IN CONVERSATION WITH MCKENNA GRACE

interview JANA LETONJA

Numéro Netherlands Digital presents Emmy nominated actress and singer Mckenna Grace, starring in this fashion story captured by Raul Romo. This August, fans saw Mckenna at her debut performance at Lollapalooza festival. Next up, she will star in an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel ‘Regretting You’, and produce and star in ‘Rabbit Cake’ and ‘Straight Lies’.

You recently released two new tracks, 'Swim Team' and 'Loser'. Can you tell us how your song writing has changed, and what you want your fans to take away from your new music?

I’ve been releasing music since I was 15, so naturally over the course of the past few years my song writing has changed a lot, as have I. My songs and writing have changed as I’ve gained more life experience and perspective. I hope anyone who listens to my music can relate or just enjoy the tracks no matter what phase of life they're in, and just know they aren't alone. 

What excites and fulfills you the most about music?

I love to create, and writing about my feelings is very therapeutic. I just love music and how it can transport and make us feel. It's such a great way to connect. Getting to put things out that hopefully make people feel things is so cool to me. Pouring my heart and stories into a song feels really therapeutic and fulfilling. 

Who would you describe as your biggest musical influences, and why?

My music influences are ever changing. I listen to so much, but I started writing music after listening to Conan Gray’s album 'Kid Krow' over lockdown. I loved it. Right now though, I’m still a big Conan fan and I love some good rock like Deftones or Limp Bizkit, but Big Thief, Boa, Phoebe Bridgers and Del Water Gap are some artists I've really been resonating with lately

left
dress VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
earrings KATKIM

right
jacket & bra GUCCI
pants SANDY LIANG
belt MATERIAL TBILISI
necklace & ring KATKIM
purity ring TALENT’S OWN

Last month, you had your debut performance at the famous Lollapalooza festival. How excited were you about it, and how satisfied were you about it afterwards?

It was so cool. The only festival I’d ever gone to prior to that was a metal festival with my dad, so very different. I played three sets in a day which was crazy, but I loved it so much though. I really think it showed me how much I loved performing live and how much I want to continue working to get better at it so I can keep playing more. It was such an honor and I couldn't have been happier.

What are your plans for your music career in the future?

I want to better myself and my writing, and just continue releasing. My big hope is to do well enough in music to take some time off acting to play more shows.

Besides music, you’re also an accomplished actress. How do you balance your musical and acting careers?

I think the two go really well hand in hand. I write music all the time while I'm on set. Basically anytime I'm not on se,t I'm probably in the studio and then vice versa. I love what I do, so I never stop working, but music is a big part of my acting process as well. I use music a lot to help me get into character.

dress VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
earrings & ring KATKIM
purity ring TALENT’S OWN

Your acting career will be a very busy one in the coming year, with multiple projects set for release. What can you share with us about them?

I have so much going on right now that I can’t talk about yet. I’m about to start shooting on something and I’m recording for something else right now that I’m so excited about. I cant wait to be able to talk about it all, but right now I can just say I have a lot going on next year. 

When you’re not recording or filming, what or where is your happy place? 

I love going to the movies. My dad and I go watch movies together all the time. And since I’ve gotten my license, I’ve discovered so many cool theaters in LA playing older films. I also love going to my church and hanging out with my friends around there.

left
sweater SANDY LIANG
skirt KOREDOKO
shoes CHANEL
tights WOLFORD
bracelet AOK ARCHIVE
ring KATKIM
purity ring TALENT’S OWN

right
dress VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

TEAM CREDITS

talent MCKENNA GRACE
photography RAUL ROMO
styling ALI KORNHAUSER at THE ONLY AGENCY
makeup JASMIN WINNIE STEPHEN
hair ADRIAN COBIAN Adrian Cobian
retouching assistant AL-SAYED MOHAMED
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA