Some Babies Grow Up to Be Disco Cowboys: An Interview With Adam Mac

By Selena Haynes and Lauren Means • Photos Provided by Adam Mac

We have the ability to speak with many artists across many genres who are in various stages of their musical careers. From those just starting their journey, like Jessie Haines and Daena, to those who are well established, like Ty Herndon and Melissa Etheridge. We often ask about their journey entering the music industry as an LGBTQ+ artist or how their experience was coming out after already launching their career. We usually get answers about how it was difficult to break in but they knew it was important to do for other artists.

Then there are artists, like Adam Mac, whom we have followed and watched grow as an artist. He has always been open about who he was and did not let that stop him from growing as an artist. We first learned about Adam way back in 2019 during his second time appearing on American Idol. From there we have seen him perform with the local music creative RNBW Nashville, at various music venues and festivals, to eventually releasing his debut EP.

With musical influences ranging from Michael Jackson and Shania Twain to Chris Stapleton, Willie Nelson and Amy Winehouse — all of which can be heard in his music — it’s no surprise that Katy Perry told him that “she wanted to make me her ‘big gay rhinestone cowboy’.” Adam’s music crosses many styles and that connects him to a wide-ranging audience. His songs are relatable; his music is catchy; and his style is impeccable. 

Adam has now released his newest single, “Disco Cowboy,” which is an earworm that’ll stick with anyone who hears it. The video is flashy with glitter and shimmer galore. The choreography is easy to follow along with and the song makes you want to jump on the dance floor. Adam is wearing his signature hat and sunglasses that Sir Elton John would envy. It’s a fun song with a video to match. Maybe this is why it has reached, and remained for the last two weeks, in the number one spot of CMT’s 12 Pack Countdown — this countdown puts fans in the driver’s seat to choose the top 12 music videos of the week.

Selena, the publisher of Connect, had the opportunity to speak with Adam about all the growth he has seen in the last few years, playing at the 2022 CMA Fan Fest, and what the future is looking like for him. 

It’s been a minute since we last interviewed you. At that time, the article was about you doing your part to carve a path in country music for others who identify as LGBTQ+ and look at you now! CMT just released your “Disco Cowboy” video. What are you feeling about this? How difficult was it to accomplish something this big as an out artist?

Oh wow, when you put the timeline into perspective like that, it’s really wild to think about! I have been feeling so many things since the video premiered on CMT, mostly still a little in disbelief, but also grateful and proud to have been given their platform, and that they, without hesitation, agreed to amplify and support queer voices. That’s pretty rad.

Can we expect more videos on CMT? 

I mean, I can only hope!!!

Disco Cowboy definitely gives me 70s disco vibes. Why this type of song for a country music genre? 

Oh, I’m so glad you noticed!! You know, I didn’t go into the studio for this album with genre barriers in mind. I wanted to make music that made me feel good. I wanted it to feel inspired by the music that makes me want to dance. For me, that’s always going to be Michael Jackson, Prince, Donna Summer or really anything with a funky bass guitar and some horns. I think whatever music I make will always lean into the country genre because the heart of country music is songwriting and storytelling and I would be nothing with[out] those things!

CMT is making strides to be more LGBTQ+ friendly. What was it like to play at CMA Fest’s Country Proud stage this past Summer? What would you like to see the country music genre do that further advances equality?

That was truly one of the best shows I’ve ever played. It wasn’t a giant venue like the arena downtown during CMA fest, but the love we artists felt that night could’ve filled an arena. It was so beautiful and everyone who performed absolutely slayed.

Honestly CMT and the folks over there like Leslie Fram, truly are doing the not always popular work of creating equality and inclusion in the country music genre. Constantly amplifying the voices of women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community and making space for us. I think the future of the genre is just that, a place for all of us.

One of the goals for Connect is to bring people in the LGBTQ+ community to the forefront so that others can see that representation. For our youth, this is especially important. What advice do you have for LGBTQ+ youth wanting to go into the music industry? And, in general, for anyone?

I think it is so important for kids to be able to see themselves represented on TV. I imagine how I would’ve felt as a kid if I saw someone queer in a music video on CMT. I would’ve certainly felt a lot more normal. My advice is to trust your gut, create from an honest place, and never give up.

What’s next for Adam Mac?

Welp, I have an album that’s just about finished, a new single on the way, new merch that I’m actually obsessed with, and gearing up for some more shows this fall! I hope to see y’all out at one!!  

To see Adam’s merch, find show details, and hear his latest single, “Disco Cowboy,” visit http://www.adammacmusic.com/.

To watch the video for “Disco Cowboy,” visit https://youtu.be/vwcEBLCSfGg.