Q&A: Mac Wetha is Back and Finally in His Own Skin
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY SHEVON GREENE ☆
AFTER TAKING TIME TO RESET, MAC WETHA’S STEPPING BACK INTO HIS SOUND — with more honesty, vulnerability and intention than ever before. “in your skin” is a refresh that marks the beginning of a new chapter after a bout of writer’s block, label fallout and couch surfing. A major collaborator for London’s alt-pop scene and a Dirty Hit signee by the age of 21, Mac Wetha spent the past year stripping everything back while reexploring the type of honesty that first made him fall in love with music.
Co-produced with apob (Dora Jar, Deb Never), “in your skin” is a mix of punchy guitars and unfiltered honesty, showcasing a new type of confidence in both his voice and vision. The “fake deep” lyrics of the past are gone for good and have been replaced with something cathartic yet true. “in your skin” is a clear break from the noise and the sound of an artist trusting his instincts again.
We chatted with Mac Wetha about rebuilding after burnout, finding joy in independence, and why this era feels like his truest yet. Read below for more.
LUNA: You’ve said that this release is the start of a new chapter. What made it feel like the right time to close the last one and start fresh?
MAC WETHA: Well, I had a pretty rough combination of severe writer's block, loss of a label, manager and booking agent (all in the same week, when it rains it pours I guess) and a year of couch surfing and kind of had to just take stock of what really matters and what I’m doing all this for… After a while, things just kind of started making sense to me again musically and I’m older, a lot more experienced and have a fresh outlook on my music and where it’s headed. It definitely feels like a new chapter is beginning.
LUNA: You’ve described this new era as more introspective. How did turning inward affect the kind of sound or stories you wanted to tell?
MAC WETHA: I realized at some point that a lot of the lyrics I was writing were almost fake deep; like I thought I was writing sincerely but I actually wasn’t… Maybe I was too afraid to really get in the weeds there, I don’t know, but what I really value is true honesty in music and I feel that’s what connects to people the most. I made more of an effort to spend days alone in the studio with no distractions, and then the words started pouring out. I’m focusing less on “well written” lyrics in the traditional sense and more just trying to go with whatever words are getting my feelings out best. This time around writing has been really cathartic.
LUNA: How does this version of you differ from the one listeners might know from your Dirty Hit days?
MAC WETHA: Again, there’s more honesty and more confidence in making exactly what I want to make.
LUNA: How was it working with apob? Any highlights or moments in collaboration that stuck out to you?
MAC WETHA: apob is the best dude, I’ve known him for a while and was honored to be working with him. We wrote this one late 2024 and working out vocals in his studio might have been the first time since before I signed with Dirty Hit back in the day that I felt joy and confidence using my voice. I actually kinda clocked there and then that I want to sing more and sing louder, so that really sticks out in my mind. He also has the cutest dog by the name of Hank who I love to pieces.
LUNA: Any sonic references or influences that inspired the direction of “in your skin?”
MAC WETHA: 2000s UK indie music and the SSX On Tour soundtrack.
LUNA: Since your upcoming EP is self-contained (written, produced, performed by you), how did that sense of independence change your workflow or mindset in the studio?
MAC WETHA: In a way, working with people is my forte and also my crutch; I absolutely love working with people in the studio but this time around, I want my music to be exactly the sound I have in my head, and I don’t really want to muddy the waters too much. In literally any other facet of music making I much prefer working with people, but for this EP in particular, I want to start things off as pure to my vision as I can, so I’m keeping it lowkey there.
LUNA: Were there any moments while producing where you felt you had to unlearn old habits from collaborating with others?
MAC WETHA: Yeah, mainly just having confidence in my own ideas and not needing a second opinion to know what’s good.
LUNA: What part of the journey of “reclaiming your narrative” was the hardest?
MAC WETHA: The self-confidence part. I’m so lucky to have amazing creative friends who support me, that helped a lot. But yeah, I think after you part with a label and team and you’re left on your own it’s easy to think you’re just a washed-up unc—which, hey, maybe I am but I’m at least confident in my music now and I know it’s truer to my vision than what it was before.
LUNA: How do you navigate those themes of self-doubt and pressure you touch on in your music in real time as an artist rebuilding his foundation?
MAC WETHA: I’ve just learnt that you need to be headstrong and just make and release music without worrying about anything else; it really is that simple. I’m taking notes from my 18-year-old self and just doing what feels right without thinking twice. Or I’m trying at least, it’s definitely easier said than done.
LUNA: Congratulations on your recent show at the Courtyard Theatre in London! How does it feel to be performing live again, especially with a full band for the first time in three years after this period of rediscovery?
MAC WETHA: Feels so good. I’m still performing with my three best friends as I was three years ago so rehearsing is an absolute joy. I’m also psyched on how good the songs sound live, I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
LUNA: What do you hope listeners take away from “in your skin” as the opening statement to this new era?
MAC WETHA: I’m back, baby.
