove trolley
Wattles Farm
Gelsons Hollywood bar
Counterpoint records and books
Sunday troupe show at Groundlings Theatre and School

Be in Awe and Learn:
Petersen Auto Museum
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures – they have film screenings of the best movies in 35mm on a beautiful screen, often with discussion panels
Langers Luggage Shoe Repair – for a bit of history and a good story from a true local and craftsman

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?
Yes! I am a visual storyteller. And it comes through music. A great community full of dedicated instructors is at The Songwriting School of Los Angeles. I have spent hours and hours learning about songwriting, collaborating with new friends and fellow creatives, and the instructors there truly take the time to look at your work and give valuable feedback. I am working on my next album and have so many more tools in my kit now!

THE SONGWRITING SCHOOL OF LOS ANGELES
Devoted to the artistry & industry of songwriting
inspire • instruct • empower
In the Historic Enterprise Recording Studios
4632 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505
818-848-7664 / 818-848-SONG
By appointment only.
thesongwritingschool.com
Twitter: @songschool
IG: @thesongwritingschool / Twitter: @songschool
Facebook: /TheSongwritingSchool

Website: aliemac.com

Instagram: yacketymac

Soundcloud: yacketymac

Youtube: yacketymac

Other: Spotify/Itunes/Youtube Music/Amazon Music @yacketymac

Image Credits
band photo: Sophie Weil three girls dancing photo and girls on couch: Vanessa Bentley