First Listen: Mcxxne 'Grudges'

A gifted singer, since graduating from the Northern Roots Mentoring programme Zimbabwean-born and Newcastle-raised Mcxxne looks like she will join a steadily growing list of soulful crooners who come from the North of England. Her tone of voice is what strikes you first, swiftly followed by the story she tells. The sound of gospel is evident and proof, of a childhood heavily rooted in the church, laughing, she remarked, “If you can sing, you have to go up.”

We got the chance to speak further to the exciting singer-songwriter about her Latest R&B single ‘Grudges’ an exploration into the intricate nature of relationships and how they can grow uncomfortable, its meaning and the creative process behind the song, as well as her musicality

She urges you to let go of your ego and confront the root of your problems before they turn into grudges that weigh down personal relationships.

The initial reaction

“I’ve never done any vocal training, but I think the only vocal training I’ve had is being pushed to the edge”, she jokes.

“When I was younger, I want to say about 15, I had no confidence in myself. I used to have stage fright and I couldn’t sing in front of people. Even my family members would literally ask me to sing because the whole family knew I can sing, but I’d be so scared to sing in front of them.

She (mum) knew that I had this passion for music and entertainment so she would push me to do music singing competitions. The pressure built me up, and me so strong, and more confident in myself."

“I want people to relate to it”, she says when speaking about ‘Grudges’. “I know some of the feelings that I talk about in the song are quite relatable. I want people to recognise that you don’t have to let your experiences define you and let your feelings take over you as a person.

Don’t be petty, I think the song gives that vibe.”

Artistic perception

“With this song 'Grudges', I wrote this song a few years ago now, maybe about four years ago and when I was literally writing this song, I had this kind of epiphany, of just writing about grudges and how I was feeling at the time

“I have this crazy concept of Harley Quinn vibes. Not Harley Quinn dress but her vibe of going after someone, you know. It’s giving not Men In Black but the women's version of a long trench jacket

Looking back to her “incredible”  time with DJ Ace on his R&B tour, where she performed in Newcastle.  She shares “It was one of the biggest moments that I’ve had in my career so far.”

Looking forward, Mcxxne is already building on what she has already accomplished so far, and her desire to bring the North-East into the musical conversation.

Listen here