MGK on Finding Joy, Following Venus, and Smelling Good

I’m meeting MGK at a moment of joy. Despite his serious demeanor and the black attire he sports today—a black bandana low on his forehead, a black Henley partially unbuttoned, and the outline of his impressive tattoo visibly peeking from his neck—he is undeniably thriving professionally. His new album, Lost Americana, filled with vibrant, catchy singles like “Cliché,” “Vampire Diaries,” and “Miss Sunshine,” has been embraced along with music videos that depict MGK, known as Colson Baker, 35, dancing freely, reveling in the moment, and casting aside any pretenses.

This marks yet another evolution in his ever-changing career—a journey characterized by shifts in music style and personal image—that has shaped MGK, once known as Machine Gun Kelly, into a dynamic and multifaceted artist often scrutinized for his authenticity. Is he a rapper (the genre where he initially made a name for himself), a pop-punk enthusiast (as seen with albums like Tickets to My Downfall and Mainstream Sellout), an emo poet, or a nostalgic rocker? The answer is he embodies all of these roles, deliberately challenging anticipation. Notably, MGK is now also venturing into the realm of fragrance, introducing a gender-neutral scent in partnership with Dossier.

I spoke with him about why scent was the first significant investment he made (Tom Ford cologne, “$350”), along with conversations about astrology, thrifting, and dinosaurs, while he traveled through LA headed to a rehearsal. The following dialogue has been condensed for brevity and clarity.

Vogue: I’m captivated by this newfound lightness and playful energy in your latest singles and videos.

MGK: Look, the world feels heavy. Given where my life began, scaling heights only to plummet, I have every right to lean into that heaviness. Yet, I resist predictability and stereotypes. I aimed to craft a visual narrative—like a collage of artistic expressions—that surprises viewers. The archetype of the sad boy is evident; it’s too simplistic.

The dancing, especially, is so contagious and uplifting. Did you enjoy creating those videos?

Absolutely! I realized my vocation is supposed to be enjoyable. With the constant threat of mortality, I choose to bask in vibrant hues rather than dreary recollections. Joy as an emotion is often overlooked. It’s almost stigmatized in a world filled with somberness; it’s regrettable how we suppress the innocence that leads to joy. When you adhere strictly to norms, you risk losing your creative spark—that stems from being truly at ease in your own skin.

Can you share the concept behind the “Vampire Diaries” video?

It draws inspiration from Christopher Walken in that Fatboy Slim video. I envisioned dancing amid dinosaurs at New York’s Natural History Museum. As a child, I was infatuated with dinosaurs—I could name every species and even dreamed of becoming a paleontologist for a stint. I even fancied myself a pterodactyl at one point! That video is something I might look back on at 60 and think, Wow. What purity!

Your dance moves are impressive. How did you develop that talent?

Dancing connects us to the universe’s energy. It allows you to feel the vibrations around you and respond with your body. Many indigenous cultures incorporate dance into their traditions as a means of expression, especially in times of sorrow. Honestly, I grapple with melancholy often, so I’ve learned to express myself through movement. I am unrestrained in this; that’s where I feel free—just being authentically me. It’s similar to when I attended your party [the Vogue October issue release party] decked out in a $14 thrifted shirt from—what’s it called? Fine and Dandy? I asked Baz [Luhrmann, co-host of the party] about the dress code, and he mentioned, “Country western.” I was like, that’s outside my normal street. Yet, I threw on some Margiela pants and found a shirt that literally said Tex-Mex on the label. It’s all about blending creativity and spontaneity while maintaining a sense of elegance.

Let’s discuss your fragrance collaboration with Dossier.

A major aspect of my identity is rooted in how I smell. My fans often bring it up—funny enough, when people inquire about the first notable purchase after acquiring some wealth, it was a $350 bottle of cologne.

Seriously?

Yes! It was by Tom Ford. For some, it might be extravagant cars or homes, but for me, it was cologne. Coming from a background of financial struggle, the fear of losing what I have prompts the hustle among artists. My desire to convey wealth without filling my life with material possessions led me to embrace the importance of smell. It became a status symbol of sorts. This is similar to why I cherish a well-manicured appearance or clothing that resonates with me; I love compliments. The art of complimenting others never loses its charm for me.

Did you have specific ideas for your fragrance’s scent profile?

<pDefinitely. However, demanding that something must smell exactly how I envision is like trying to replicate a Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind” track perfectly. That’s impossible! You need to create something original. I’m inspired by elements like desert night air, the scent of cigarettes, and the rich aroma of almonds. I appreciate the spiritual resonance of myrrh and the pepperiness of pink pepper. The blend creates a fragrance that complements various scents, like that lingering aroma of smoke when it clings to your clothes. So, to put it simply, I love how it all comes together.

Is creating a gender-neutral fragrance significant for you?

Gender neutrality matters in all aspects of my life—be it music, fashion, or fragrance. It’s a punk rock stance against outdated norms. Things shouldn’t have rigid definitions. When people impose limitations on me—what a man should wear versus a woman—it incites me to rebel and do the opposite.

You mentioned your Margiela pants. Are there other fashion trends you’re excited about right now?

I’d like some recognition for bringing corded headphones back into style because I’ve been rocking those for a couple of years now. The “Cliché” video sparked discussions about my fashion choices. I relish the idea of entering a space and expressing, I’m in my own world. There’s a delightful enigma about it—people wonder, are you listening to music? What are your vibes?

Your hairstyle has grown longer and softer—does it require much attention?

You know what triggered it? Taurus is encouraged by Venus, my sun sign being Taurus. Venus is all about beauty. When you honor the beauty within yourself, the universe rewards that self-respect. Each zodiac sign has specific planetary influences. Respecting those elements leads to personal growth and, in my case, a transformation.

Last question: it’s the five-year mark since your album Tickets to My Downfall went double platinum. What did that album symbolize for you?

It was an album where everything fell into place perfectly. It reminds me of Wiz [Khalifa] with his track “Black and Yellow” when he celebrated the Steelers’ Super Bowl victory. I watched him thrive from those early mixtape days in tiny venues, and I felt that same magic with Tickets to My Downfall. The way it reached my peers, older and younger generations alike, grants me optimism that it will resonate through future audiences too. It inspires me to explore more experimental endeavors. It brings me immense joy.