Ep. 280: Kellen McGregor discusses Memphis May Fire’s “Make Believe”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 20 October 2025

⏱️ 63 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode, Memphis May Fire guitarist Kellen McGregor discusses the creation of their 2022 single “Make Believe” from the album Remade in Misery. As the band's producer, Kellen explains how he helped shape the song's sound, blending heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and some studio magic. His insight from behind the board gives a unique look at this hard-hitting track, which provides some context into WHY this track has resonated so much with fans. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:09.0	Hey, everybody. Today's guest is Kellynne McGregor, Lee guitarist for the Denton Texas
0:13.9	Metalcore band, Memphis Mayfire. Together we dissect the writing, recording, and inspiration
0:20.4	behind the monstrous fan-favorit single,
0:22.6	make-believe, taken from their 2022 album, Remaid in Misery.
0:27.6	I told Kellyn that I think it's so cool that a band like Memphis Mayfire connected with their fan base,
0:33.6	with this big of an impact, almost 20 years into their career. And Callan just isn't
0:38.8	the lead guitarist and one of the songwriters in the band. He also produced the track. The
0:43.3	sonics are crushing. And the vocals? Well, it's one of the best vocal productions I've ever
0:48.2	heard on a track this heavy. Vocal production came from Cameron Mizell, who had produced past
0:53.9	Memphis Mayfire Records,
0:55.9	and vocal production is an art in and of itself, and Cameron completely nailed them here.
1:01.7	Vocalist Maddie Mullins provided the lyrics to this song, and there is crushing as the sounds he is singing over.
1:08.1	So for all this and a ton more, follow us into the land of make-believe.
1:14.1	Hey, hey, have you heard, Krista makes a podcast? Hey, hey, have you heard, Krista makes a podcast?
1:24.6	Hey, hey, have you heard? Christa makes a podcast.
1:29.8	Hey, hey, have you heard?
1:32.3	Christa makes a podcast.
1:36.0	Well, Callan, you're one of the busiest men in rock and roll.
1:39.3	I want to thank you for taking time between tours right now to sit down with us.
1:44.0	I've been chasing you for a while.
1:45.8	Yes. This song Make Believe came across my radar. Oh, gosh, probably six to eight months ago now.
	...

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