PUBLIC
Reflects On “Make You Mine” Phenomena + Sets Their Sights On Releasing Next Viral Hit
By Kenneth Tse
Are you in search of some heartwarming internet content? Look no further; John Vaughn, Matthew Alvarado, and Ben Lapps can lead you directly to the source. They make up PUBLIC, a pop/rock trio that has set the standard for what it means to go “viral” in the modern age.
Seven years following their debut EP, Red, the group scored its first mainstream hit in “Make You Mine”. The 2019 single received roaring support from platforms including TikTok, which at the time was only teasing its influence as a music marketing giant. From military homecomings to vlogger car giveaways, “Make You Mine” became the soundtrack to many of social media’s most wholesome viral moments. PUBLIC recently discussed the phenomena in a press conference hosted by Universal Music Group’s internal creative solutions team, °1824.
“I did get emotional after seeing the marriage proposals,” John shared. “Because, in a way, that’s what ‘Make You Mine’ is about … When we perform it live, I talk about what I believe love really is – not something that most pop music refers to it as, but instead something much grittier…and complex.”
One of the song’s most popular applications came in the form of HBO Max’s ‘All Your Favorites’ commercial, featuring cameos from the network’s popular cartoon characters. “That was my favorite one,” Matt explained. “(Those cartoons) were not only a huge part of my childhood but were a throwback to the high school and middle school days when we wrote the song.”
As the group enters a decade of releasing music together, PUBLIC still cherishes those early beginnings. It started in the basement of Ben Lapp’s childhood home, where members would congregate for their first jam sessions.
“I remember John would sneak into the other room to sing lyrics and melodies to himself,” Ben recalled. “That’s basically how we wrote our first songs … we just loved to play music and wanted to make some cool stuff.”
Make You Mine Music Video / CTL!
John, who hadn’t even considered himself a singer at the time, eventually found his footing — and, as the group’s synergy continued to develop, their songwriting process did, too. Four billion streams and 2.1 million TikToks later, Matt reveals that their songwriting methods continue to evolve.
“For ‘Missing You Today,’ we were going to New York to finish our tour with the American Authors,” he explained. “After sitting with Scott Harris (Shawn Mendes collaborator), he pushed us to start writing from a lyrical perspective instead of an instrumental – that was super useful for us (in completing the song).”
Ben also touched on the newer task of writing over Zoom. “Some of us thrive in writing (that way), like Matt,” he noted. “His ability to come up with ideas and song starters (over Zoom) not only amazes me but gave me the chance to work on my production skills – we’re just adapting with the times.”
Moving towards the end of the year, PUBLIC is adapting in top form. The group recently teased its next single, “LDQ (Little Drama Queen),” which will release on September 24th. The dance-pop single features a refined sound that holds all the potential to become their next viral hit. Pre-save the song through the link below!