I’m meeting MGK at a happy point in his life. You wouldn’t guess it from his serious expression or the all-black outfit he’s wearing today—a low-tied bandana, an unbuttoned Henley, and glimpses of his extensive blackout tattoo at the neck—but he’s riding a wave of professional success. His energetic, idea-filled seventh album, Lost Americana, has been lifted by pop-leaning singles like “Cliché,” “Vampire Diaries,” and “Miss Sunshine,” along with videos that show MGK (real name Colson Baker, 35) dancing, joking around, and dropping any act of trying to be serious or cool.
This is just the latest shift in a career full of changes—in sound and style—that have defined MGK, formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly, as a constantly evolving star, though some have accused him of being inauthentic. Is he a rapper (the genre he first broke through in), a pop-punk talent (as seen on Tickets to My Downfall and Mainstream Sellout), an emo sadboy, or a nostalgic American rocker? The truth is, he’s all of these and eager to keep defying expectations. For example, MGK has also launched a fragrance in partnership with Dossier, a genderless scent called Lost Americana.
“A big part of my image has always been about how I smell,” says MGK. His new fragrance with Dossier is available now.
I spoke with him while he was being driven through LA to a rehearsal, discussing why scent was the first thing he splurged on (a $350 Tom Ford cologne), along with topics like astrology, thrifting, and dinosaurs. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Vogue: I’m really struck by the new lightness and fun in your recent singles and videos.
MGK: Well, look—I think the world is pretty gloomy. And given how my life started, with all its ups and downs, I have every reason to match that gloom. But I don’t like being predictable or fitting a stereotype. I wanted to create art—like a mosaic of music videos—that would make people react with surprise. The whole sad, broken boy thing… it’s just too obvious and too easy.
Vogue: The dancing, especially—it’s infectious and puts you in a good mood. Did you enjoy making those videos?
MGK: Yeah, I realized my job is fun. And I know death is always out there—I don’t want to look back and see a life in gray. I want to see color. Joy is such an underrated emotion. It’s almost like people shame you for it because everyone’s so serious and critical… it’s like we’ve forgotten the most innocent part of life. It’s sad that we push this idea of “growing up” on people, because innocence and imagination are what bring joy. When you’re stuck trying to fit into society’s norms, you lose that imagination. It all comes from being completely comfortable with who you are.
Vogue: Can you tell me about the “Vampire Diaries” video in particular?
MGK: It was inspired by Christopher Walken in that Fatboy Slim video. I thought, I want to dance around dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum. As a kid, I was obsessed with dinosaurs—I could name them all and even wanted to be a paleontologist for a while. I even believed I was a pterodactyl at one point. So that video is something I’ll probably look back on when I’m 60 and think, Wow, that was pure.
Vogue: You dance really well. Where did that come from?
MGK: Dancing is a way to connect with the soul of the universe. You’re tuning into the frequencies around you and moving with them. That’s why so many native tribes and communities dance, especially when they’re feeling down. Honestly, I get down and depressed a lot, so I’ve just gotten comfortable expressing myself that way… The real answer is, I’m just unhinged. And that’s where—I’m most comfortable just being unapologetically myself. For example, when I came to your Vogue October issue release party, I wore a $14 shirt we thrifted from a place called Fine and Dandy. I ran into Baz Luhrmann, who was cohosting the party, at another event and asked him, “What’s the dress code for your thing on Sunday?” He said, “Oh, it’s country western,” and I thought, that’s a bit out of my comfort zone. But I ended up wearing some Margiela pants and found this thrifted shirt that actually had “Tex-Mex” on the tag. There’s a way to bring imagination and a bit of wildness while still keeping it classy.
Let’s talk about the fragrance you’re launching with Dossier.
A big part of my personal story has always been how I smell. Among my fans, it’s a topic that comes up a lot—and I don’t want to sound full of myself, but it’s true. Fun fact: people often ask me what the first big purchase I made after earning some money was, and it was a $350 bottle of cologne.
Seriously?
I think it was Tom Ford. For some people, it’s cars or a house, but for me, it was cologne. When you come from having nothing, you’re always afraid of ending up broke again. That’s why so many artists are obsessed with hustling, always on the road or in the studio. That mindset affected my spending too. I thought, how can I show I’ve moved up without buying a lot of stuff? I realized I wanted to smell good. It’s a way to show I’ve leveled up, just like having nice nails or wearing certain clothes. I love getting compliments, and I enjoy giving them too. The art of a compliment never gets old for me. The focus on scent came naturally because it’s like alchemy—mixing different elements to create what you might call magic.
Were you confident in giving input on the fragrance, like wanting more or less of certain notes? Did you have a clear idea of how you wanted it to smell?
Absolutely. But thinking it has to smell exactly like me would be like taking a song like Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind” and trying to recreate it exactly—you can’t. You have to create your own thing. So I focused on elements I love: desert, nighttime, cigarettes. I love the smoothness of almond extract, the spiritual significance of myrrh, and a hint of pink pepper for a little edge. The fragrance also mixes well with other scents, like when you smoke a cigarette and it blends with your perfume in a unique way. In short, I just really like how it smells.
Was creating a genderless fragrance important to you?
Genderless is important to me in everything, from music to fashion to fragrance. It’s also punk rock to challenge outdated systems. When people impose rules, like saying men should wear this or women should wear that, it just makes me want to do the opposite.
You mentioned your Margiela pants. Is there anything else in fashion you’re into right now?
I’d like some credit for making corded headphones a fashion statement, because I’ve been wearing them for years. In my “Cliché” video, everyone was asking, “Why are you wearing those?” I like going places and making a statement that I’m in my own zone. It adds mystery—are you listening to something? What is it?
And your hair is longer, softer, and curlier. Does it require much upkeep?
You know what happened? Taurus is ruled by Venus, and my sun sign is Taurus.Venus is deeply connected to beauty. When you honor the beautiful parts of yourself, the universe responds positively. Every zodiac sign is influenced by certain planets that shape their identity. By respecting those planetary influences, you receive rewards in return. I began paying more attention to my self-care, and I’ve seen new opportunities unfold.
Another question—it’s been five years since your album Tickets to My Downfall was released, and it’s now double platinum. What did that record mean to you?
That album felt like the stars aligned. It reminded me of when Wiz Khalifa released “Black and Yellow,” and that same year, the Steelers won the Super Bowl. I knew Wiz back in the mixtape days when we were performing in small venues for maybe 200 people. Seeing everything come together perfectly for him was incredible—and that’s how I felt with Tickets to My Downfall. It resonated with people my age, older listeners, and younger fans too. It’s something that might keep reaching new audiences and generations over time. That success gives me the confidence to create more experimental art, and it truly makes me happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about MGK focusing on the themes of discovering happiness chasing love and staying fresh
General Beginner Questions
1 Who is MGK
MGK whose real name is Colson Baker is a genreblending artist known for his work in rap rock and acting Hes famous for his highenergy music and unique everevolving style
2 What does Discovering Happiness Chasing Love and Staying Fresh mean in relation to MGK
This phrase captures the core themes of his public journey finding personal joy his passionate and public relationship and constantly reinventing his music and fashion style
3 How does MGKs music relate to happiness
His music especially his poppunk albums like Tickets to My Downfall often explores themes of overcoming pain mental health struggles and ultimately finding a sense of release and happiness through selfexpression
4 Whats an example of MGK chasing love
His relationship with actress Megan Fox is a central example He has openly written songs about their intense connection and frequently speaks about their love in interviews embodying the idea of passionately pursuing a relationship
5 What does Staying Fresh mean for him
It refers to his constant evolution He dramatically switched his music style from rap to poppunk and his fashion sense is always changing often featuring bold nail art vibrant hair colors and genderfluid clothing
Advanced Practical Questions
6 What are some common criticisms or problems MGK faces with his style changes
A common problem is backlash from fans of his original rap music who felt he sold out He also faces criticism for his public persona with some finding it overly dramatic or attentionseeking
7 How can I apply MGKs approach to discovering happiness in my own life
Focus on authentic selfexpression Like MGK channeling his emotions into music find a creative or physical outlet for your feelings Dont be afraid to shed old identities or habits that no longer serve you to make room for new happiness
8 Whats a practical tip for staying fresh inspired by MGK
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