Mark Mackenzie is a musician who seems to not have let any genre constrain him. I first came into contact with this producer from Inverness, Scotland, several years previously in 2011. At the time, he was making complex electro and remixing popular EDM artists such as Skrillex, Dada Life, and Mord Fustang. He experimented in heavier styles, eventually his style moving towards that classic, head thrashing, electro as a duo with Liam Mcleod in Them & Us. The collaboration went until late October in 2013 when both Liam and Mark decided to go their own ways.
Now, at twenty one years old, Mark is creating his own sensual style of deep house music. His music has received support from BBC Radio 1 and he has been titled "the Highlands hottest rising electronic star" from in Loch Ness. Mark Mackenzie is continuing his production in full force and seems to not have slowed his passion for ever-inspiring new work. Today EARMILK is excited to premiere Mark's new EP, Strong. There are three tracks on the EP that are downloadable below from EARMILK for an exclusive twenty four hours.
"Strong" is easily my favourite song of all three, as it is the album single and most vibrantly produced. From the very start of the song, you're hit with a funky bass line that mixes with a strange vocal clip. The original piece picks up in a surprising twist as it moves from a deep house groove to an echo of Mark's previous energetic style. "Strong" is sure to get feet tapping and waists moving, as it is an instant party pleaser for those unusual, but exciting nights.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/142530080?secret_token=s-JIGdK" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
"I Don't Need Your Love" is composed relatively smoothly, so that the track slowly eases up on the listener. Before long, a heavy bass hits every sixth beat in a more aggressive tone that continues throughout the track. There is some lightly distorted vocals that are fragmented throughout, leaving the listener in a constant state of illusion, as they try to make sense of the voice.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/142530067?secret_token=s-O4TJt" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
Finally, the last track on the EP is "No Good For Me". This track is easily the most calm of all three and almost sounds as if it could be classified in a softer genre of tech house. The vocals are clearly distinguishable and fade in and out of the main composition, while a groovy tempo moves with the catchy melody.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/142530059?secret_token=s-ss1et" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
Mark has proven himself again and again, being able to create new music across the board of possibilities. I've personally seen this musician grow and am happy to present his most recent, and arguably some of his best work. The Strong EP shows a versatile side of Mark in his music style and skill, from funky house to soft tech.