Left of Str8 Show: The Kevin McHale and Austin P. McKenzie Interview Acting, Music and More

Today, I have two special guests joining me in studio, Kevin McHale is back for his second time on the show and I’m so excited to welcome Austin P. McKenzie for the first time. Separately they are amazing performers on stage screen and in music, but together they are a powerhouse couple, encouraging each other in their art and creating beautiful memories together outside of work as well. Of course unless you’ve been living under a rock you know that Kevin played Artie Abrams on one of my favorite shows, Glee along with his own music dancing, acting and much more. Austin wowed audiences on both coasts with his performance as Melchior in Deaf West Theatre’s “Spring Awakening” as well as being front and center again as the younger Cleve Jones in “When We Rise” and has made some impressive music of his own, so let’s get into it. SummaryKevin McHale and Austin P. McKenzie discuss their relationship, their experiences in the entertainment industry, and their music collaborations. They talk about their journey in the music industry, including their individual projects and their work together. They also discuss their experiences on shows like Glee, When We Rise, and Drag Race. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, personal space, and the value of their creative collaborations. Overall, the conversation showcases their passion for music, their growth as artists, and their strong bond as a couple. Kevin and Austin discuss their journey in the music industry, the progress they have made, and the importance of being critical and supportive. They also talk about their experiences with album listening parties and the discomfort of receiving attention. The conversation touches on the changes in the music industry and the challenges faced by performers. They share advice for upcoming performers and discuss their upcoming projects. The episode concludes with a discussion about their Christmas traditions and their involvement in the Snixmas fundraiser. Takeaways • Starting a music journey requires incremental progress and the ability to adapt to change. • Being critical and supportive is important in helping artists grow and improve. • Receiving attention can be uncomfortable for some performers. • The music industry has undergone significant changes, including the rise of streaming platforms. • Giving back and supporting charitable causes is important for artists. Chapters 00:00Introduction 01:36Kevin and Austin's Relationship 03:10Connection through Spring Awakening and Glee 04:43Meeting on When We Rise 07:42Moving in Together 10:14Valuing Personal Space 11:28Importance of Communication 12:11Music Collaboration: Alpha Beats 13:44Austin's First Time Directing 15:52Chick-Lif-A and Drag Race 17:48Showmance Podcast 21:48Austin's Journey in Music 25:18Speech and Debate 29:42Spring Awakening Experience 34:50When We Rise 37:30Austin's Music Journey 40:30Kevin's Perspective on Austin's Music 40:58Starting the Music Journey 41:25The Progress Made 42:21Being Critical and Supportive 42:52Album Listening Party 43:22Uncomfortable with Attention 43:39Cringy Moments 44:01Learning from Feedback 45:00Balancing Positive and Negative Feedback 45:37Importance of Dropping Ego 46:49Changes in the Music Industry 50:09Upcoming Album Release 51:31Challenges in the Music and Acting Industries 56:19Emoting in Singing 58:15Advice for Upcoming Performers 59:42Upcoming Projects 01:01:21Snixmas and Giving Back