Mackenzie lee just gave us an outstanding and refreshing country EP that feels completely genuine and packs quite a punch both musically and vocally with twangy guitars that ring out and a soulful and belting vocal approach that feels natural and gorgeous while packing the right grit.
The self-titled Mackenzie Lee EP boasts a killer attitude and lets the artist really shine with a great character and swagger that you can feel in your bones.
Lee certainly has a voice you can hear from a mile away and it just seems so effortless for her it's crazy.
The EP has a great variety of songs within the 4 songs it spans, and you'll hear some beautifully woven classic ballads and swingers and really both have their own thing they bring to the table.
What's really awesome is that she's got gift. That but of magic that when you hear it, you can't turn away.
The tracks have a classic undertone to them especially tracks like "Hard Working Man (Needs A Beer)"
It gives an instant classic feel to it like you've been listening to the song for years now.
The whole EP has a great style, and her songwriting is absolutely on point as is her performance on every song for every damn second.
With the release of such a powerful EP, we had to have a quick chat with Mackenzie to find out where this all came from and what may be next for her.
RAG: Okay so let's start with the self-titled EP. This record had a real deal country rock feel to it! Where did this record come from?
I’m a 15-year-old singer-songwriter from Australia and I love writing my own songs!
With this second Ep release of mine I really wanted to mix it up with a style for everyone. I wanted to make people laugh, dance, cry. From the very heartbreaking emotion Four Hundred K’s portrays to the get up and boogie with Wild Is A Woman (Double Crossed) and Like A Bull Rider. And of course, I’m told quite often by my dad and pop Every Hard Working Man (Needs A Beer). My pop actually gave me the idea for that one and we had a laugh when he stated, “If there’s no beer in heaven, then he’s not going!”
RAG: I'm hearing some great styles on this release. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
I have many different artists that influence my music. I love the old and the new ranging from Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Randy Travis, George Jones to Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, and James Johnston. While my main genre is country, I also love Credence Clear Water Revival, Elvis, Queen and ACDC.
RAG: So how did this all begin for you really? When did you fall in love with making music?
I got my first guitar when I was 5 and it’s really just gone on from there. I started singing when I was 8, entering different competitions and talent quests. I’ve always loved music, being raised on country music since I was born. My family are avid country music fans.
RAG: What's next for you as an artist?
Right now I’m working on new material that I hope to release early next year. Being as young as I am, my plan is to finish my schooling whilst pursuing a career in the music industry. I hope to one day travel to Nashville Tennessee and perform.
RAG: What inspires you to write a song?
Most of my ideas come from my family as I don’t have many stories to tell yet. I enjoy hearing their life stories and turning them into songs! Books and movies also help giving me ideas.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I’m a massive video game fan! When I’m not playing music, I’m playing games or watching TV. I also enjoy hanging out with my twin sister Madison and little brother Jack.
RAG: Who are you listening to right now?
My playlist at the moment is quite diverse. There’s a mixture of all my favourite artists with a little bit of Billie Eilish, Jaymes Young and Jesse and Joy thrown in. I love all genres!
RAG: Are you doing live performances?
I perform live whenever I can in around my schoolwork at local cafes, pubs, clubs, markets, and private festivals. I sing whenever I can and never turn down a gig!
RAG: This release seems like a big undertaking. What kind of advice might you have for other up and coming artists out there?
My advice to any artist would be stay true to yourself, never give up and always have fun and enjoy what you do!
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
I’d like to say thank you to all my fans far and wide for all your love and support throughout my journey so far. Without you guys and the support from my amazing family I wouldn’t be doing what I love!