Brian Mackey

Man on Monday: with "All Thing Girl" Blog

2010-11-22T09:55:00.000-05:00

Man on Monday: Brian Mackey, Singer/Songwriter

Tell us about yourself. Where are you from originally? How did you get to where you are today?
I come form a small town in northern Florida on the Georgia boarder, Havana, a town that looks like it’s been thrown back to the 20’s or 30’s with tumbleweed blowin’ through the streets. I moved around a bit as a teenager and ended up in New York. I got a job washing the dishes and would play back-up guitar in bands at night, so I kind of put myself in places where I could work on what I really wanted to do.
Was music your first love, or did you dabble in other arts first?
Yes, definitely my first love. As a kid I would actually pretend I was sick all of the time, and stay home from school and listen to music in my room over and over again, and look at the credits, like who produced what, where was it recorded, just kind of funny looking back, since I was only 8 and I should’ve been in school, but I guess I had something else to learn.
Just as authors are influenced by other writers, musicians are often influenced by other musicians. Who are your musical influences?
Well from the beginning, I was really influenced by the Beatles and also 80’s rock and roll music, like Billy Joel, The Clash, Steve Miller, and a lot o 90’s artists too like, Nirvana. I play piano too, so I love Beethoven and a lot of classical composers too.
Even the greatest songwriters begin by playing other people’s music. Is there a song you’ve covered that you’re especially fond of? Is there a song you’d love to cover, but haven’t?
Hmm… that’s interesting. You know, I very rarely play covers, only because I feel nobody sings it better than the songwriter who sang it originally. But if there is one that I’d like to redo, it would be Piano Man on guitar.
Especially for newer artists, touring is an important part of building a career. Do you enjoy life on the road? What aspect of it most appeals to you?
When you’re on the road, you get to pick up the different flavors of the towns you’re in, the local happenings of the people who live there and it’s very inspirational. I can get a lot of songs written out of traveling. It’s something about driving into a new city or town from a long way, kind of like in the Wizard of Oz when you see the town or city from a distance, and you don’t know what to expect when you get there.
At some point in their careers almost every musician finds themselves collaborating with another. Who would you like to collaborate with, and why?
There are so many people I’d like to collaborate with. I’ve always admired Lionel Richie’s work because it’s so smooth and heartfelt. I think Jason Mraz would be fun to work because the music could take on a lot of different shapes.
Confession time: when you’re NOT working on your own stuff, what tunes are cranking out of your iPod? Give us your top five?
Well this always changes, but at the moment now that I’m looking at it, the theme song from Cats is here, (Just kidding)

Just what I Needed by The Cars?
Rock the Casbah by the Clash
Piano Man by Billy Joel
Devil Went Down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels Band
Hello by Lionel Richie

Please tell us your latest album.
My new album, Honest Love is available on iTunes, and many more music retailers worldwide. I just shot the Honest Love video in Chicago which will be coming out at the end of this month, and I’m playing a Live radio show in Times Square NYC on November 29th with The Real Radio Show. I’ll be doing my Honest Love tour next year, so check my websites for updates: www.myspace.com/brimackey, www.brianmackeymusic.com and if you are on Facebook, www.facebook.com/brianmackeymusic.

Evigshed Magazine Reviews - Honest Love

2010-11-19T22:37:00.000-05:00

His name is Brian Mackey. Girls, He is cute and is also a great musician. He lives in New York, sings and writes his songs. What More ? His music blends the modern sounds with 70s music . Honest Love is a new EP. If you haven’t his music in your iPod, it is time ! Why are not these songs played on radio ? It is a big mystery. To tell if an artist has talent, it’s easy. Few seconds are only necessary. This is the case with Brian Mackey.Honest Love cd deserves success. From beginning to end, you enjoy each song. Authentic music is the word that comes to mind when I hear his music.The tune is sweet with heartfelt vocals. Hard to think otherwise. Sincerity is an important thing. Sometimes, some musicians forget but not Brian Mackey.

He is quite captivating. This is an artist that you must absolutely check out. The opener track Honest Love sets the tone for the rest of the EP. I love a lot Sun Shower my favorite song. All these songs showcase his powerful voice. Nobody can remain unmoved by this soulful music like Color Blue, a sweet rock ballad that is excellent. Brian has also an incredible guitar playing in Out On the Road and Florida. My god, what a voice !!! It is beautiful. I’d like to hear much him on radio.

In conclusion, support this artist. “Like” him on his facebook. Follow him on twitter, check out his official website and buy his music. You can find it on iTunes. Do not hesitate. Go. Request him on your favorite radio stations because he has his place. Listen to him on Reverbnation.com. It is worth to check out. Hurry up. If you are a music aficionado, I highly recommend him. If you use iTunes, Brian is now on Ping. Follow him and spread the word.

Honest Love Video PREMIERE! - November 25th 2010

2010-11-19T22:33:00.000-05:00

Free Download of "Come Out of the House" Sponsored by Heineken!

2010-10-30T22:29:00.000-04:00

Brian @ JCCC in Kansas! - October 20th 2010

2010-10-20T22:24:00.000-04:00

Honest Love Video - LIVE in Chicago!

2010-10-06T22:18:00.002-04:00

Presented by Nick Cavalier Productions and North Coast Studios, Brian Mackey is shooting his debut Music Video for his latest CD release, "Honest Love".

Live from the streets of Chicago, Brian will be performing for fans and friends, and you're welcome to come and be a part of his video!

Meet us outside of the Hard Rock Hotel, Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 12PM.

Stay tuned for the video premiere date!

New Honest Love CD Release!

2010-09-22T22:13:00.001-04:00

On October 5th Brian Mackey will be releasing his highly anticipated CD HONEST LOVE on iTunes and Amazon

Brian Mackey -- Musikfest 2010

2010-08-10T15:38:00.003-04:00

Check out the pictures from this year's Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA
Sponsored by Martin Guitar

Brian Mackey -- Skope Magazine -- Artist to Watch

2010-07-27T14:29:00.000-04:00

Brian Mackey is in Skope Magazine, the July Feature of Artists to Watch.

Brian Mackeywww.sonicbids.com/brianmackeymusic

Skope: What does it mean to be featured in a music community as diverse as Skope?

Brian: It means there is validation, from the obvious to the obscure. Side by side with artists from all genres, I really feel honored to be a part of it.

Skope: Would you say that the warm summer weather makes you more inspired to create music?

Brian: I want to say yes, but to be honest with you sometimes a cold, dark, rainy day brings out a happy song too.

Click here for the entire interview!

Brian Mackey @ The Mercury Lounge NYC

2010-07-06T13:47:00.000-04:00

The Mercury Lounge July 4th 2010 -- Photo by Sean O'Kane

brianmackeymusic.com is FINALLY HERE!

2010-05-23T10:33:00.001-04:00

Hello Friends!

brianmackeymusic.com is FINALLY up and running!
Check it out to see the latest Photos, Videos, Interviews and more!

www.brianmackeymusic.com

Cape May Singer-Songwriter Festival -- Jackson Mountain -- 10:30 PM

2010-03-26T21:18:00.000-04:00

Austin's 98.9 The Big Talker Radio!

2010-03-22T11:35:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, March 20th, Brian Mackey was featured on Austin, Texas' 98.9 FM The Big Talker Radio on their LIVE coverage show of SXSW. He gave an exclusive on-air performance and interview with DJ, Sean Rima.

www.989bigtalker.com

Brian Mackey Takes the Stage @ South By Southwest 2010

2010-03-10T15:51:00.000-05:00

Come Out of the House -- Featured Free Digital Download - Under the Radar Magazine

2010-02-26T09:55:00.000-05:00

Check out the newest issue of Under the Radar Magazine, Issue 30, in stores now.

Inside you'll find a digital sampler, featuring Brian Mackey's, Come Out of the House - as a FREE digital download.
Claim at www.undertheradarmag.com

Get Under the Radar at your favorite Barnes and Noble, Borders or local magazine or bookstore across the country!

Brian Mackey @ Sullivan Hall - Thursday, February 11, 2009

2010-02-06T17:51:00.002-05:00

Brian Mackey Comes Out of the House - Circles of Concrete Blog

2010-01-19T22:10:00.001-05:00

Singer/songwriter Brian Mackey has been in my ears lately. His relaxing, yet upbeat songs of joy and heartbreak are just the thing to catch my attention. He's playing shows right now promoting his latest release Feng Shui for Slobs (love that title!)

From his bio:
Brian Mackey, in his own words, says he's "in love with the idea of love. Every long winding search of dead ends, broken relationships and struggles could make it ..easy for someone to just give up. But Brian shows "all of us".

I'm looking forward to seeing what things happen with this guy in the coming year.

Brian Mackey on "The Hype Machine" Blog

2010-01-19T22:07:00.000-05:00

Brian Mackey - Arlene's Grocery January 16th 8PM

2010-01-10T22:24:00.001-05:00

Brian Mackey is on Life.com

2009-12-09T22:50:00.000-05:00

100.9 WMIR FM New York -- Indie Radio Revolution

2009-11-15T11:42:00.000-05:00

Tune into the Indie Revolution Radio Show tonight at 10 PM to hear Brian!

100.9 WMIR FM - New York

For all of you fans around the world, you can tune in at:

www.indierevolution.fm

Podcast available for download on Monday.

Brian Mackey is hotindieartists.com November Feature

2009-11-10T17:40:00.002-05:00

Brian Mackey can be described as a singer-songwriter putting a modern swing on the time-tested genre romantic ballad’s. He has released two EP’s: ‘Brian Mackey EP 2009’ and ‘Feng Shui for Slobs,’ both of which can be found on iTunes. His simplistic songs cut to the core, without any of the fluff and over-production found in most singer-songwriters. Brian Mackey lives in NYC, but has played all over from Nashville, TN to Italy. On top of the numerous places he has taken his music physically, one of his singles ‘Painted Red,’ was featured on The Disney Channel’s television show ‘Naturally Sadie.’

His music caught the attention of producer Ron Dante (Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow) who then motivated Ted Pearlman (Bob Dylan) to join him in recording Brian. Brian Mackey’s music isn’t just romantic, there is some humor to be found in his songs like the alt-rock track ‘I Cant Dance’ on the ‘Brian Mackey EP 2009,’ and the acoustic band-based ‘Radio’ where Mackey name drop’s all the over played music of our time.

Written by: Xan Mandell

The Hot Indie Artist Interview:

What is your musical background?
I’m a huge classical music fan, mostly piano music from tortured composers.
I don’t have any formal training on any instrument, but piano and guitar are what I’m most fluent in.

How would you describe your music?
Manic romantic rock

I read somewhere that at a young age you sat down at a piano and played John Lennon. Who introduced you to music back then and do you think it shaped you as a songwriter?
I got a hold of some old cassettes and records, and faked illnesses from, “I can’t go to the bathroom” to “If I stand up I’ll faint” kind-of-stuff to stay home from school. I locked myself in the room and played it over and over until I learned it. I actually thought I was John Lennon for the longest time.

When did you start writing your own songs and why?
Well I started writing little songs about age 8 that kind of sounded like other songs and I would just put my own words to them. Like I heard “A Rhinestone Cowboy” on an AM oldies radio show, and changed the lyrics to a song for my cat: “Like a rhinestone kitty, selling turds at a broken-down litter box rodeo”… I was in counseling shortly thereafter. No lie.

How was it working with Ron Dante and Ted Perlman? Did you gain a lot of knowledge from them?
Truly an eye-opening experience to work with such iconic producers, and I gained some knowledge, but more of a sense of what I can and cannot do.

What is your songwriting process? (Lyrics before music? How you come up with melodies?)
This is an interesting one that a lot of people have asked me. Sometimes I’ll just dream something, melody, lyrics, everything together and its good, and I want to wake up, but I don’t want to wake up too fast because I want to finish the song. But that only happens about 10% of the time, the other 90% is me pounding some chords out on the guitar or piano and just kind of singing until something makes sense. Or in some cases, doesn’t make sense, but that’s okay too.

Who have you shared the stage with?
A lot of singer/songwriters, and bands. I opened up for 3 Doors Down at a small club in NJ. A band called, Brother Kane on their way down at a balloon festival, shared the stage with Fountains of Wayne, and a bunch of other bands and singers.

When you play live, how do you try and connect with people who have never heard you?
I try to make them laugh. Because if you make them laugh, you have their ears. And if you have their ears, you can really touch them in places because they are letting you in at that point. And if you can’t make them laugh, eh. Never mind, you’ll always make them laugh.

We have heard that your music was featured on the Disney and Family Channel which is a huge accomplishment. Did it produce CD sales/exposure?
You know, at the time it aired on the Disney Channel, I didn’t have a TV or a way to really watch it. I just kind of heard from family members and friends. I didn’t really receive much in the way of financial gain from it, but I definitely got the interest from other producers and other licensing opportunities because of it which was definitely worth it.

What is next for you?
Well I was just approached by 2 licensing companies for opportunities for placement in 2 separate major motion pictures which I can disclose after the ink has dried.

Have you toured on the road? If so, what is a great story that you would like to share with our audience?
Yes. I played a lot of small towns, and some overseas stuff. When I was in Italy, I rode the train to another city and met some Canadians and we got really drunk on the train (because the staff gives you free wine) and we all fell asleep leaning on each other. I missed my stop and in turn I was late for a show. So I guess the moral of the story is never go to Italy and befriend Canadians because you both feel like you’re long lost brothers so you drink to the fact you are in Italy, you fall asleep and almost miss a show. Fun, but a bad idea.

Muzikreviews.com Reviews Brian Mackey

2009-11-02T08:56:00.004-05:00

"A self-proclaimed manic romantic, Brian Mackey says that, "He's in love with the idea of love." After giving his RED CD a listen, you too may forget all the bullshit that consumes your life and just live on loving. With a power rock sound like Coldplay and Oasis, and a voice that reminds one of James Blunt, I find it hard to believe that Brian Mackey isn’t heard on major radio.

The opener to this stellar 4-track disc “Painted Red” tells us of Brian’s love. His Love makes his world a little bit easier to deal with and how no matter what the circumstances, his Love will endure. Something everyone wants, everlasting love and companionship. “Come Out Of The House” speaks of Love also but it in different sense. Like John Cusack in Say Anything, Brian Mackey is outside his lovers house willing her to come with him and leave another “after he goes to bed” because their Love is special and will last.

As a songwriter myself, I relate to Brian Mackey in a very special way. There’s nothing more satisfying than writing a Love song. It’s the perfect way to express ones uninterrupted thoughts towards another. Even if that special someone never hears the words you’ve written for him or her, the songwriter feels a sense of completion. In other words, it’s a great way to get over someone. You’d be surprised that these love songs are universal and that they can relate to everyone and every situation.

This is an easy listen that will leave you singing Brian Mackey’s hooks all day long, and then some. Give Brian Mackey a listen.

Check him out on November 12th on Cape Cods WKKL for a live interview."

Ryan Cullane – MuzikReviews.com Contributor

For Questions Or Comments About This Review Send An Email Toinfo@muzikreviews.com

Brian Mackey on Radio Crystal Blue

2009-11-01T12:51:00.006-05:00

On Monday, November 2, 2009 Radio Crystal Blue will include Brian Mackey in their next podcast edition. Tune in at www.radiocrystalblue.com with Dan Herman.

"Exclusively on the Internet, now in its 10th year, Radio Crystal Blue is a freeform internet radio/podcast show that presents an outstanding collection of indie/underground/nationally touring acts from most genres and many locales."

- radiocrystalblue.com

www.radiocrystalblue.com

Brian Mackey's "Come Out of the House" is Song of the Day on FM102x October 20,2009

2009-10-06T11:28:00.005-04:00

On October 20, 2009, Brian's song, Come Out of the House, has been chosen for Song of the Day on FM102x.com Radio!

Subscribe to FM102x podcast feed on iTunes, Google, Yahoo, Switchpod, podcastalley, singingfish, Podcast.net, podcastpickle, and many more. Tune in to hear Painted Red featured all day long!

Brian Mackey's "Painted Red" is Song of the Day on FM102x

2009-08-31T22:06:00.000-04:00

On September 1, 2009, Brian's song, Painted Red, was chosen for Song of the Day on FM102x.com Radio!

Subscribe to FM102x podcast feed on iTunes, Google, Yahoo, Switchpod, podcastalley, singingfish, Podcast.net, podcastpickle, and many more. Tune in to hear Painted Red featured all day long!

www.fm102x.com

Born to Play: Live Acoustic Performances in 700+ Gap Stores - Presents Brian Mackey

2009-08-17T23:56:00.000-04:00

On August 20, 2009, every Gap store in the U.S. and Canada will host an exclusive, live acoustic music night to celebrate Gap’s 40 years of heritage in jeans and music. Brian Mackey will be playing at the Gap in Chester, NJ.

This is the largest-ever simultaneous live acoustic music event, hosted by Gap, and every artist gets the chance to win an album produced by John Alagia. John has produced albums for artists including Dave Matthews Band, Emmylou Harris, David Gray, Ben Folds Five, O.A.R., Edwin McCain, Vertical Horizon, Jason Mraz, Unwritten Law and Grammy winner John Mayer. Collectively his work has sold millions of records.

Gap has more than 30,000 employees who are inviting over 300,000 friends and family to these exclusive events. Event will also be open to the public so friends, family and fans are all invited!

Gap’s ties to music go back to its first store in San Francisco that opened 40 years ago selling jeans and records. Today, Gap continues to connect with people through music. Join Gap in celebrating four decades of great fashion and music, and be part of the largest-ever simultaneous live acoustic music event!

Come see Brian Mackey at the Gap at 300 RT 206 South Chester, NJ 07930
www.gap.com

bandsearch.blogspot.com interview

2009-08-17T23:39:00.000-04:00

Brian Mackey
Genre : Indie Pop
Location : United States
www.myspace.com/brimackey
Remarks : Looking for music to chill to on a sunday afternoon? Be sure to check out Brian Mackey. His powerful vocals and song writing skill will amaze you. If I were working in the radio station, I would definetly have his song up my channel.

What made you pick up music?
They say music soothes the savage beast, hearing a song on the radio and singing along to it would quiet the turmoil and make everything alright.

Tell us something about yourself and your music that we don't know about.
I don't really listen to rock music, or anything popluar. I prefer classical music, and when my car radio is working, usually a classical station comes in.

What is the best thing you have accomplished as a musician?
I think the best thing I've accomplished is working with Ron Perlman, Bob Dylan's guitar player. Ron is an amazing musician, and to get to record with him was really an eye-opener. Watching him play the guitar makes you say, 'Wow that's how you play it'.

Which celebrity star would you date?
That's a really good question. I probably wouldn't date a celebrity. I would probably end up with a waitress at Ihop. Probably Anna Panquin from True Blood. She seems nice. At least to vampires anyway.

What do you see yourself doing 5 years down the road?
Five years down the road, well I hope we are still a planet by then...And if the earth is still spinning, I hope I'm living somewhere in a warm climate near the beach.

Lastly, any shoutouts?
I would like to give a shoutout to bandsearch.blogspot.com for even being interested in me :) and to all the people out there that support me! Thanks guys!
POSTED BY MARC AT 5:47 PM 0 COMMENTS

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