Mac Ayres Reflects on Songwriting, Influences, and Staying True to Himself in the Music Industry

Mac Ayres, a prominent figure in modern R&B, emphasizes emotional sensitivity as a core element of his songwriting process. He values working with long-time collaborator Chris Anderson and prefers self-production to maintain creative control. Ayres draws inspiration from artists like John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and D'Angelo, whose album *Black Messiah* significantly influenced him. Ayres began his musical journey playing covers in his hometown and later honed his skills at Berklee College of Music. He gained recognition on SoundCloud with his song "Easy." Despite record label pressure to alter his public persona and embrace influencer culture, Ayres remains committed to his artistic integrity, prioritizing musicianship over social media presence. During the pandemic, his NPR Tiny Desk performance garnered attention, leading to the release of *cloudy*, a compilation of older songs from his Berklee days. Ayres appreciates the opportunity to revisit his past work and satisfy his fans' requests, acknowledging the unique creative space he occupied during his early songwriting years.