Interview – Scott MacKay

By: Lindsay Newman

PEI native and folk singer Scott MacKay has just released his second album “Twin” on July 18^th, 2015. MacKay worked on the new album with BC’s Leeroy Stagger.  MacKay has had the opportunity to perform at different events locally as well as on the international events such as the Calgary Folk Festival Songwriting Competition. Scott and his twin brother Ben MacKay are going to be going on a Canadian tour this summer as well as making different radio stops. Check the dates below to see if they will be in a city near you.

Who are some of your influences for your music?

Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Carter Felker, Tom Waits, Dawes. The Handsome Family, & Sam Cooke to name a few.

Folk music isn’t the norm for today’s society so, how are you making your music known?

I play around as much as possible and I focus on getting my music to those who would enjoy it the most. There are many radio stations, blogs, magazines, festivals and showcases that focus primarily on folk music so I try to focus on those outlets.

Your new album has just been released how has the response been so far?

I’ve yet to receive any hate mail so that’s always a good sign J As you had mentioned the album is fresh out of the gate so it’s always a little difficult to gauge how people are receiving it but so far any feedback I’ve received has been positive.

Your brother added some harmony’s on the new album, how was that experience for you?

It was lovely.  Anything that involves my brother is always a pleasure. His voice blends very nicely with mine as well so I couldn’t ask for a better voice to harmonize with.

How has the prepping been going for the upcoming tour?

As well as planning things can go I think. I’ve been working on planning this tour for about a year now so most of the leg work was already in place.

What was the experience like working with Leeroy Stagger on the new album?

It was awesome! He’s a very talented down to earth fella and he made the process of recording very comfortable. I think comfort breed’s creativity which benefited the outcome of the album.

At Canadian Beats, we like to ask some fun questions to help fans get to know you better.

What are some of the things that you enjoy to do in the summer?

I like to spend time reading, writing and relaxing at the beach on PEI as much as possible. I also enjoy running, swimming and weekend getaways with my wife to be.

What would be your dream lineup for a concert be? (you can play if you wish)

If I had the power to resurrect Johnny Cash I’d love to see him play.  I’d have Tom Waits start things off.

Who are some of your favourite Canadian artists?

Old Man Luedecke, Pharis & Jason Romero, Royal Wood, Sarah Harmer, Donovan Woods, Justin Rutledge, Ron Sexsmith & Carter Felker to name a few.

What is your favourite decade for the music industry?

I’d have to say the 50’s and below.

What music would someone find on your IPod?

Tom Waits, Son House, Ray Lamontagne, Paolo Nutini, Johnny Cash, Sarah Harmer, Lee Fields, Charles Bradley, Dawes, The Milk Carton Kids, Chris Stapleton, The Handsome Family, The Decemberists….. I could go on for a while.

Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

Thank you very much for supporting me. I literally would not be able to build a career writing and playing music if it wasn’t for you. I’m forever grateful! 🙂

Connect with Scott MacKay:
Website: http://www.scottmackay.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottmackaymusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScottDennisMacK

Check out the tour dates below and if MacKay is in a city near you make sure to check him out!

August 14: Album Launch – Ironwood, Calgary, AB
August 15: House Concert – Airdrie, AB (Private)
August 18: High River Library – High River, AB
August 19: Inspire Cafe – Medicine Hat, AB
August 20: House Concert – Okotoks, AB (Private)
August 21: House Concert – Chestermere, AB (Private)

RADIO STOPS BELOW:

August 11: Key of A – Radio Interview – Calgary, AB (TBC)
August 12: CKUA – Radio Interview – Calgary, AB (TBC)
August 17: Sun Country 99.7 – High River, AB (TBC)

Lindsay Newman

I’m Lindsay and I’m a Journalism student at Humber College in Toronto, ON. I am one of Canadian Beats newest writers, starting in October 2014. I’m a concert enthusiast and I enjoy going to local shows to support the music scene. I love to see the happiness on the bands as well as the fans faces. Music and writing has always been a huge passion of mine, I think being a dancer has a big part of that. I will more than likely see you at a concert so come say hi!