Interview: McKenna Camille Opens Up About Anxiety, Creativity, and Success

McKenna Camille interview
Image Credit: Eddie Flanigan

In an era where authenticity often feels rare, McKenna Camille stands out by embracing honesty in every aspect of her artistry. The singer-songwriter, actress, and creative entrepreneur has built a growing fanbase through music that combines infectious pop melodies with deeply personal storytelling. Whether addressing themes of anxiety, bullying, relationships, or self-discovery, McKenna transforms real-life experiences into songs that resonate with listeners around the world.

A graduate of NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, McKenna has expanded her creative footprint far beyond music, producing music videos, plays, short films, and launching her sustainable fashion and art brand, MICKY MADE. Her performances at New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week have further showcased her unique blend of artistry, style, and individuality.

In this exclusive interview with AboutInsider.com, McKenna opens up about her creative journey, the inspiration behind her latest single “Airplane,” the importance of honesty in her work, and how storytelling continues to shape every aspect of her career.

HEY MCKENNA, THANKS FOR TALKING TO US TODAY AND WELCOME TO ABOUTINSIDER.COM! CAN YOU PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR READERS AND TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AS A SINGER, SONGWRITER, AND ACTRESS?        
I am an all around artist, living and breathing art all day every day. I’ve been fortunate enough to explore many different styles and forms of art including working on many short films and student films as a crew member, acting in a few as well. I’ve written hundreds of songs at this point, with about 20 out on all streaming platforms, and most recently I’ve started my own fashion & art brand called MICKY MADE, focusing on sustainability! 

YOUR MUSIC OFTEN BALANCES VULNERABILITY WITH CATCHY POP ENERGY. HOW DO YOU APPROACH WRITING SONGS THAT ARE BOTH DEEPLY PERSONAL AND WIDELY RELATABLE?
When dealing with hard situations, it’s best to assume you’re not alone, so when approaching the writing process I always assume there’s at least one other person out there that could relate to what I’m creating and that is plenty for me. 

SONGS LIKE “BAD ONE” OPENLY EXPLORE ANXIETY, BULLYING, AND MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES. WHY HAS HONESTY BECOME SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR ARTISTRY? 
I think I would be wasting my time being an artist and a singer if I wasn’t being honest and being myself. Art is one of the easiest ways to be honest with the world and I wouldn’t want to do it any other way. It’s also just a huge part of who I am as a person, I very much ascribe to the “what you see is what you get” mindset. 

YOUR LATEST SINGLE “AIRPLANE” HAS ALREADY CAUGHT ATTENTION FROM FANS. WHAT INSPIRED THE SONG, AND WHAT DOES IT REPRESENT FOR YOU CREATIVELY?   
A close friend found herself in a cheating situation and this song is about her finding out and the emotions following. Airplane represents the new corners of pop music that I am interested in exploring, putting storytelling first always. 

McKenna Camille
Image Credit: Jayden Becker

YOU’VE PERFORMED AT MAJOR EVENTS LIKE NEW YORK FASHION WEEK AND PARIS FASHION WEEK. HOW DOES FASHION INFLUENCE YOUR MUSIC, VISUALS, AND STAGE PRESENCE?
I think what I wear and what I write/sing go hand in hand. I’m a very whimsical dresser and I’m sure many of the people I’ve worked with would describe me as a whimsical songwriter as well…I have a hard time following song writing “rules”.    

ALONGSIDE MUSIC, YOU ALSO PRODUCE MUSIC VIDEOS, PLAYS, AND SHORT FILMS. DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS MORE OF A STORYTELLER ACROSS DIFFERENT CREATIVE MEDIUMS RATHER THAN JUST ONE CATEGORY?
Of course! I love being able to tell stories through many different art forms. It’s such a blessing to be able to do that. 

YOUR DISCOGRAPHY RANGES FROM EMOTIONAL TRACKS LIKE “NARCISSUS” AND “SITUATIONSHIP” TO PLAYFUL SONGS LIKE “STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE.” HOW IMPORTANT IS VERSATILITY TO YOU AS AN ARTIST?
Honestly it’s not something I worry myself too much with, I’m more concerned with being true to what I feel. 

YOU’VE BEEN OPEN ABOUT LIVING WITH ANXIETY, OCD, AND DEPRESSION. WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE LISTENERS TAKE AWAY WHEN THEY HEAR YOUR MUSIC?    
That any bad situation can turn into something positive. 

OUTSIDE OF ENTERTAINMENT, YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT SPORTS, NATURE, AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. HOW DO THOSE EXPERIENCES HELP YOU STAY GROUNDED AND INSPIRED CREATIVELY?    
Being outside is necessary for creative work in my opinion. The most inspiration I get is from being in nature and embracing it. 

Watch the official video of Airplane here:

You can connect with McKenna Camille through Instagram @mckenacamille and website mckennacamillemusic.com