INTERVIEW: Getting In Sync With MKL [MI4L.com]

Q: Hey MKL, great to meet you! What’s happening in your world at the minute?

Hello there ✨?

My world has been full of positive change, growth, and experience lately. I’ve been navigating my early 20s as best as I can, trying to master the art of balance in my life, and learning to appreciate each lesson, and each blessing, grand and small. 

Finally honing in on a journey I’ve dreamed of pursuing my entire life has been so surreal. Music has been coursing through my veins since I was in the womb, so to be able to finally share a piece of who I am with the world through my songs is truly a dream come true.

Q: Congratulations on releasing ‘ME & YOU’ on Bayacou Records. Talk us through the release?

Thank you so much!! This release has been a journey; With Ezel (producer of “YOU & ME” and owner of Bayacou Records) being in the Dominican Republic and over a thousand miles away from us here in the swamp, we’ve each had to really push as a collective and individually to make this whole project a cohesive unit. We have done all communication virtually, which has been a challenge at times, but we’ve each been steadfast in ensuring that we saw things to completion, with a polished finished product- and we are so proud of what we’ve done.

Q: Can you enlighten us on the meaning behind your name? 

My name is derived from my initials : Mary Kathryn Labbie

Q: What inspired you to embark on this journey with Music? 

I’ve always been a soul/ blues singer. So creating fast paced, upbeat music wasn’t exactly in my foresight originally… but, my dear friend and now manager Van Roy, who has been in the dance music industry for over 15 years, worked alongside me in an office job.. He mentioned to me a few times that he wanted to start a new project,  make a new song, and get himself back in the game and just enjoy creating again. My gears began to turn, and overtime, he and I began to collaborate. One thing leads to another..

He has been such a huge part in all of this and is responsible for connecting me with all of the wonderful people I’ve met along the way. 

Q: How did you link up with EZEL & Bayacou Records?

-Ezel and I I met through a mutual dear friend and business partner of mine, house maestro/ DJ Mr. V (Victor Font). Victor and I embarked on a journey together early last October, when I had the idea to create my own house rendition of Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much”.. That song is to be released in 2025…and I have faith that it will send shockwaves! 

Victor and Ezel know one another through years of working alongside each other in the house and Dance music Industry.. When Victor and I linked, he had a gut feeling that Ezel and I would have strong musical and creative chemistry… and let the music speak for me when I say that Victor was correct✨

So he linked us up.. next thing you know, here we are… it’s all been so meant to be

Q: Can you describe the connection between your music and your South Louisiana roots, and how they continue to influence your music today? 

My Southern Louisiana roots are reflected in my soulful, heartfelt melodies more than anything in my music…It may be a bit of a paradox, being someone  who was raised in swamp country, making music for clubs… but I think there is so much beauty in that contrast. Hospitality, community, and culture are all things that aren’t exclusive to either demographic… Those things reside both in dance music and in my southern heritage.. To me, it all coincides.

Q: Can you share some insight into your creative process when singing? Do you have any particular rituals or methods that help you stay inspired?

My creative process is extremely sporadic and usually isn’t very structured at all. I would consider it like a “download” of sorts. I always get ideas for melodies and lyrics at random, and once it’s there it HAS to come out…For instance, I could be about to fall asleep, or about to complete any mundane task, and then suddenly I’m given inspiration and ideas flow out of me like crazy. Then I enter a flow state… Being so present in that moment of creativity, it’s like a form of meditation… I create at my best when it simply comes to me, when it isn’t planned , over thought, or over analyzed. It just happens.

Q: Which other singers have been an inspiration for you? 

Rochelle Jordan, Jorja Smith, and Nia Archives are some singers that have been major inspirations for me.

Q: When you are not busy with music, what might we find you doing? 

When I’m not busy singing or writing, you can find me in the gym, in nature somewhere, or spending time with my loved ones… I am a very family oriented person and love to center my life around a strong support system. 

I love being connected to Mother Nature and truly enjoy anything outdoorsy. I’m a country girl at heart. 

I’m also somewhat of a gym rat 🙂 taking care of my physical temple is extremely important to me; as well as my inner temple. I love to meditate and pray, and gratitude is always at the center of these moments for me.

Q: Finally, what’s next for you? Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaboration you have in the works? Are there any new directions or sounds you’re exploring in your music right now?

I’ve got some more magic in the works right now… 2025 will be full of surprises… 

I don’t ever want to place myself in any boxes, musically or aesthetically; I want to always be evolving as an artist. I will most definitely be exploring new sounds, new concepts, different ideas, and pushing myself to new places as my career progresses. I want to always be open to morphing into the next version of myself, and allowing the waves of change to do their job. So it’s safe to say, expect something new – and something wonderful from me up ahead.

-MKL