Whitney McClain
Whitney McClain.
American singer/songwriter Whitney McClain released her latest single “Cruise” in 2017.
The Los Angeles based artist revealed three remixes on June 8th. Remixed by Da BeatFreakz, PhantomBOSS and Davi, each record offers a different color and atmosphere.
“I wanted to create a record that pushed positivity and hope that, no matter how bad it might seem, we can always work through it if we love one another. Darkness can’t exist in the presence of light. Later, it developed into a love song, but I still think it holds true to the original message,” explains McClain.
The original track was co-written with Marlon McClain II, Davi Jordan and Ralph Stacy, and sets the stage for her forthcoming sophomore EP, due out very soon via Gold Dust LLC.
“Cruises” (The Remixes) are now available on all major streaming platforms.
Introduce yourself.
My name is Whitney McClain. I’m 25 years old, and I am from Salem, Oregon. I currently live in Studio City in the Los Angeles area.
What’s your story?
I grew up in Salem, Oregon. After high school, I moved to Austin, Texas, to attend the University of Texas, Austin. While I was in college, I really missed singing and decided I wanted to chase dreams to become a singer. I contacted my uncle, Marlon McClain, who connected me with Mauli B to evaluate my voice. Mauli ended up becoming my first vocal producer, and worked with me on my first single, “Bombs Away.” We later went on to complete my EP Nothing to Lose.
What got you into music?
I’m not really sure what got me into music. Ever since I was little, music has always been something I’ve loved. It’s always been a part of my life.
What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to a wide variety of music: Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, The Temptations, Motown in general, funk and a little bit of country! There’s really too much to name.
What do you like the most about music?
I like that music has the power to touch and even aid in healing people.
Describe us your first experiences in the music industry. What did you learn since then?
My first experience was going into the studio with Mauli. I learned how to song-write with Mauli. I learned that most people are not on time, but that ok. Things can take a while and they might move at an inconsistent rate. You just gotta keep pushing forward, though, taking small steps to improve along the way. And sometimes even a big leap of faith!
Tell us about your latest single “Cruise”. What’s the story behind this record?
I had this beat for like two years, and I just could not come up with anything except for the word “cruise" or “cruising.” Those words just kept coming into my mind for the instrumental. During songwriting sessions with my co-writers, I brought the beat up to see if we could come up with something. After a collaborating session, we finally came up with the basic elements of the song. From there, we just worked to develop and fine-tune it into the final version.
You recently released three remixes. How was it like to work with these producers?
It’s really cool to have the opportunity to work with different producers. It’s great to hear the spin they put on the original song.
Listen to the “Cruise” remixes here.
What’s the message behind “Cruise”?
I made “Cruise” as a song of encouragement. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with things that happen in life. I know most people do, too. With “Cruise,” the message is that even if things get tough, there is not anything that you can’t get through. It is possible to let go. To stop stressing about the difficulties, and try to find the brighter side of any situation.
How did your sound evolve over the years?
I think, as an artist, my sound has become a little more raw — or that’s the vibe I’m going for, at least. That’s the feel of the music I usually like to listen to, so I am aiming to get my sound to veer more in that direction.
You are currently working on your new EP. What can we expect to hear on this EP? Who are your working with?
Yes! I’m currently working on a project with Da BeatFreakz and their team out of London. I’m also working with producer Ralph Stacy and my writing team for this upcoming project. This project is much moodier than my last one.
What’s the hardest thing about being an artist?
Waiting on the unknown is the hardest thing about being an artist. I think that’s the hardest thing as a human being. You put a lot of work into the music you work on as an artist. Not knowing where it will go, or if it is touching your fans how you want it to or not — that’s the most difficult part for me.
What advice would you give to anyone who’d like to pursue their dreams?
If you are scared to do it, do it anyway. Pray. And surround yourself with good people. Most importantly, don’t give up!
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
I think we all need to take a pause and stop doing things out of hurt or anger. We all need to start doing things out of love, because pointing fingers, judging, mocking, and spewing hate does nothing good.
What’s your purpose?
This may sound cliché, but I would like to make the world a better place. I think I’m supposed to help encourage people and let them know that they are not alone in their struggles.
Connect with Whitney: