NYU’s Pop Star McKenna Camille Talks 70s, Mental Health, And Hannah Montana

Actress, Singer, Model and Mental Wellness Advocate McKenna Camille finds inspiration and healing through her craft. Writing and singing about personal topics from friendships, breakups, bullying, depression, anxiety, and even Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are perhaps what make her lyrics so empowering and relatable.

Born and raised in Oregon, she found many creative outlets in theater, music and fashion. Growing up on a lake, McKenna took an interest in slalom water skiing as well as show/trick skiing, which she does in her free time. While being a student at NYU Tisch, McKenna uses her social media and music to advocate for mental health awareness and anti-bullying.

We had the honor of interviewing McKenna on her journey as an artist and her process of being a true role model:

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

C: “I am 18 years old and a student at the Atlantic Acting School at NYU Tisch. I am very loud. Aside from that, I pour myself into everything I do, whether that is acting, music or whatever. I am a very passionate person, which might be why I am so loud. I am definitely an oddball and have many interests, ranging from Greek mythology to fashion, so it’s really hard to sum up a
little about me.”

Q: What was it like growing up in the entertainment industry?

C: “I wouldn’t say I grew up in the entertainment industry really, maybe a little bit, but I didn’t get serious about acting until high school. Since then, it has been a very odd experience, and you definitely learn who your friends are.”

Q: Who was the first celebrity you met?

C: “I see many basketball players out and about where I live, but the first entertainment industry celebrity I met was Matt Timmons who played Woody on “Suite Life” on deck. I had an audition the Summer before junior year of high school, and I had no idea what it was for—but when I walked into the audition room, Matt was sitting at a table. Turns out I was auditioning for him, and he is now one of my wonderful acting coaches.”

Q: When did you first fall in love with music, and how long have you been actively pursuing your dreams in music?

C: “The moment I knew that I wanted to pursue music was when I heard the theme song to Hannah Montana’s “The Best of Both Worlds.” I think I was 4 or 5 years old, and I remember jumping on my bed singing. I wanted to be just like her, I was obsessed! Eventually, that carried over to piano lessons and singing lessons, and finding a huge appreciation for the music industry.”

Q: What differentiates you from other artists?

C: “I think what differentiates me from other artists is that I talk about things in my music that aren’t really being talked about. I love songs that are about really personal topics to the artist, but can be something totally different to the listener. A lot of the music that I am writing right now is about friendships ending, bullying, OCD, and dealing with the part in a breakup where you know you shouldn’t go back but want to so bad.”

Q: Are there any artists currently or before you that musically inspire you? If so, who and why?

C: “I am really loving so many female artists right now. Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo Bea Miller and Tate McRae are all on replay on my phone. Aside from them, I really pull inspiration from artists of the 50s -70s like Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, the Bee Gees, Chuck Berry, etc. I am obsessed with adding 70s flair to my music in any way that I can.”

Q: What motivates you in and out of the booth?

C: “I just have so many ideas and so many things I want to try, and I really think that is it.”

Q: What are three things about you that would shock the public?

C: “I have said this before on my Instagram, but I hate chocolate. I really do. I’ll eat it if I have to, but if it’s not in the form of a Reese’s candy, I do not like it. Another thing that I am obsessed with is the first “Deadpool” movie that is one of my favorites that I’ll still laugh at everything even though I know all the lines. A third thing is that I can carry people on my shoulders on water
skis!”

Q: What do you feel you contribute to the culture as an artist?

C: “I will only put out music that I can relate to, and with that comes the fact that not every song is going to be about a breakup, a guy or whatever. I want to normalize writing songs about other sucky stuff that happens in life like bullying, having anxiety or a friendship ending. Though it might come off this way, my debut single “Bad One” isn’t about a guy or a broken heart, it’s about dealing with bullying and depression, while losing friends.”

Q: If you can pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be and why?

C: “This is such a hard question, honestly anyone I mentioned before. Right now, I would have to pick Olivia Rodrigo because we have very similar writing styles and I really appreciate how specific, but at the same time obscure her lyrics are.“