Songwriting can be a healer when nothing else serves as a remedy. For Macartney Reinhardt, songwriting not only helped her through a tough time, but has also given her a new perspective on the current circumstances of the world. That song has now become her debut single, “Shadows.”
The young singer/songwriter already has a Teen Artist of the Year nomination from the Georgia Country Music Awards under her belt, and now with her debut single released to the world about two weeks ago, all eyes are on Reinhardt and what she has up her sleeve next.
We chatted with Reinhardt about her diverse early influences, overcoming stage fright, all about “Shadows,” her plans for the rest of the year and more!
Pro Country: Who were some of your earliest musical influences?
Macartney Reinhardt: I would say some of my earliest musical influences were probably The Beatles and The Grateful Dead. I would fall asleep as a toddler every night listening to The Grateful Dead. As I grew a little older, I started listening to Adele, then began listening to country artists like Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton and Maren Morris.
PC: Your bio mentions that you come from a multi-generational musical family. Did pursuing music yourself almost seem like a predetermined fate? When did you start to catch the music bug yourself?
MR: Yes, I do come from a multi-generational musical family, so it did almost seem like a predestined fate that I would be a musician too. I was always exposed to music really since I was born. It was just such a huge part of my life growing up. I would watch my Dad and his band and would be so captivated. I knew for certain when I was five years-old that I wanted to be a singer.
PC: At what point did your early interest in music translate into realizing you could/wanting to pursue it as a career?
MR: I started singing when I was really young and began performing some. It wasn’t until I was 12 that I started playing shows with a band and realized at that time that I really loved country music and that was the route I wanted to pursue. I then started writing music shortly thereafter upon the death of my grandmother.
PC: You’ve mentioned in past interview that you dealt with stage fright early in your career. To what level did you experience it and how have you been able to combat it?
MR: Yes, I remember my first full-band show, I was pretty nervous! As soon as I start performing, I’m kind of able to lose myself in the moment and feed off the energy of the crowd. I always do breathing exercises before a show to help create calmness.
PC: What emotions are you feels as you’re gearing up to release your debut single, “Shadows”?
MR: Definitely excitement! I think when you work on a song for so long, you are so anxious for the rest of the world to finally get to hear it.
PC: Can you talk about the inspiration behind “Shadows”?
MR: My inspiration behind “Shadows” was my Grandmother. She passed away after a really long battle with cancer. She was such an important part of my life. I wrote this song shortly after her death to help me work through my grief and emotions during that time.
PC: “Shadows” is a song that encourages resiliency and pushing forward. How much of the song was a message to yourself and something you’ve taken to heart? Have the current global circumstances enhanced the meaning of the song for you?
MR: Yes, I think the message of “Shadows” was definitely a message to myself. I felt like every single day during that dark time period that I had to keep going. I had to tell myself that this horrific time wouldn’t last forever and that better days would one day come. This song has taken on a new meaning for me in light of the current situation in our world today. I know there are so many people that have also experienced loss this past year during the pandemic, and I hope this song can be an encouragement to others facing similar circumstances.
PC: “Shadows” walks the line of contemporary and classic country, while also featuring a bluesy vocal. Is it at all important for you to have a certain level of sonic versatility in your sound so early in your career?
MR: Yes, I do want to have a lot of versatility in my sound. I think my voice is a culmination of so many different singers I’ve listened to growing up. My voice has always been more bluesy and soulful.
PC: You were nominated for Teen Artist of the Year at the Georgia Country Awards. What kind of validation do you feel when getting that recognition so early in your career?
MR: I was so honored to be nominated for Teen Vocalist of the Year! I was really excited! It made me very happy to feel validated by the industry. This nomination really inspired me to keep pushing forward.
PC: You’ve supported the American Cancer Society and have also performed for 500 Songs for Kids, a non-profit that gives kids with disabilities and illnesses the chance to express themselves with music. How important is it for you to be philanthropic and to give back when you have the opportunity?
MR: Both of these causes are really close to my heart. After losing my Grandmother to cancer, I always want to bring any awareness to this terrible disease that I can. Since music has always been such a huge part of my life, I want others to be able to experience that too. 500 Songs for Kids brings music to the lives of so many kids that are sick or disabled. It is so important to me to be able to give back any time that I can.
PC: Of the things you can control, what are your plans for the rest of 2021?
MR: I’m planning on releasing another song early summer and finishing my EP. I will also be announcing lots of dates soon for upcoming shows!
*”Shadows” is featured on The Best of Pro Country playlist!*
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