Mackenzie O’Brien is a singer song writer from Northern Illinois who travels regularly to Nashville to write, record, and perform. As a child Mackenzie was melancholic and was nicknamed “Hummingbird” as she was often found playing alone while humming made up melodies. Mackenzie was without direction in school and very average when “music found her” at the age of 14. She picked up a guitar out of boredom and felt as if her brain was unlocked.
In her short three year professional career Mackenzie has performed over 300 times and performed in the cities of Chicago, Madison, Nashville, Austin, Milwaukee, Denver and Los Angeles. She has also received recognition from John Oates (Hall N Oates), Courtney Burns (Head Talent Producer at The Voice), and Artie Kornfeld (founder of the Woodstock Fest 1969). Mackenzie has begun to experience success as a song writer and has landed 22 original songs on small market radio in the US and in several cities in the UK. She describes her writing and melodies as an indie country blend.
Mackenzie’s hard work was recognized last year when she was awarded a grant from the Endowment for the Arts to aid her latest recording project. Mackenzie is excited about expanding the reach of her band in 2020 and forging larger connections in Nashville and beyond.
2020 has kicked off in a major way with Mackenzie receiving word that Merf Music Nashville was investing in this next stage of her journey. Mackenzie will be writing with Merf’s writers and working with their production and PR teams to test the market. In Chicago Mackenzie has caught the attention of Chicago Country insiders and has already been booked at several of the top country venues as well as at Navy Pier and White Sox Park!
