Cree Mackenzie
INTRODUCING Cree Mackenzie https://youtu.be/_fyXYRCx6Jo
Cree Mackenzie is a delightful and interesting father of four, living in Branahiue near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Nearly 50 years in the making, he’s just released his debut album Amalgam on Wee Studio Records. So far picked up airplay via BBC Radio Scotland, Radio Nan Gaidheal, Radio Wigwam, Radio Earn, Castle Sound Radio, Malta Sunshine Radio and we expect plenty more support to follow. Recorded and produced by Pete Fletcher at Blackbay Studios overlooking Kirkibost harbour on the west coast of lewis, the album also features local musician Irenie Rose on album closer The Great Silkie. He plays live at An Lanntair in Stornoway on 23 November. We had a chat and a cuppa with Mackenzie ⬇️
Watch the video for : Mealishabhal below | Spotify
Q> Can you introduce yourself Cree, tell us about your journey to this point? Is it really your debut debut album?
“I was born in Glasgow and raised in London from an early age three quarters Scots/Prot quarter Irish Catholic. Bit of a rebel at school then went to art school and left early after being offered a contract to form a band and record a single etc - very minor success! Moved to Lewis in 1984 to run family business and raised 4 wonderful children in an amazing environment and a great community - glad my journey took an expected twist in retrospect. This really is debut debut album! a 50 year ambition fulfilled!”
> Have you always been surrounded by music, what’s your earliest musical memory?
“Earliest musical memory is on my Grandpas knee and him singing 'how would you like to meedle dee meedle dee' which you can hear Irenie Rose singing at end of The Great Silkie. Next big one was at 5yrs my sister playing She Loves Me by The Beatles on the radio outside and teaching me to sing along. Mum was a classical pianist and dad loved Irish ballads especially after plenty amber nectar. I loved singalong ceilidhs till the wee hours more than anything which I had plenty of whilst running a bar in Uig for 20 years"
> Tell us about your album, we understand you tackle tough subjects like your struggles with bipolar disorder?
“It really is a hotch potch as I have never been sure what my genre was or should be. A few songs were 10-15 years in the making but mostly very recent compositions. I was in a bad way with BP for c5 years and Insane was about my worst time with that and is very personal - I had always identified closely with people with mental health issues but had no real understanding until I experienced the same - so I thought just put it out there. I was pleased by how the album turned out largely due to the outstandingly talented young local musicians that helped out, but especially due to Pete Fletcher producer/engineer and owner/ creator of the magical Blackbay Studios overlooking Kirkibost harbour on the west coast of lewis”
> I’m guessing you write mainly about personal experience, but do you take inspiration from the world around you, from current affairs for example?
“Mainly about personal experiences on this album and how the simple things in life are what matter most - which I learnt from my neighbours on Lewis. Some references to current affairs which I would like to write more about if I can do it in the right way. I enjoyed popular music when 'current affairs' songs were more common. The world needs these more than ever now”
> What do your career highlights look like to date / anything you’ve ticked off a wish list?
“No great career highlights to date! - apart from joint single of the week 'Life after Life' in Sounds magazine in 1984 but this album Amalgam is probably the highlight. David Bowie came to a gig I played at a club in London once! met him briefly afterwards so that was a big tick!”
> Where are you based and do you consider yourself a full-time musician or do you have a day job (if so what)?
“Based in Branahiue, near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Retired from business no day job almost f/t musician again now and looking forward to collaborating with others”
> Do you have any tour dates or festivals lined up, this year and into 2023?
“None lined up except local gigs playing An Lanntair Wednesday 23 November “
> We love hearing about non-musical things, hobbies, interests and passions - is there something you love doing outside of music / tell us something most people wouldn’t know about you?
“My other main passion is painting and I recently did a 2 year silversmithing course. I also like doing pottery /sculpture but really just starting on these. I love all kinds of fishing and do that whenever I can. Love meeting people from all walks of life and helping where and if I can. Passionate about nature/wildlife although I once ate deep fried bumblebees unwittingly in China in 1982 - they tasted like Sugar Puffs!”
