Magic 8ball is a project crafted for independent artists, meant to show that if you really set your mind to it, you have the tools to do anything and everything you want with your art. This stereotype has utterly destroyed smaller, independent musicians hopes of recognition, feeling as though it is unattainable without connections.

In fact, many of these artists are praised for being the hottest stars in popular music however, some argue that their fame is undeserved and questionable, stating that the producers, ghost writers, and other music industry personnel are the real geniuses behind the face. As shown in recent years, it seems as though some artists have only gained publicity or popularity through extensive connections and privileged musical opportunities.

One of the hardest things to do in music is to become a successful self-produced artist. His fourth album Magic 8ball preaches to those dealing with loneliness through wondrous storytelling and sensationally groovy instrumentals, while also paying homage to independence and all one can do without worrying about attainability. After the long wait, Mac Ayres welcomed in the new year with something innovative and impressive. Through his lyrics, Mac introduces his hopes to discover new things about himself, bringing forth some pure, unmatched energy, seen on songs like “Better” and “Smiley Boy - Live.” Consequently, there were high expectations for a 2020 release a follow-up to continue his A-1 discography and seemingly invincible musical brilliance. Moreover, this concept was kept in his 2019 release Juicebox, presenting some raw, soulful performances, expertly balanced with live guitar and drum instrumentation and smooth R&B tones. You can tell the songs all derive from him, as his vocalism, multi-instrumentalism, and producing is what really makes the album so exhilarating. While he does work with some notable collaborators such as saxophonist Braxton Cook and producers Chris Anderson and Jack Dine, much of what makes this album so great is Mac’s self-generated musical ability.

The instrumentation and fanciful lyrics presented on songs like “Under” and “Get to You Again” are intoxicating and stimulating, making this one of the warmest and most inviting pieces of music to come out of 2018. The following year, he took a fresh take on 90’s R&B/soul with the album Something To Feel. Songs like “Easy” and “Lonely” are not only examples of his songwriting prowess, but also his knowledge in creating exceptionally well-balanced tracks for listeners to become musically and lyrically hypnotized by. Mac Ayres’ 2017 debut album Drive Slow can be classified both as a collection of bedroom pop tracks that perfectly shape the late-night mood and a meditative journey for those rare, disconnected moments of relaxation. With inspiration from the likes of D’Angelo, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Marvin Gaye, J Dilla, and Amy Winehouse, the now twenty-three year old Berklee School of Music graduate crafted three magnificent albums that ultimately exposed his talent to the world and proved his strength in those aforementioned areas indefinitely. Mac Ayres is known for a couple things: his illustrious voice, his outstanding multi-instrumentalism, his amazing songwriting, and his incredible producing.

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