From Buncrana to Los Angeles: The Rise of Liam McCay
Liam McCay found himself cruising along the iconic Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, reflecting on the whirlwind journey that brought him here. "We could see the Hollywood sign, and we were like, ‘this is mental’," the 20-year-old from County Donegal shared with BBC News NI. Just two years prior, he was juggling a part-time job at a restaurant in his hometown, spending his free time crafting music in a bedroom that felt worlds away from the glitz of California.
Early Beginnings in Music
It all began in McCay’s childhood bedroom, where he first experimented with melodies and lyrics under the alias Moon Water. As a teenager navigating the complexities of school life, he found solace in creating music. "My plan was to just keep the one name," he admitted. However, boredom and evolving creativity led him to explore various sounds, prompting the birth of multiple musical personas—14 in total.
The Genesis of Unique Musical Identity
Among his many aliases, McCay is perhaps best known as Sign Crushes Motorist, particularly recognized for crafting slowcore tracks. This indie rock subgenre is characterized by its laid-back tempos, minimal arrangements, and an unmistakable melancholic vibe. Sign Crushes Motorist boasts around 2.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, while his other project, Take Care, garners an impressive 2.4 million. For McCay, each project has its distinct essence, despite sounding similar to untrained ears. "I love making different types of music," he enthused, highlighting a creative spectrum that encompasses acoustic tunes, slowcore, and even occasional rap.
Navigating the Secretive World of Early Releases
McCay’s music career officially took off in 2021, shortly after he turned 16, but he preferred to keep it under wraps at first. Instead of showcasing his talent to friends and family, he opted to share his sounds online, diving into various forums and servers tailored for emerging musicians. "I was doing the most nerdy stuff to try and get it out there," he recalled, acknowledging the initial embarrassment associated with sharing deeply personal songs.
Bit by bit, listeners began to take note of his work. By 2023, some of his tracks soared in popularity, with one even hitting number three on Billboard’s now-defunct TikTok Top 50 chart.
A Balanced Approach to Success
Despite the success and increasing fanbase, McCay remained grounded. He was content keeping music as a "hobby," despite the steady cash flow coming in. "I didn’t go mental or anything and buy like a sports car," he laughed, emphasizing his desire to maintain the magic of creating music without the pressure of financial dependence on it. After finishing his school exams, he enrolled in university in Belfast to study computer science—a choice that brought him some enjoyment but ultimately paled in comparison to his passion for music.
Taking the Leap: Relocating to the U.S.
After a series of trips to the U.S. where he collaborated with fellow artists, McCay made a pivotal decision: to pursue music full-time. "So after that, I was like, ‘this is good craic,’" he explained, expressing enthusiasm for a career in music. Following this realization, he dropped out of further education and relocated to Los Angeles, where he immersed himself in the vibrant local music scene, performing live gigs and allowing his artistry to flourish.
Embracing Artistic Freedom
Recently, McCay released an album under the moniker Dead Calm, showcasing his acoustic work. "That’ll be the one I’ll be doing all the gigs for," he said, hinting at the fun and excitement that comes with performing upbeat songs. His aspirations extend beyond music; he dreams of trying his hand at acting or filmmaking in the future.
While he’s received numerous offers from record labels, he enjoys the freedom of being an independent artist. The spectrum of names he releases music under—Miserable Teens Club, scm48, and Carson Clay—represents his diverse creative output. Although industry insiders advise him to consolidate his aliases for better visibility, McCay finds joy in the treasure hunt his music presents to listeners. "It’s not like I hide them, but it sometimes takes people a while to find them," he noted, suggesting that the journey of discovery adds an exciting layer to his artistry.
In a landscape where creativity is often stifled by commercial demands, Liam McCay stands out as a young artist embracing his unique voice, channeling his experiences into a rich tapestry of music that resonates with audiences far and wide.