Stephanie McKay ~ Telling It Like It Is

Words By Joe Koch
Photos by Scott Stewart

Stephanie McKay is about to release her second full- length album, Tell It Like It Is, which is a slight departure from her previous recordings and collaborations with such artists as Talib Kweli, Mos Def and DJ Katalyst.
It gives her 100 percent control over the creation.
"The difference between this one and the last is that in the last five years my songwriting has simply improved," says the New York native. "The production style is completely different. On the first record we used Geoff Barrow (Portishead, Soulive and DJ Spinna), so it kinda had a trip hop and soul sound mixed together."
While not veering to far from her roots, Tell It Like It Is will be more of an American-sounding record, with most of it rooted in blues and soul music.
The main factor in making this record a personal success is that she had full creative control. When writing, Stephanie says she tries to capture her influences from when she was young — classic soul, '70s rock and old-school hip hop.
In a majority of her new songs she touches on social issues, such as the current presidential election, the war in Iraq and the Sept. 11,2001 attacks from a unique perspective of a native New Yorker.
"I feel like it was a natural progression, a true reflection of being a New Yorker. Living through all of these issues, I just felt the need to talk about them," says Stephanie. "I feel like I'm kinda following in the same tradition as the great soul artists of Motown did in their time. Art speaks about what's happening in the world."
Stephanie's working-class background has made her passionate about certain issues, allowing her stories to reflect her everyday experiences. These are as simple as riding the subway train every day, dealing with the hustle and bustle of the city, trying to make ends meet.
Her writing process is very organic.

Photo by Scott Stewart

"I don't necessarily have a clear picture in mind when I'm doing it. I know if it makes me feel good, I will like it," she says. "It's very important to have a strong structure to the song and then the production. I usually leave the production open to the collaborative process and hope that we come up with something that feels good." As Stephanie wraps up her European tour, she will head home to contemplate her next move as she continues her musical journey towards stardom.
"I've made creative choices that were unconventional that's kept me in this path, you know, a slow burn," she says. "I've really paid a lot of dues and I feel like I'm getting it gradually, the way I deserve and it feels right."
After being involved in corporate mergers and company downsizing, she has been very close to becoming part of the big machine (major labels). She says, " It's like my spirit wants something else." Stephanie's sound, whether you're seeing her live or spinning her record on your player, will transport you back to a time when innocence prevailed and music mattered.

For more info go to: www.stephaniemckay.com