Armed with a new ep release and his second Lokal Loudness Music Choice Award for Favorite Solo Artist Will McCranie has all the pieces in place to make a huge mark on the Augusta music scene. Instead, the young singer-songwriter has decided to take all those pieces to help himself find a place in congested music mecca New York City. What will his new future hold? Lokal Loudness talked with “Willie Mac” to find out.

LL – First off, congrats on a great new ep as well winning the Favorite solo artist category at last weekends Choice Awards.

WM – Thank you. I have to say it’s been a pretty great month.

LL – You have been pretty excited about this recording for a while now. What’s had you all hopped up about this release in particular?

WM – First off, it’s been 3 years since I released “A Caffeinated Fiasco.” My writing has changed, and I feel my playing style has evolved. Other than a couple MySpace demos, this was the first chance to get a couple songs in some peoples hands. I had a lot of ups and downs trying to get this recorded. In the end, The Jam Room folks came through again.

LL – Now strangely enough, you just put out this great new release here in Augusta, got the fave solo artist award, things all ready to get a good push around the area and just like that you’ve decided to move to New York. Whats up with that?

WM – I actually had the plan in my head before deciding to release the CD, and the timing of the LL Award is coincidence. Augusta is home… end of story. But, if you really want to ever take a shot at anything, you have to keep pushing yourself. I think being too comfortable is a quick end to motivation.

LL – Now why New York and not, say, Nashville or even Atlanta?

WM – I’ve been in love with New York for a long time. I think I was 12 years old when I first went and I was hooked. And there’s a good handful of Davidson Fine Arts alums lurking around.

LL – Is this something you just recently thought about doing or were you just waiting until you finished school?

WM -That wasn’t a new plan… I really had a goal of doing some big change in my life within a year of graduating, and that was Cinco de Mayo of last year. Clock’s ticking, I suppose.

LL – When do you leave? Will there be any more Augusta shows before you head North?

WM – I played Joe’s last nite. I didnt really do much to announce it. Actually Keith Gregory switched Mondays with me, since I have an interview up there next Tuesday. It was actually a blast, just to see who cruised through the door. I bought the bar a shot at the end of my last set… it was a cool send off from there. I’ll be back for at least a week, if everything goes well with my interview. And I hope some bar will
let me have a last minute sendoff jam.

LL – What will you miss most about Augusta?

WM – My family. And being a downtown rat has been quite amusing.

LL – There isn’t a Metro Coffee House up there. You’re not gonna go all Starbucks on us are you?

WM- Please don’t remind me. The only place I can have a shot of espresso, a shot of Wild Turkey, and a PBR… at the same time. I’ve run across a few chill coffeehouses in the Village, but I fear my funds will not allow me to sit still too much.

LL – So are you just heading straight there or will you be gigging up the coast during your trip?

WM -Beeline. Unfortunately, my moving date will depend on a job. I can’t start out up there on music alone.

LL – Well you know a lot of folks are gonna miss you so you better come back every so often.

WM -I’m not that easy to get rid of… I’ll be around

LL – Any parting message for your friends here in the AUG?

WM -Umphrey’s at the Nokia Theatre. Who’s with me? …in all seriousness. I love this town. I love the folks. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

LL – Are right Willie Mac it’s been a pleasure as always.

WM -Always, Stoney Mac.

LL – Don’t forget about us when you become a papparrazi magnet.

WM – I’d be banned from Metro, how could I?

To hear songs from McCranie’s latest release visit: www.myspace.com/willmccranie