Andrew & Alaina Mack, Founders, Macklebee Publishing House
Macklebee Publishing House was born in 2015 in the vibrant city of Berlin, Germany. As an independent production house and record label, the company has been defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of Gospel Music and publishing. What began as a humble endeavor has since blossomed into a multi-faceted enterprise led by its founders, the dynamic brother-sister duo Andrew and Alaina Mack. Together, they have become a formidable presence in the Gospel Music industry. “At Macklebee Publishing, we’re not only redefining Gospel Music, we’re boldly taking new ground while achieving sustained financial success,” they proudly share. Their story is one of musical innovation, a relentless pursuit of quality, and a testament to the power of passion and dedication in sharing the heart of Gospel Music: the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The Early Influences that Ignited the Spark
Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Andrew & Alaina Mack’s exposure to music was limited primarily to live performances at church or school events. Their paternal grandparents, both classically trained professional musicians, had a profound influence on their early musical pursuits. However, the early 2000s ushered in a new wave of influence with the infectious sounds of Christina Aguilera, N*SYNC, Eiffel 65, and other pop groups of that era shaping their childhood music appreciation. Andrew and Alaina’s interest in Gospel Music began after they moved to Berlin. As Americans living in Germany, they were surprised to discover the widespread popularity of the Gospel Music genre abroad.
Throughout their formative years, certain moments of live musical performance impacted them greatly. They vividly remember the sight of sweat trickling down the furrowed brow of an elderly man powerfully leading worship on a small church stage, and the resounding harmony of a spirited African choir singing “The Circle of Life” on Broadway. The passion, strength, and unwavering conviction displayed in these memorable performances served as an enduring source of inspiration.
The Birth of Macklebee Publishing House
Starting a publishing company in Germany was not something Andrew & Alaina Mack had planned. As their music began gaining traction – with some of their songs reaching top placements in competitions worldwide – the realization of the need for a more structured approach to take their music to the next level became evident. It was at this point that they decided to explore the business side of their passion. After a visit to Nashville, Tennessee, where they had the opportunity to meet with industry leaders from various music labels and production companies, they came to the conclusion that the best fit for their music, their style, and their vision would be to create their own record label and company that could represent them on their terms.
Andrew and Alaina had always been enamored with the glitz and glamor of showbiz. To this day, they share a good laugh at the age-old saying, “There’s no business like show business.” Their mother had nicknamed them “The Macklebees” when they were kids and often compared them to the Carpenters. When it came to finalizing the name of their company, they went back and forth for days. Suddenly, it hit them: “Macklebee Publishing House”. This name captures a part of their identity and reflects the unwavering spirit of music that has been at their core since childhood. This is the story of their entrepreneurial adventure, rooted in their passion, marked by innovation, and bound together by a deep love of the arts.
Creating a Global Impact through Gospel Music
At Macklebee Publishing, Andrew and Alaina’s global mission is to ignite hearts with the power of Gospel Music through quality publishing. The goal is straightforward: to make Jesus Christ known and celebrated not only in Berlin but around the world. Gospel Music, at its core, conveys a message of hope, unconditional love, and the timeless truth that a better tomorrow is possible – an uplifting message that transcends borders. Their desire has always been to create remarkable art with the ability to leave a lasting impact on the world.
The journey has been marked by the organic fusion of music creation, songwriting, performance, and other business ventures – a harmonious blend that reflects their commitment to creating commodities that transcend genres and speak to the core of the human experience.“Our vision is to amplify the beauty of their shared artistry and message, allowing it to resonate on a global scale and connect with people from all walks of life,” shares Alaina Mack.
In essence, their mission is their music, and their music is their mission.
Navigating Challenges with Grace
Adaptability proved to be a critical factor for them as industry dynamics changed. Their approach to sharing their music had to remain flexible and open-minded. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where consumption habits are constantly changing, the challenge of striking a balance between creating core content and devoting time and energy to marketing and promotion is a significant one. Andrew states, “it is becoming increasingly clear that effective promotion is as important, if not more important, than the product itself.”
Collaboration has always been a priority for their company. Whether video production, sound engineering, or studio facilities, they have cultivated an extensive network of creative relationships with numerous individuals and businesses in both Berlin and Nashville. These partnerships have proven instrumental in their ability to consistently deliver quality music while managing the complexities of marketing and promotion, all of which contribute to the thriving success of Macklebee Publishing House.
Striking A Balance Between Personal Bonds and Musical Partnership
Andrew and Alaina’s partnership is an unusual gift. Not every brother and sister has the privilege of working so closely, but they do. Their bond goes beyond the professional; it’s family. While each has their individual lives, a significant part is devoted to working together. Their days are filled with achieving tasks and accomplishing goals, so they make it a priority to set aside time for enjoyment. Whether it’s planning a special dinner or taking a road trip to see a musical performance in another city, they cherish each moment.
“A shared history gives us the freedom to be our authentic selves. We bring different perspectives to the table, which we use as strengths, but when it comes to the root of our shared vision, we are always in agreement. Our calling is unique and it thrives because of the deep respect we maintain for each other,” shares Alaina.
Poised to Make a Lasting Impact on the Global Gospel Music Scene
In 2015, the company took its first steps, and although their debut album, “We Are Changed” (2016), skyrocketed to the number one spot for Gospel Music in Germany, growth was slow in the following years. Andrew and Alaina released several singles while steadily building their foundation. It wasn’t until 2020, with the release of their second full-length album, “Holy Fire,” that business really took off.
Over the next three years, they maintained an annual album release schedule while making significant investments in their online presence. These efforts paid off, generating revenue growth from streaming, live performances, royalties, and merchandise sales – each year surpassing the last. This sustained expansion has positioned them to forge new collaborations and business ventures that align with their vision to make a lasting impact on the global Gospel Music scene.
As we look to the future, we are actively planning multi-year projects that we believe will resonate with audiences worldwide. Who knows? Maybe our journey will take us to the Grammy stage,” states Andrew.
Berlin, an eccentric city home to a diverse array of individuals, has been their nurturing ground. A hub of art and creativity, this place has provided the ideal environment for them to cultivate an unknown facet of their own talents. “After all these years, it feels like they’re just getting started,” concludes Andrew, “we are ready to step into the spotlight in a way we never have before, unapologetically embracing our identity and the moment we will truly rise and shine.”