Mike McKenzie (he/him) started his career as a founding member of award winning Edinburgh band JAKIL in 2003. After leaving the band in 2010 he began his journey as a freelance songwriter and producer working, with vocalists and local artists around the UK. 

 

In 2019 Mike was awarded BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Singer/Songwriter of the Year’ as judged by Fran Healy (Travis), Horse McDonald, Karine Polwart, Geoff Ellis (DF Concerts) and Dee Bahl with his original song ‘Love Like This’ and, after recording the award winning single at Abbey Road, Mike followed the advice of Fran who told him not to rush into releasing an album too quickly.

 

While the live sector struggled throughout the pandemic in 2020 Mike reverted back to focussing on songwriting building a solid reputation as a co-writer and collaborator, working with a broad range of writers around the world remotely as well as developing his sound as a solo artist in his own right. Landing somewhere between Ben Abraham, Maggie Rogers and Ben Howard, he has released 3 solo EP’s including his Creative Scotland Funded ‘The Art of Change’ and self penned ‘For The Record’ from which his single ‘Saving Grace’ was described as “Gorgeous” by Jo Whiley and received multiple plays on her BBC Radio 2 show.

 

McKenzie’s laid back, inclusive shows have proved a smash with audiences around the UK and beyond. Touring has seen him perform and headline at iconic venues across the UK including Glasgow's King Tut’s and TRNSMT Festival, Edinburgh's Queens Hall, London's Green Note, The Drawing Room in Chesham and several SoFar Sounds shows throughout the UK and in Paris including co-curating their Pride Show last June. He has also performed live on BBC Radio Scotland multiple times including the iconic new music show ‘The Quay Sessions with Toddy Hart’ and The Afternoon Show with Janice Forsyth when he was incited to be their Artist of the Week.

 

In 2023, Mike was approached by Metro 13 Studios (formerly Chamber Studio: Snow Patrol, Karine Polwart, Mogwai, Robert Smith) in Edinburgh where, after just one session, they saw the huge potential in his talent and immediately offered him a record deal with their indie label Metro 13 Records. His debut album ‘I’d Wait Again’ is set for release in April 2025.