Meet McKenna Rowe | Singer, songwriter, composer

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

Hi McKenna, why did you pursue a creative career?
For me it’s not really a “choice” but a calling that I can’t ignore. I will be creating music until I’m just too old to function anymore. Like the vast majority of artists, I have a day job to support myself and to help fund the marketing of my music.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been in bands and solo projects on and off since the mid 90s. Two years ago I started up a new band at an age when most people probably wouldn’t dream of putting their voice and face out there for public scrutiny! My band is called Nature Loves Courage, which is a quote taken from psychedelic philosopher, Terence, McKenna. The easiest way to explain the slogan is that it’s akin to Nike’s “just do it” campaign. For the cluster of years prior to launching the new band I have been writing tons, and tons of music for purposes of licensing on television. While going through that process, I knew I had a ton of great candidates to shape and potentially release as an artist. Last year Nature Loves Courage released 12 songs and this year we’re releasing five new ones along with several remixes of last year’s tunes.

Our sound is a blend of electronic, funk and rock. My vocals have been compared a lot to Annie Lennox and Roisin Murphy.

I would say that best thing you can do as a songwriter is to continue to write music on a regular basis for all kinds of purposes, I’ve been doing it for plays, podcasts, bands, as a solo artist, DJ, tv/commercials, etc. Just keep making your art and sharing it. You can only get better at what you do by continuing to hone your craft. The powers that be gave you gifts and it’s your duty to share that with the world.
I can’t give some step-by-step list of things to do to guarantee success. Today there are thousands and thousands of songs being released every day and it can be extremely discouraging to get anyone’s attention for a nanosecond. That’s why you have to be writing the music for YOU. If it gives you joy and you believe in what you’re doing than all of the marketing and promotional activity you have to do (streaming, social, playing shows, advertising, etc) will be sincere and people will feel that. While all of us at every level can constantly improve as songwriters. If there isn’t a joy and sincerity and passion at the heart of what you’re doing to begin with, there’s just no point to the rest of it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To make things logistically easy, I would stick all to the same general area, so that you are driving all over the place in terrible traffic. Perhaps a hike in Griffith Park., dinner at Joy in Eagle Rock and cocktails/record geeking at the Gold Line or live music at Lodge Room in Highland Park

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d shoutout my drummer Garrett Smith for continuing to be a muse and light in my life, always giving me positive encouragement

Website: https://nlovescourage.com

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/nlovescourage

Facebook: https://facebook.com/nlovescourage

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nlovescourage

Other: You can catch Nature Loves Courage on October 13 at The Viper Room, where we will be celebrating the release of our new EP https://www.nlovescourage.com/buy-tickets/

Image Credits
Photo: Mark Maryanovich