3 Contemporary Artists That Are Keeping Paul McCartney Inspired
Paul McCartney has spoken warmly about several younger artists whose work he says continues to inspire him, a notable reversal given that he is usually cited as the influence rather than the one being influenced. His comments have come chiefly in relation to a project reimagining his own songs, as well as through musical collaborations, highlighting his continued engagement with contemporary music.
Among those he has praised are Dominic Fike, who reworked McCartney's "Kiss Of Venus" with his own lyrics and a bold new arrangement, and the Texas trio Khruangbin, who transformed "Pretty Boys" into what McCartney described as turning his home "into a disco". He has also repeatedly referenced St. Vincent, who appeared on his McCartney III album performing "Women And Wives" and with whom he has done joint interviews, underlining her place among the contemporary artists he most admires.
- McCartney names younger artists who inspire him, unusually.
- Dominic Fike and Khruangbin reimagined his songs on a redux album.
- St. Vincent features on McCartney III and in joint interviews.
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Paul McCartney has spent decades as one of the most influential songwriters in popular music, first with The Beatles and then across a long solo career. He is more used to being cited as an inspiration by others than to naming his own current influences, which is what makes his recent comments notable. They have arisen partly around a project that sees other musicians reinterpret his songs, as well as through direct collaborations.
Three artists feature prominently in his remarks. Dominic Fike, an American singer known for blending genres, reworked McCartney's "Kiss Of Venus" with new lyrics and a different musical style. Khruangbin, a three-piece band from Texas known for their laid-back, groove-based sound, gave "Pretty Boys" a dance-influenced makeover. St. Vincent, the stage name of American musician Annie Clark, has a longer connection with McCartney, having performed on his McCartney III album and taken part in joint interviews with him.
The story matters because it offers a glimpse of how a veteran musician engages with a younger generation of artists, and how his own catalogue continues to be reshaped and reinterpreted by them.