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Meet MacKenzie Lee, a Boston-based singer-songwriter who's crafting a unique musical identity she calls "dark pop." Stepping into our studio with the confidence of someone who's found her authentic voice, Mackenzie shares the winding path that led her from childhood singing to college acapella performances and finally to her current work with Red 13 Records.

What makes MacKenzie's approach fascinating is her refusal to be boxed into conventional genres. Drawing inspiration from artists like Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey, she's equally influenced by comedic musicians such as Bo Burnham and The Lonely Island—creative minds who blend impressive musical ability with clever, thought-provoking content. This unexpected combination hints at an artist determined to create music that's both emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging.

The conversation takes us through Mackenzie's formative experiences, including how her acapella background trained her ear to deconstruct songs into their component parts. "You really learn to appreciate every single piece that goes into a song," she explains, describing how this shapes both her listening habits and creative process today. We also discover the emotional significance behind the grand piano visible during our interview—a treasured inheritance from her grandmother, the only other musician in her family.

After discussing Mackenzie's debut single "Bad Taste on Love" and her upcoming release "The Ghost of Us," we shift to the latest country music news, covering artists like Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert supporting Texas flood victims. The episode culminates in a spirited debate about the greatest vocal collaborations of all time, with listeners passionately defending their favorites from Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton to modern pairings like Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood.

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Virtually You: https://www.virtuallyyouva.com/

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