MACSHOOTER49: Creativity, Gear, and Advice for Producers

When it comes to the world of music production, few names carry the intrigue and respect that MACSHOOTER49 does. Known for his groundbreaking samples, successful YouTube channel, and insightful takes on the creative process, Macshooter has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a producer. We spoke with him to dive deep into his creative process, favorite gear, and advice for those looking to break into the industry.

The Creative Process: Embracing the Random

Mac's creative process is as unique as his music. "My process is kind of random, and I prioritize that randomness," he explains. For Mac, the beauty of music lies in its unpredictability. "A lot of music I make comes from happy accidents. I don’t necessarily know all the ins and outs of the equipment I use, but that’s what makes it fun. It has unlimited possibilities."

When Mac sits down to create, he’s not looking to follow a strict formula. Instead, he searches for a foundation to build upon, whether it’s "an accent phrase, MIDI, or just me playing the keyboards." This openness allows him to approach music with a sense of wonder and curiosity, turning experimentation into art. His advice to other producers? Let go of expectations and let the music guide you.

Mac’s approach to music creation is anything but formulaic. Whether it’s stumbling upon an unexpected chord progression or layering sounds until something clicks, Mac thrives on the unpredictability of creativity. His process often starts with exploration: fiddling with knobs on a synthesizer or manipulating loops to uncover fresh textures.

Gear That Inspires

Every producer has their go-to tools, and for Mac, it’s the Sequential Trigon-6 and the Chroma Console Guitar Pedal by Hologram. "The Trigon-6 combines elements of the Prophet-6 and Oberheim-6 into one mega synth. It’s been a game-changer for me," he says. The Chroma Console Guitar Pedal, on the other hand, provides a wide range of vintage tones, from distortion to flanger. Initially skeptical about the pedal, Mac’s friend KeyMajorBeatz convinced him to give it another shot, and it quickly became a staple in his setup.

But Mac’s recommendations don’t stop at hardware. Macshooter has become synonymous with sharing secret sauce with musicians. "Producers need to check out Unfiltered Audio Lion," he shares. "It’s all about randomness. And for software, Silo and Byome are solid choices. They add unique textures and depth to any track."

Advice for Aspiring Producers

Breaking into the music industry isn’t easy, but Mac believes it all starts with having fun. "Prioritize fun, not just at the beginning but throughout your whole career," he advises. Even multi-platinum and Billboard charting producers echo this sentiment, reminding us that enjoyment fuels creativity.

Mac emphasizes the importance of preparation and first impressions. "When you’re locking in with people, you have to already be at a good level. High-quality sounds and polished skills are needed." He also highlights the value of patience: "It took me 3-4 years to get my first major cut, 'Turn Yo Clic Up' with Quavo and Future. During that time, I was honing my skills and always learning."

For Mac, success isn’t just about placements; it’s about the journey. "Make music for yourself, not just for others. It’s like therapy. It’ll take the pressure off and remind you why you started in the first place."

In addition to his production prowess, Mac has carved out a name for himself as a savvy entrepreneur and collaborator. From building his personal brand to launching his VST, EVERMOTION, Macshooter49’s journey is a masterclass in leveraging creativity for success.

The Power of Personal Branding

"Building your personal brand is one of the most important things you can do," Mac says. In today’s music landscape, a strong personal brand equals value. "Having value means having eyes on you, and that’s all you need to succeed."

Mac stresses that great music alone isn’t enough. "I see so many musicians with amazing music, sound kits, and websites, but they don’t know how to market themselves," he laments. His solution? Combine branding with quality music. "When you have both, you’re unstoppable."

For Mac, branding isn’t about being commercial. It’s about being personal and authentic. "Provide value to your audience, attract the people who enjoy your content, and don’t worry about the ones who don’t. Over time, you’ll build a big enough following to have leverage when it comes to deals."

The Story Behind EVERMOTION

Mac’s latest venture, the VST plugin EVERMOTION, is a virtual guitar pedal packed with features. "Shoutout to my coders, Pirate and Sosa. They helped bring my vision to life," he says. The process wasn’t without challenges, from installation issues to design tweaks, but Mac views these obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow.

EVERMOTION offers delays, pitch shifting, and the ability to process sounds from melodic accents to drum loops. "I’m planning to update the interface to make it more realistic and add more effects.” EVERMOTION is all about providing users with the tools to create something unique.

Collaboration as a Cornerstone

Collaboration has been pivotal in Mac’s career. "I’ve been sending out loops for almost five years straight," he shares. This consistency has earned him recognition from heavyweight music producers like TM88, Wheezy, and Southside. "The key is to have no ulterior motives and to be consistent. Relationships are built on trust and quality."

Mac’s placements, including hits with Quavo, Future, Nardo Wick, and Lil Baby, underscore the importance of patience. "Getting these songs takes time and tests your determination. It’s about how long you’re willing to stay in the fight."

These three records have been pivotal in Mac’s career, not just as milestones in his journey but as transformative experiences that reshaped his approach to music and business. Among them, "Turn Yo Clic Up" by Quavo & Future holds a particularly significant place in his story. “That record changed the game for me,” Mac says. It wasn’t just about the chart success or the recognition—it was the financial capital it generated that allowed him to reinvest in his vision.

With the earnings from “Turn Yo Clic Up,” Mac strategically poured resources into growing his company, WavesCrate, which has become a hub for innovation and creativity. “A lot of producers get their first big check and go straight for jewelry. But I knew I had to think long-term,” Mac explains. Instead, he allocated funds to travel, creating content, and upgrading his studio equipment.

Beyond the financial impact, these records also brought Mac invaluable notoriety. His work with Nardo Wick, Lil Baby, and Quavo & Future attracted new followers, opened doors to connections with industry heavyweights, and established him as a name to watch in music production.

But perhaps the most profound shift has been in his mindset. Mac admits that he used to be a “record chaser,” constantly seeking that next big placement to validate his worth as a producer. “Back then, it was all about chasing the hit,” he says. “Now, I understand that placements are about so much more—they’re a testament to your patience and perseverance.” For Mac, placements symbolize the resilience it takes to succeed in an unpredictable industry. “How long are you willing to stay in the ring before the song comes out? That’s the question every producer has to answer,” he says.

Mac has witnessed countless producers quit just before their breakthrough moment or after their first big win, unable to handle the pressures of the industry. “I’ve realized that the key is to make music for yourself first and foremost. That’s where the real joy comes from. Music has always been my therapy—it’s what got me through the hardest times in my life. When I’m in the zone, headphones on, creating something from nothing, that’s where I find my purpose” Mac explains.

On all three records, Mac’s contributions were rooted in his talent for creating melody samples—a skill that has become his hallmark. For "Insecurities" by Lil Baby, he crafted a simple yet impactful starter melody that laid the foundation for the track. For “Turn Yo Clic Up,” he composed the main melody, which became the driving force behind the song’s energy. And for his work with Nardo Wick, he delivered a haunting piano melody that brought the track to life.

These experiences have reaffirmed Mac’s belief in the limitless possibilities of creative entrepreneurship. “This isn’t just a job—it’s a journey without a finish line,” he says. With each record, Mac isn’t just building his discography—he’s building a legacy.

Looking Ahead

Despite his success, Mac feels like he’s just getting started. "I’m holding myself back because of fear and overthinking, but I’m working on overcoming that," he admits. His goal? To live without limitations and become a better version of himself every day.

For Mac, music isn’t just a career; it’s a lifelong journey. "The music is connected to my life, and my life is connected to the music. It’s all about setting good pressure on myself to keep growing."

Mac’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and authenticity. Whether through his beats, his brand, or his collaborations, Mac continues to inspire a new generation of producers to dream big and create fearlessly.