As a member of Nine8 Collective and a producer for his crew members — Biig Piig, Lava La Rue, and Aminé — Mac Wetha is stepping out and making sure he has his moment to shine as a solo artist.
Signed to Dirty Hit Records, Wetha released his debut EP, Make It Thru, on June 10. The five-track project hears influences from various genres, including indie and hip-hop, and proves that he is ready to be at the forefront. “I don’t feel nervous anymore. I feel good, I feel happy,” he told The Face. “It’s taken slow steps to this point, so this just feels like work coming to fruition.”
Just in time for the summer, track four on the EP, “Wayside,” is getting what appears to be single treatment. Directed by The Reids, the music video to accompany the track paints a picture of what summertime is all about for the young London lad — bike riding in the sun, driving with the roof off, and hanging out with friends. Lyrically, the dreamy, melancholy indie bop is very hopeful for a better future and can be related to the world we are currently living in: “When this is all done / I hope you can find the time / It’s gonna be strange to miss this confinement.”
In his recent interview with The Face, Wetha opened up about exploring emotions in his work. “I think it’s easiest to write about personal experiences which hurt you or make you sad,” he expressed, adding, “I’m trying to explore feelings of happiness and joy, and trying to put that in music. I find it harder, but it’s fun to try out.”
Like Lorde’s “Solar Power,” “Wayside” isn’t your typical tropical song, but very much deserves to be on your summer playlist regardless.
This isn’t going to be a quiet year for Wetha. In September, he will be joining label mate Beabadoobee on tour as her support act. Kicking off on Sept. 7 in Manchester, the duo will play in various cities across the UK and Ireland including London, Oxford, and Dublin. The tour is scheduled to conclude the following month in Glasgow on Oct. 4.
