Hailing originally from Yorkshire and now London-based, Mackenzy Mackay has quickly risen to prominence; his latest single, Cold Stare, is a great example of why. Since his online debut in 2022, Mackenzy Mackay has garnered lots of love and media attention for his storytelling, emotive lyricism, and mastery of blending genres. Are you looking for a song to get you through the rest of the week and make it a little brighter? Here’s the track for you.
The release of Cold Stare follows Mackay's previous singles, Every Last Detail and The One That You Call, in anticipation for his upcoming EP. Cold Stare opens on a delicate melody, but as the vocals kick in, the song is taken up a level, and you know you’re in for something special. Recounting the extreme highs and lows in his own life, the song carries a level of introspection, reflecting on the personal growth earned from facing obstacles head-first and emerging more resilient. The lyricism marries this level of vulnerability and authenticity to the harmonious piano backdrop, bolstered by his northern charm.
Speaking on the track, Mackay said, “Cold Stare. A song about challenges and getting hit down but coming back stronger, making the way through the darkness to the light. Sometimes going for things that you may know are a bad idea and learning from them is the best thing you can do. The world is full of cold people and shit experiences that you might have, but taking them on the chin and not letting them bug you is the best thing you can do. Don’t let shit ruin your day unless it’s something you truly care about.”
From attending Leeds festival as a teen to now gracing the stage just a few years later, it’s safe to say Mackenzy Mackay has made it. Even more, with a sold-out tour pre-sale and appearances at esteemed EU festivals like Reading & Leeds, The Great Escape, and Frequency, Mackenzy Mackay is clearly making waves. With each new release, Mackay leaves fans and future listeners enchanted with his ability to seamlessly blend indie, pop, and rap sounds together. Already, he has been compared in his sound to iconic artists such as the Arctic Monkeys and Ed Sheeran. With festival season fast approaching, Mackenzy Mackay is set to be one of the highlights, shining through even the rainy weather.