FROM BROTHERS 3 TO MAK AND SHAR: A LOOK AT THEIR MUSIC JOURNEY

BY WIMIYA WOODLEY

From Brothers 3 to Mac and Shar: A Look at Their Music Journey

Mac and Shar's story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for country music.

Their journey began with an unexpected introduction to the genre, and it's been full of

moments that shaped them as artists.

The duo's roots trace back to a show with John Williamson, which led them to form Brothers 3.

They still recall the moment Troy Cassar-Daley gave them their first big gig. “We were

playing on the street when Troy saw us and said, ‘You guys want to come support me at my show?’ And we were like, ‘Yeah, of course,’” they recall. That show in Ballina set the stage for their deep connection to country music; from that point, they were hooked.

The experience of competing on X Factor was a turning point. With 57,000 auditionees, the

pressure was intense. “You’re one of a million people auditioning, so it’s pretty crazy,” they

explain. Despite the odds, Mac and Shar reached third place, which was a significant

achievement. They reflect on the show’s impact: “X Factor is a pressure cooker that creates

artists. You can’t get that kind of exposure anywhere else.” For them, making it that far was a win in itself.

Over the years, Mac and Shar have drawn inspiration from their lives to write their music.

“We take moments from our lives and put them in songs,” they explain. The lyrics are real,

and while their songs may not be the typical love clichés, they carry meaning. “I got married a few years ago, and there's a line in our song about that,” one of them shares. “It’s not just a love song; it’s about real experiences.”

However, the road hasn't been without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the music industry hard, and for Mac and Shar, it was a particularly tough time. “The hardest year was probably 2020. We were separated, couldn’t rehearse, couldn’t perform. There were no shows, just online events,” they reflect. It was a tough period for many artists. “Not being able to connect with fans was rough. But like everyone else, we came out of it stronger,” they add.

As for advice that shaped their career, they look to Rick, who gave them this simple yet

powerful guidance: “Back yourselves with your own music. You’ve got great songs, just put

them out there.” That advice pushed them to start releasing their own music as Mac and

Shar. “We’ve written so many songs, and Rick really encouraged us to release an album this year. And now, we’re releasing our first album, which is amazing,” they say.

Mac and Shar’s story is one of growth, from street performances to TV competitions and

now to the release of their debut album. Their journey shows the power of persistence, passion, and, most importantly, staying true to your sound..