Andrew McMullen’s music is hard to describe. Blending a variety of styles with influences from classical to pop to metal, the alternative pop music that defines his artistic style is something different for the music world, and he wants to take everyone along for the ride.
Captivated by a diverse set of musical genres since the age of four, McMullen (who performs under the name Johnny Macc, derived from a nickname given to his father John McMullen by friends) went solo two years ago after playing in a metal band called Falling Off Earth, which he formed with friends while attending Evansville’s Reitz Memorial High School and then Ball State University.
“I find inherent value in pretty much everything on the road that I come into contact with and there’s something that (it) can teach me, and I try to blend it up into Johnny Macc’s sound,” he says. “I kind of take inspiration from putting myself in a box and figuring out how to get myself out of the box.”
The Evansville native, now living in Columbia, Missouri, as his fianceé Harley attends veterinarian school at the University of Missouri, released his debut album “202020s” at the end of October 2021. The 11-song album grapples with the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and growing up with American exceptionalism, while trying to understand the broader world.
“It’s kind of a mission statement for me as far as what I’m all about,” he says. “It’s really just about being in your 20s in the 2020s.”
The Midwest-inspired album includes several nods to Evansville, with songs like “Riverfront” and “U.S. Highway 41” harkening back to McMullen’s childhood in the River City.
The 25-year-old-artist, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music media production from Ball State in 2019, produced all the songs on the album and most of the music videos. He also created the cover art himself.
“I do love the process of doing everything,” he says. “I love making the artwork. I love doing the videos. I love the production, the recording, the mixing, the mastering.”
Tune into Johnny Macc’s eclectic music on most major platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, and YouTube.
Photos provided by Johnny Macc.
