It was just over a month ago when I first saw Spencer Mackenzie perform. I honestly had never heard of this 16-year-old blues singer/guitarist. But on April 4th, I became a fan after watching Mackenzie open for Texas blues guitarist Chris Duarte at Donnelly’s Pub in Thorold, Ontario – a show presented by the Canal Bank Shuffle.
It didn’t take long that night to see why there was much hype about this Ridgeway, Ontario teen. I knew after that night this wouldn’t be the last we hear from Mackenzie as things are just starting to heat up for this young musician!
This Friday, May 13th – along with his bandmates Miles Evans, 21, on keyboards, Kevin Tait, 18, on drums and Jack Davies,15, on bass – Mackenzie will be returning to Donnelly’s Pub for his first official CD release party for his much anticipated debut album, Infected With the Blues, an album featuring a mix of originals and covers.
Donnelly’s Pub also happens to be the place where Mackenzie got up on stage for the very first time about a year ago to sing blues in front of a crowd during an open mic night with local bluesman Brant Parker. With much encouragement and support from his parents, Rich and Sandra Mackenzie, and the local blues and music community, Mackenzie has been busy over the last year playing shows and working on his album.
Music Life Magazine caught up with Spencer Mackenzie to talk about his music, debut album and more!
Thanks for doing this interview! Please tell me a bit about yourself, where you’re from and how old you are?
My name is Spencer Mackenzie. I am 16 years old and live in Ridgeway, Ontario.
You are a blues musician. When did you get into music and why blues?
I got my first guitar when I was five years old. Ever since then it has been a part of who I am. My dad, ever since I was young, has always played music in our house and the most popular genre was the blues. I can remember about three years ago one of my guitar teachers showed me a Stevie Ray Vaughan lick and it came running back to me and I said, “hey I know this!” and from that day I started learning as much as I could about the blues.
Does music run in your family? Are you an only child?
I am an only child. My dad has a huge love for music but neither my mom nor dad sing or play any music instruments.
Do you remember the first show you played? When and where?
I would play from time to time with my music teacher but my first “blues” experience in front of people was at Donnelly’s Pub in Thorold at their open mic hosted by Brant Parker. It was April 15, 2015. That day is when my career as a young blues musician all started and when I fell in love with performing.
You play guitar and sing. Do you play any other instruments?
I have played guitar since the age of five but I did not comfortably start singing the blues until I was 15 years old. I do not, at this moment, play any other instruments.
Who are some of your influences?
B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Jonny Lang, Joe Bonamassa, Colin James – I could go on!!
When I first saw you play on April 4, 2016 you opened for Texas blues guitar legend Chris Duarte at Donnelly’s Pub in
Thorold, Ontario. How was that experience for you?
It was an amazing experience! To be asked to open for one of the top four guitar legends in the world was an incredible opportunity. I had opened the Canal Bank Shuffle Festival with the Brent Johnson Band the October prior so I was very excited to play in front of Canal Bank Shuffle fans again.
Have you ever heard of Chris Duarte before that show? Did you have a chance to speak with him? Did he offer you any advice?
I had heard of him but never really studied his playing. After I did, I knew I was in for a real treat to stay after my set and watch and take in as much as I could. After my show Chris stepped up to the mic and said “Spencer MacKenzie is the next Canadian Lion!” We had a chance to speak after the show and he gave me some great compliments and tips.
Who else have you shared the stage with?
Some of my greatest moments are being able to share the stage with Brant Parker, Jack De Keyzer, Tony Wild T Springer, Chuck Jackson, Brent Johnson, Red Dirt Revelators, Joshua Miller, Tim Gibbons, Dave Rave, JP Soars – I could go on!
Any highlights, musically onstage or offstage, that stick out in your mind?
Being sponsored by the Canal Bank Shuffle to perform at the International Blues Festival in Memphis this past January.
Winning the Grand River Blues Society Youth Legacy Challenge and becoming the Youth Legacy Representative and opening this year’s Kitchener Blues Festival.
Becoming one of the top six finalist in Canada to perform for the Toronto Blues Society New Talent Search this July
Receiving a scholarship from the Blues Foundation to attend the Fernando Jones Blues camp in Chicago this summer
Receiving a partial scholarship (from our local Fort Erie music festival where proceeds go to help develop students in their music career) to attend the Grand River Blues Society Blues Camp in August
In 2012 being nominated in both music video of the year and the rising star category and in 2013 winning the rising star award.
Releasing my first album on May 13th 2016!
On May 13, 2016 you officially release you first CD called Infected With the Blues. What can you tell me about that album? When did you start working on that? Do you write your own songs and music? Who did you work with on the album? Any special guests?
I started working on the album last summer by co-writing songs with my dad, Rich Mackenzie. My dad wrote the foundation of the lyrics and I brought it to life by writing the music. On December 21, 2015 we did an on the floor recording at Phase One studio in Toronto with my mentor Brant Parker on additional guitar, Sean O’Grady on drums, Alan Duffy on bass, and David McMorrow on keys. These musicians have been with me from day one so it was a great experience having them all involved. In January we did more recording at Groundloop Studio in Ridgeway with my producer Dean Malton where the extra tracks were laid down with a horn section: Bil Holinaty, Ryan Baker, Mike Polci and Max Hillier on harmonica.
What are your plans as far as touring and playing shows?
My plans are open for anything that comes my way! If I am doing what I love to do – which is to perform, play guitar and sing – it could not get any better than that. The next few months are looking very busy with my album release tour dates, festivals, events, bars, private events, blues camps, fundraising events, etc…. I hope to one day branch out into the world and share my love of the blues beyond Ontario.
If you could play anywhere in the world and with any musician where would that be and with who?
There are a few cities I would love to perform in with the top one New Orleans. I am told that the city comes to life – everywhere you look you hear Jazz, gospel, blues, rock and Louisiana music. I think it would be awesome to be part of that.
If I could turn back time it would definitely be B.B. King! He is one of my biggest influences. My dad met him and said he was an incredible person!
Today, I would say Joe Bonamassa. He, at times, shares his music through tutorials so I can only imagine what a great experience it would be to play beside him and be mentored by him even for a day.
What can you tell me about your CD release party on May 13th?
I am excited to have my official release party at the place it all started for me – Donnelly’s Pub! From April 15, 2015, the first day I performed with Brant Parker and his blues band, the owner, staff and the customers that have become my friends have supported me from day one. I am excited to share it with them! I am excited to perform with my blues band.
Is there anything you want to add or plug?
There are so many people I would like to thank for having such an incredible journey so far. Special thanks to Brant Parker for nurturing me along this journey. Thanks to my teachers Elton Lammie and John Navarroli for their knowledge and guidance. My publicist Sarah French. Thank you to Dean Malton, Max Hillier, Joe and Tammy and my Donnely’s family. Tim Sinnett and the Canal Bank Shuffle committee, and all of the musicians who made this possible. Thank you to my blues band that work so hard. And a special thank you to friends, family and fellow musicians who support me and of course mom and dad for their love and support.
For more information on the CD release party on May 13th click here.
Connect with Spencer Mackenzie online: (Website) (Facebook) (Twitter)
RELATED STORY: Chris Duarte with Spencer Mackenzie live at Donnelly’s Pub – April 4, 2016
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