The journey of an artist often begins in the most unexpected places. For McKinnon, it all started in the intimate corners of her bedroom, where she crafted lo-fi tunes as a tween. These early compositions were raw, personal, and full of emotion, capturing the essence of a young artist exploring her musical identity. Fast forward to today, McKinnon has not only seen her songs go viral but also signed to a record label during the pandemic—a testament to her growing influence and undeniable talent.
Now at 26, McKinnon stands at the helm of an ever-loyal fanbase, eagerly anticipating each new release. Her journey from a bedroom musician to a viral sensation is marked by a deep connection with her audience, who remain invested in her every move. McKinnon has never been one to let them down, consistently delivering music that resonates deeply with those who listen.
Her latest release, Girl Prometheus, is nothing short of a musical odyssey—a turbulent, enrapturing experience that showcases McKinnon’s growth as an artist. The album is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, with devastating lyrics set against a backdrop of fluttering string arrangements. Each track is meticulously crafted to take the listener on a journey through the treacherous motions of lovesickness, where every twist and turn is both unexpected and deeply affecting.
The album’s opener, “Biblical Love,” sets the tone for what’s to come. It begins as an acoustic daydream, with McKinnon’s delicate voice whispering startling confessions: “I want to be untouched and clean/ Till you follow me home/ And you take that from me.” The intimacy of these lines draws the listener in, creating a sense of vulnerability that is both beautiful and haunting. Just as the listener is lulled into a sense of calm, the song takes a dramatic turn. After a minute and a half, the tame, acoustic sound is ruptured by a dazzlingly unexpected violent outburst, plunging the listener into the depths of McKinnon’s emotional landscape.
This ability to surprise and captivate is what makes Girl Prometheus such a powerful album. McKinnon is unafraid to explore the darker, more chaotic sides of love and heartbreak, and she does so with a grace and authenticity that is rare in today’s music scene. Each song on the album is a testament to her skill as a songwriter and her willingness to take risks, both musically and lyrically.
In a recent interview, McKinnon spoke about the process of creating Girl Prometheus and how it reflects her own experiences with love and loss. She described the album as a “turbulent odyssey” that mirrors the highs and lows of her personal journey. For McKinnon, music is a way to process and make sense of the world around her, and Girl Prometheus is the culmination of years of introspection and growth.
What were you like writing about at 13/14?
As a response to the above question, she said
MCKINNON: Things I had no idea about. It was mostly fictional at that point. I was writing about heartbreak and grief and all of these things when I really hadn’t experienced anything; I hadn’t had any real relationships. But I think I listened to so much music and I read so much when I was younger that I was able to fictionalize these songs. It actually ended up being sort of prophetic in a way where now I look back at those songs and I actually relate to those, even though when I wrote them I had no idea what I was talking about.
As McKinnon continues to evolve as an artist, her following remains steadfast, always eager to see where she will go next.
As McKinnon continues to evolve as an artist, her following remains steadfast, always eager to see where she will go next. With Girl Prometheus, she has once again proven that she is an artist to watch—one who is unafraid to push boundaries and explore new emotional territories. The album is a bold statement of her artistic vision, and it’s clear that McKinnon’s journey is far from over.
For those who have been following her since her early lo-fi days, Girl Prometheus is a triumphant evolution of an artist who has stayed true to her roots while continuously pushing herself to new heights. And for new listeners, it’s an invitation to join McKinnon on her ever-unfolding musical journey—one that promises to be as unpredictable as it is deeply rewarding.
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