Meet Nicky Mackenzie- In Perpetual Celebration of Women in Music
The inspiring Music BC is a not for profit BC-based organization dedicated to empowering musicians. The small team is paticularly focused on amplifying marginalized and emerging artists across our province. They just aired the latest digital performance showcase “Let’s Hear it! Live” which illuminates the depth and skill women in music in BC. One of the performers is the only and only- Nicky MacKenzie, a 19-year-old singer/songwriter from Western Canada. Known for her strong, jazzy vocals, Nicky started writing original music at a young age, incorporating her roots of folk and blues into catchy pop, soul, and R&B songs. She is recognized for her performances on CTV’s The Launch, CBC’s Searchlight competition, and her debut album Honeydew, available everywhere. Look out for more from We had to chance to catch up with this exciting and up and coming artist. check out our interview and Nicky’s performance below.
““YOU DEFINE YOUR VALUE AND IT’S FOUND IN THE PUREST AND MOST UNIQUE PARTS OF YOU. LOVE YOURSELF FIRST AND THE REST WILL FOLLOW.””
Citrus Magazine-Growing up in Salt spring! How was that?
Mackenzie: Growing up on salt spring was a blessing. It’s such a tight nit community with so much support towards the arts, especially for young people. I think you really develop a special sense of community from the islands that are rarely found in other places, I credit so much of my success to having that family-like support. Plus, it’s incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by nature and the ocean all the time.
Citrus Magazine: You did CTV’s “The Launch”, how did that come about?
Mackenzie: The launch came to me through a casting agent who was scouting through the CBC searchlight competition winners and runner ups. I entered a song when I was 15, I didn’t win, but I was in the regional top 10 and that’s how they reached out to me to ask me to do the show. It was an awesome experience that taught me so much about what happens behind the camera, the number of people it takes to make it work and how many hours go into only 5 minutes of actual air time.
Citrus Magazine: Your grandpa was an opera singer?
Mackenzie: My grandpa was a passionate opera singer on the side of his career. Whenever we saw him he’d unapologetically belt out timeless songs that everyone would eventually fall into singing along to. He always told me to keep singing no matter what, a sentimental slice of inspiration I keep with me to this day.
Citrus Magazine Lastly, any words of encouragement for the young female-identifying performers out there?
Mackenzie: Words of encouragement for young women out there: the world needs your diversity and uniqueness right now so don’t be afraid to branch out away from the stereotypes and stigmas that are pushed so hard on young women to try and determine where their value lies. You define your value and it’s found in the purest and most unique parts of you. Love yourself first and the rest will follow.
Check out Nicky’s powerful performance here
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