Yorkshire-born singer-songwriter Mackenzy Mackay has made London his home, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant music scene. Mackay first made waves in the UK music industry in 2022 through his social media presence, quickly attracting Spotify listeners and building a devoted international fan base. His breakout track, “The One That You Call.” Today, fans and critics alike compare Mackay’s style to artists like Ed Sheeran, Dominic Fike, and Post Malone. Last Friday, Mackenzy took a detour to The White House for a quick photo op, sharing a few laughs along the way before delivering a stellar performance at Union Stage.
The evening opened with a mesmerizing performance by Savanna Leigh, whose hauntingly beautiful sound set the stage for an unforgettable night. Her music, a blend of melancholy and introspective bedroom pop, painted vivid stories of heartache, self-reflection, and fleeting moments of hope. Savanna’s set featured a mix of older, lesser-known tracks and recent fan favorites like “Favorite Parts of Me” and “Happier Songs.” Each note carried a sense of vulnerability, drawing listeners into her intimate world.
To lift the mood, Savanna invited the audience to choose a cover for her to perform. The crowd-selected song was the iconic “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane. Some fans sang along softly, while others swayed quietly in the back, fully immersed in the experience. In addition to the cover, Savanna also performed her latest release, “You Don’t Even Exist Yet,” a track she’s particularly proud of, dedicated to all the single folks out there. Her ability to balance sadness with quiet resilience left a lasting impression, leaving the crowd both deeply moved and enchanted.
In contrast, Mackenzy’s performance brought a lively and uplifting energy to the stage. The crowd began to squeeze into the small basement floor, making the atmosphere feel like a close-knit family reunion. Drawing from Indie Pop, Hip Hop, and R&B influences, his sound was vibrant and dynamic. While his rapid-fire lyrics were occasionally hard to catch, they added to the almost sound like he is rapping but he is not. He treated the crowd to the recent release “Keeper”, the viral hit “The One That You Call”, and fan-favorite “Postcards.”
Unlike Savanna, who had previously performed in Washington, D.C.’s chilly weather, Mackenzy had never set foot in the United States before — let alone the nation’s capital. About halfway through the performance, Mackenzy paused to warm his hands, flashing a grin at the audience. “I don’t know how you all do this!” he joked, shaking his head. “I think I’ll have to come back in the summer next time — maybe play a show when it’s warmer!” The crowd erupted in laughter, clearly charmed by his playful remark and understanding his perspective as a UK resident.
Near the end of his set, he performed an unreleased track titled “Want You For Life” — a heartfelt song about his 18-year-old self falling in love but staying silent out of fear the feelings weren’t mutual. By 10:15, the crowd was chanting for an encore. He wrapped up the night with “London”, a nostalgic 2023 favorite that resonated deeply with fans.
Savanna Leigh’s latest track, “You Don’t Exist Yet,” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Mackenzy will resume his tour in Leeds on March 25th, with special guest Ally Salort opening for the U.K. leg. Fans can pre-save his upcoming single, “Want You For Life,” now.
