Now firmly settled in – and with the help of a crowdfunding campaign – James is preparing to release his debut album. Backed by a talented session band – The Hannes Stegmeier Trio & Ferdinand Schwartz – and with various collaborators including Texas-based producer and bassist Matt Noveskey (Blue October) & multi-award winning instrumentalist and composer Glenn Sarangapany, the album promises to give the listener an insight into what it’s like to start a life somewhere new, without knowing anybody and trying to rebuild after a hectic love life.
With inspirations ranging from Metallica to Glen Hansard & Jimmy Eat World to Ray LaMontagne, Mackenzie’s style of alt-rock tugs at the heart strings and draws you in thanks to his soaring vocals and catchy melodies complimented by the rock/blues magnetism of his band.
Everyone has had an experience that needs written down and sung about, this is exactly what James does; his lyrics are honest, heartfelt and most importantly, relatable.
