"I've always had a passion for a good storybook or a great film. So, I decided, 'why not attempt to create my own?'" The effect is vibrant and occasionally psychedelic; throughout ‘Magic, Alive!’, there's a constant feeling that the tracks are delicately balanced on the edge of chaos. In alignment with his goal of nurturing a sense of community, he collaborates with a diverse array of featured artists, including both familiar faces (Ghais Guevara, Teller Bank$) and newcomers (Shamir). Additionally, there’s a significant production contributor in Sam Yamaha, a Londoner who submitted beats inspired by McKinley without any prior request; McKinley then traveled to the UK to collaborate with Sam, laying the foundation for the album. “That’s one of the contradictions of this album; I aimed to create a communal vibe, but also to distance myself from that community in some way by involving new people,” McKinley explains, who returned to his hometown of Richmond, Virginia for the actual recording of ‘Magic, Alive!’. “It’s crucial to maintain a discography that doesn’t become stagnant. I share a strong connection with many of my collaborators; there’s an intimate synergy present. When I return to Richmond to create a record, that comfort and familiarity is truly wonderful. Therefore, I am quite discerning about my collaborators, but I sensed that Sam could stand out on his own; he stepped in with a clear vision of what this record should sound like. He brought a refreshing energy.” However, perhaps the most significant location tied to the album is Chicago itself. McKinley’s music has consistently reflected his personal geography; having grown up in Maryland, he has spent time in Queens, New York, and Richmond before settling in Chicago in anticipation of the release of ‘Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?’. “This record captures my first impression of Chicago. Previously, I often found myself writing as if I were still in Virginia, even when I wasn’t physically there. But Chicago has inspired me; I adore it here. It’s a beautiful and complex city, with countless moments that feel magical, especially during the summer. It’s so vibrant, and you can feel its energy. My lyrics are consistently influenced by what I observe and where I am.” As McKinley prepares to unveil the album, a year after its completion, one significant question continues to linger: after so much exploration through storytelling and self-reflection, does he believe he has deciphered the essence of magic as a concept? “I believe magic exists at the intersection of luck, timing, connection, how you navigate life, and your intention,” he responds thoughtfully. “It’s not inherently spiritual or religious, as it’s something innate. I think there’s a spiritual aspect, but when I discuss religion in my music, it emerges from a place of confusion, burden, and intimidation. Therefore, I prefer to view magic as something fleeting. It’s like lightning—filled with wonder and peril.” ‘Magic, Alive!’ is now available through City Slang.
A master of blending genres and pushing boundaries, McKinley Dixon is weaving narrative-driven magic of a different sort on his fifth studio album, ‘Magic, Alive!’
