Launched into the music scene after winning the 2013 Hamilton Music Awards Rise to Fame Competition, you can now find Mackenzie Leigh Meyer all over Ontario: performing at major festivals where she has shared bills with Canadian greats like James Barker Band, Doc Walker and Chad Brownlee.
Mackenzie certainly made 2018 a major year. Kicking things off opening for Shae Dupuy on her “Let the Good Times Roll” Tour, Meyer spent the summer gracing the stage at major country festivals like Mississauga Waterfront and Hagersville Rocks, and landed herself the opening slot for Jess Moskaluke and label mates at the MDM Recording Showcase during this year’s CCMA’s.
In May she released her debut EP Dive Bar Diva featuring renowned producer Ken Scott (David Bowie) who commented “watch out Carrie Underwood” after producing her single “Should Have Known”. The country-tinged EP’s flaunts all of the diverse and dynamic sides that comprise Mackenzie. It soars through the many sub-genres of modern country music; ranging all the way from the vulnerable-americana “Your Company” to her confident, attitude-riddled-blues “Hope You’re Lonely”, and rounds off with her poignant, emotional ballad “More than a Memory”. It’s songwriting that garnered Meyer a second ballot nomination for “Roots Artist of the Year” at the 2019 CMA Ontario Awards and continues to foreshadow a promising career for this up and comer.
Mackenzie Leigh Meyer photo Spencer Smye
Add to her list of 2019 achievements is landing a spot in the coveted top 8 of the Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase. We want to give you the chance to get to know Mackenzie Leigh Meyer before she takes the stage, on Thursday afternoon, at Burl’s Creek, so we asked her to answer some questions for us.
#1: Hundreds, if not thousands, of musicians submit for their chance to make the top 8 in this annual showcase. You are facing off against 7 of your peers for a chance at the title of 2019 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist of the Year a title shared with artists like Tebey, The Reklaws, James Barker Band and Jade Eagleson to name a few. What made you apply for this opportunity?
I applied for this opportunity because I’m at the point in my career where I feel I’m ready to take the next step. I’ve spent the last 5 years really learning how to sing, song write, perform, play with my band, and most importantly, figure out how I want to sound and what I want to say as an artist. I’ve never been more confident in my ability to do this and I’m very grateful that Chevy Music and Boots and Hearts are helping me to turn that into a profession.
#2: Every artist I’ve spoken to has a story about how / when they decided to purse music as a career. Describe the moment that you knew that music was the path for you.
Growing up I was always pretty musically inclined. I studied piano, joined every school music band I could and loved to sing. I can definitely be coined as a “Band Geek” lol. But it wasn’t until winning our local Hamilton Music Awards “Rising Star Contest” that I felt like I had what it took to pursue a career as an artist. I’m very grateful to Hamilton for putting initiatives in place to support the growth of emerging artists.
#3: What’s your all-time favourite movie?
I’m a big horror-fanatic so I’d have to say The Conjuring
#4: Your ideal brain food?
Avocados. 100%
Mackenzie Leigh Meyer at the 2019 CMAO Awards Red Carpet in Ottawa photo Renee Doiron
#5: If you could see any artist in concert, who would you see (living or dead)?
Chris Thile. Exceptional mandolin player and musician. It’s on my bucket list to see him play!
#6: Name a fictional character most like you?
HA. My sister thinks I’m like Tina from Bob’s Burgers. If you watch that show then you know my sister is a jerk 😉
#7: If you were a superhero what would be your superhero name?
Growing up my hockey coach used to call me “Mack Attack”. It’s less cool now for sure but I’m also 5’4” and not very intimidating so, fitting.
#8: Who are your musical influences that inspired you to follow in their path? What artists today, if any, inspire you to continue down that path?
I am a huge Kacey Musgraves fan, but also really love Maren Morris, Fleetwood Mac, Queen and The Eagles. I value authenticity in music heavily. I think we can really feel when an artist has been through the stories they’re singing about. Seeing them connect with, and move people using their truths inspired me to pursue this for a living.
#9: You’re going on a world tour as a headliner, who would you pick to open your tour for you each night?
I’ve got a few friends in the scene that are really killing it right now that I would love to tour with. Jesse Slack and I just put out a duet on Spotify called “Change Your Mind” that I LOVE, but all his songs are so catchy and he’s a great entertainer. Kelsi Mayne and Kansas Stone are two other artists that I’m really digging right now. I think the four of us would put on a great tour.
#10: Tell us why you should be crowned the 2019 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase winner?
This is a hard question to answer because I think everyone that’s made the top 8 deserves this title. It’s easy to see the talent level of all the artists and it’s an incredible honour to be amongst this cast. If I were highlight why I think I’ve got what it takes to do this for a living I’d say because I’ve put the time in. I’ve been cutting my teeth in the bar circuit for the past 5 years really learning how to entertain and sing, on top of spending the past 4 years getting a Music Degree from Humber College. Performing and writing are things that I’m proud to say I’ve worked really hard to be good at and I hope that shows on Thursday.
Mackenzie Leigh Meyer
There’s much more to Mackenzie than she can tell you in 10 questions so why not go and find out more for yourself. Visit her online at any or all of the following:
Website: www.mackenzieleighmeyer.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MackenzieLeighMeyer
Instagram: instagram.com/divebar_diva
Twitter: twitter.com/DiveBar_Diva
Thanks to Mackenzie for taking the time out of her busy summer schedule to answer our questions. We look forward to catching up with her at Boot and Hearts and wish her the best of luck in the competition Thursday afternoon.
