October 2nd 2024
I am very sad to report that Kay Russell has passed away after a short illness.
Kay was a very talented songwriter and musician and found success as part of Susan Fassbender's band in the early 1980s, co-writing the top 30 UK hit 'Twilight Cafe'.
Kay & Susan's music features on Platform Records, with several albums of demos and live performance released since 2012 and available on all the usual outlets.
In recent years, Kay became a great friend and collaborator, co-writing most of our 2 albums - 'Pandora's Box' & 'Media Hack'.
I will miss her very much. She was unique, kind and had a brilliant sense of humour. RIP Kay x
Ewan McKenzie.
APRIL 2024
Second album 'MEDIA HACK' is released on Friday April 5th 2024, on Platform Records.
'' The McKenzie FIX embark on a powerful trip, with the unfurling, unspooling series of character studies and deep dives into what defines the world right now. Capturing the confusion and lack of clarity that illustrates this moment on the aptly named MEDIA HACK, everything about this album offers a snapshot of the mixture of the truth and lies, making it impossible to tell which is which.
Highlights include the luxurious synthetic bliss of Mismatch, the noir trip of A Man, A Car and A Gun which displays a whirlwind of activity, Elsewhere climbing up and down the scale with Beach Boys harmonies and Time Tunnel, featuring an ever-expanding series of patterns that intersect flawlessly.
There's a distinctive 80s grit to the entire proceedings. Lyrically there's an unflinching honesty and unwillingness to turn away from the uglier impulses of society. By bringing these elements together with Ewan McKenzie's soft-spoken yet compassionate voice, he has a carefully considered charm, and an uncanny knack for crafting solid and memorable hooks. ''
Listen to new single 'A Man, A Car and A Gun' (out May 3rd) here: https://promo.awal.com/elSuwJ7F5EpOjl1MzWar
JANUARY 2024
Our next single comes out on February 9th 2024. 'Elsewhere' is the third single from upcoming second album 'Media Hack'.
''A delightful journey into the realm of synth 80's pop, skilfully blending nostalgic vibes with a sentimental touch. The infectious beats and captivating melodies transport listeners to a different era, evoking a sense of warmth and familiarity. The song's unique fusion of retro sounds and modern production creates a sonic landscape that is both timeless and refreshing. A musical gem that not only pays homage to the past but also carves out its own distinct space in the contemporary music scene. 'Elsewhere' is a joyous celebration of musical artistry, leaving audiences with a smile and a craving for more.'' (https://currentmusicthoughts.blogspot.com)
'Elsewhere' is released February 9th 2024, on Platform Records
November 2023
The McKenzie FIX follow up recent release 'The Beginning Of The End' with the contrasting new single 'Time Tunnel,' on Platform Records. The song combines the flair of modern indie with the huge sound of new-wave. As a result, the music has an 80s-inspired touch while maintaining a modern sound that fits the vibe of the band’s aesthetic.
'Time Tunnel' shows a willingness to keep expanding creative horizons and try new ideas. The groove of the bass and the swing of the beat have a retro charm. The sprawling synth landscapes match the punchy electronic beat and the melodic vocals, which soar through the instrumental mix without ever overpowering the balance.
'Time Tunnel' is released December 8th 2023, on Platform Records.
Purchase on Amazon
OCTOBER 2023
Ewan McKenzie's musical journey began in the late 1990s, with early demos championed by A&R mogul Peter Whitehead (Radiohead, Muse), appearing on industry unsigned compilations with the likes of Stereophonics, and attracting Interest from major record label Arista.
Prior to The McKenzie FIX, Ewan was lead singer with the Edinburgh band Emporium, gaining traction with BBC introducing / BBC Radio Scotland, with reviews in national press. They were also awarded a grant from the Scottish Arts Council for their album 'Silver Brainwaves'.
Following a critically acclaimed debut album Pandora's Box, The McKenzie FIX release new single The Beginning Of The End, on Platform Records, November 3rd 2023. The song has a melodic introduction that’s instantly gripping. A few seconds later, the track truly takes off, hitting the listener with a dreamy soundscape that’s cinematic and atmospheric.
This track will appeal to fans of artists such as Tears For Fears, The Cure, and even contemporary acts such as Dead Rituals or other indie bands that capture a bit of that 80s vibe. Lyrically, the song is very relatable and current, considering the state of the world....
If you love beautiful dreamy synths and earnest vocals, give this one a shot because it definitely deserves your time and attention!
The Beginning Of The End is released November 3rd 2023, on Platform Records.
Purchase on Amazon
JANUARY 2022
'Don't Feed On Me' is the fourth and final single from debut album 'Pandora's Box', out on January 17th. Released on Crystal Seven Records, the song has received encouraging feedback from reviewers:
''Sprawling and ambitious, “Don’t Feed On Me” features a clever narrative that unfurls with majesty'' (entropymag.org)
Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/themckenziefix/the-mckenzie-fix-dont-feed-on-me or check out the lyric video below!
Purchase on Amazon
OCTOBER 2020
Following critically acclaimed self released songs 'Alone' and 'The Shining', The McKenzie FIX have launched their first album 'Pandora’s Box' through
new label Crystal Seven Records . The 12 tracks explore a surreal mixture of Gothic dream imagery with a distinctly 80's pop flair. There is a supernatural quality to the entirety of the record. Songs blend together into a vast kaleidoscopic array of colours. A true ear for melody appears throughout as there is a unique gracefulness to the way that these pieces unfurl. Layer upon layer gets applied with such care as the sound at times veers into the absolute symphonic.
By far the highlight of the album, blending its dark and light influences is the soulful third single 'Martin & The Artist'. The build-up of the piece feels gorgeous, from the synthesised strings to the otherworldly storytelling.
AUGUST 2020
Following their debut single - the poignant and reflective Alone, The McKenzie FIX return with the contrasting synth-pop sound of The Shining,
released on September 11th.
'' Done to absolute perfection, the track possesses a unique sort of magic. Everything about it contains a mystical presence to it from the haunted demeanor of the vocals to the mesmerizing take of the synthesizer.....the song proves to be a real earworm, lingering in the recesses of the mind long after it has ended.....'The Shining' shows off the undeniable skill of the McKenzie FIX in offering a completely surreal experience - one highly memorable and strangely timeless.'' (Beachsloth)
The Shining precedes debut 11 song album 'Pandora's Box', due out in November.
Purchase 'The Shining' on Amazon
MAY 2020
Following several albums as frontman of Edinburgh formed combo Emporium, including 'Silver Brainwaves' which received support from the Scottish Arts Council, musician-songwriter Ewan McKenzie launches his new Alternative Pop project The McKenzie FIX with poignant and reflective single Alone (Released 3rd July 2020).
Combining subtle and sparse instrumentation with a haunting and thoughtful vocal performance, McKenzie presents an expertly crafted piece of storytelling (the song was co-written with lyricist Kay Russell), that will get under your skin in all the right ways.
McKenzie has an eclectic collection of songs and releases behind his back. His music is kaleidoscopic and diverse - he is continuously finding new ways to express himself through a broad sonic palette.
During his career, McKenzie's songs have received support from the likes of BBC Radio One, and legendary DJ Steve Wright on BBC World Service, along with an 'Album Of The Month' accolade on popular German show Popscene. Glowing reviews have appeared on Rough Trade and in Scotland's national newspaper The Daily Record. Other coverage has included NME and a five star review in UK's Guitarist Magazine.
Purchase 'Alone' on Amazon
© 2024 The McKenzie FIX themckenziefix@outlook.com