Friday 13 June
BBC Radio Scotland’s “Singer/Songwriter of the Year”, Mike McKenzie’s laid back, inclusive shows have proved a smash with audiences around the UK and beyond.
We invited Mike and friends down to The Paper Factory to record an exclusive live session ahead of their show…
We grabbed Mike for a quick chat ahead of his show…
how would you describe your music in 5 words?
Wholesome indie-pop singer songwriter vibes
How do you feel about performing in the Paper Factory?
To see art and community bringing life back into a space is always magical and I cannot wait to be part of it. I’ve always wanted to play this iconic festival and I’m extra buzzing to be playing tracks from my debut album with the band for the first time since releasing the record in April.
Which song provides the best introduction to those unfamiliar with you?
I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community and ‘Out Alive’ is my calling card so other folks know that my shows and my music is always a safe space for everyone. It’s also the best example of where I’m at right now sonically and what to expect from a live show.
Any exciting plans for 2025 you would like to share?
I’ve just release my debut album ‘I’d Wait Again’ so there is a lot of touring on the cards!
Please share one interesting fact about you that we need to know!
In the mid-late 2000’s I was a drummer and original member of Edinburgh band JAKIL.
Mike McKenzie (he/him) started his career as a founding member of award winning Edinburgh band JAKIL in 2003. After leaving the band in 2010 he began his journey as a freelance songwriter and producer working, with vocalists and local artists around the UK.
In 2019 Mike was awarded BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘Singer/Songwriter of the Year’ as judged by Fran Healy (Travis), Horse McDonald, Karine Polwart, Geoff Ellis (DF Concerts) and Dee Bahl with his original song ‘Love Like This’.
Touring has seen him perform and headline at iconic venues across the UK including Glasgow’s King Tut’s and TRNSMT Festival, Edinburgh’s Queens Hall, London’s Green Note, The Drawing Room in Chesham and several SoFar Sounds shows throughout the UK and in Paris including co-curating their Pride Show last June. He has also performed live on BBC Radio Scotland multiple times including the iconic new music show ‘The Quay Sessions with Roddy Hart’ and The Afternoon Show with Janice Forsyth when he was incited to be their Artist of the Week.
His debut album ‘I’D WAIT AGAIN’ was released in April 2025 and comprises of 12 tracks written across the full career of this prolific songwriter. From joyous songs like ‘Time For Love’ and ‘Mr. BANG!’ to the melancholy of fan favourites ‘Breathe You In’ and ‘Homesick’ this indie/pop record covers the full spectrum of emotion. The first 3 singles from the album have already racked up over 20K streams since their release and been playlists by more than 100 Radio stations across the UK. To celebrate the release, Mike is heading out on tour with shows in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Leeds and London plus a host of private house concerts from Tain to Devon.
“OUTSTANDING TALENT” – Jim Gellatly
“GORGEOUS” – Jo Whiley
“ALL OF THE FEELS” – Chris Stark
“STUNNING” – Grant Stott
