Mackenzy Mackay, an Indie Pop musician from Laarndon with a meteoric rise in popularity and following, shows us why on a Monday concert.
His first single on Spotify was Honeycomb, released in March 2021. It is half a dozen songs into the set, and he reveals he was working in New Zealand from 2019 to 2021, this being one of several he wrote here.
Lived around Mt Roskill, Pt Chevalier and Epsom and working on shipping containers. He must have been on the UK equivalent of a working holiday.
This coincided with the viral lockdown madness which may have contributed something to his oeuvre.
There is very little bio to find on Mackay on the internet. His appearance as a musician may appear meteoric, but in interviews he states there has been a long hard process of writing and playing. Whilst working full-time to earn a living.
Back in Britain and his London home, he has talked about selling out shows like the Electric Ballroom, one of many iconic venues at one of the meccas of popular music.
New Zealand and Auckland especially may have been the catalyst necessary for him to launch.
He is solo on stage. A half dozen or so songs he plays with an electric guitar. The rest are all to backing tracks.
Music is sparse and minimal, electronic beats are dominant, which brings his voice to the fore. He has a natural baritone but sings predominantly in a tenor. Occasionally a high tenor and the lower register.
He has a relaxed and self-effacing demeanour on stage, and it all falls into place when he reveals his Kiwi connection. And the joke about not drinking beer out of a shoe, just as he necks a can.
Find It begins the show as a fast Pop Rap. I Can’t Undo has a harder edge and a sinister narrative Rap, enhanced by deep drop beats.
Most of the songs are romantic and soulful Pop which rest predominantly on the smooth voice.
Occasionally he will fire up the passion with a song like The One That You Call. This one gets some tasty riffs from the guitar.
Romantic and witty. F.O. stands for Fuck Off, as in maybe we could fuck off for a few nights/ We could do fuck-all if you like.
Cold Stare and Bruised One are soft melodies with just enough hooks, but mainly driven by the seductive voice.
Both are off the Life, Love & Upsets EP released in June this year, which Mackay has explained in recent interviews as addressing… Those days of feeling broken, the days of feeling great, the days of feeling in love.
There are obviously a few mates here tonight, including brother Roy. A bigger crowd than expected for a Monday night.
Who has work tomorrow, and who doesn’t? The cheers are equal for both sides. I take that to indicate there are a few students here, more than the economic reflection.
He must have done his dues at open-mic nights. Gets the audience to sing along and participate, which they do earnestly.
Last song is the one people keep asking for, London.
I’m in London, Brixton, Camden/ Sipping a can with a spliff in the hand/ London is busy, this city is tricky/ This city is cold.
Mackenzy Mackay’s love song to honour the special qualities of the great city, done in a fast insightful Rap.
Rev. Orange Peel
Click any icon to view a full gallery of photos by Tara Ranchhod.
Discover more from Red Raven News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.