Mark Mackay

Blazing guitars and reflective storytelling; spirited swagger and compassionate vulnerability. The artistry of Mark Mackay is inclusive, projecting a vivid panorama of arena-ready rock and roll crosscut with country soul -- an authentic genre of pure American music channeled through the captivating sincerity of an eloquent singer-songwriter.

Mark Mackay has performed thousands of shows as a headliner at clubs, concerts, festivals, and fairs, and as an opening act for rockers like The Steve Miller Band, REO Speedwagon, and Night Ranger, and country hitmakers Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Eli Young Band, and Gary Allan. He has commanded center stage at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, and in 2025, Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

He envisions his newest slate of seven songs for Bungalo Records/Universal Music Group as a prologue to the next phase of his ever-evolving career. His creative team includes behind-the-board master and multiple ACM Guitarist of the Year nominee Adam Shoenfeld, with multiple contributions from Mark’s frequent co-writer and co-producer, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Jeffrey Steele.

Whether fronting his band of A-list players, or in intimate solo performances, Mark’s audience connection is profound. "I’m staying true to myself, and the kind of music I like, and the stories I like telling," Mark avows. "I don’t make a big deal about driving, but yeah, I am always zipping around the country, interacting with people, and reminiscing about their stories, and how music brings us all together."

On his lead single, "Old Songs and Old Trucks," Mark is a confiding storyteller. Other tracks include:
- "Old Songs and Old Trucks" — embracing sweet nostalgia behind the wheel of a S-10 Chevy truck.
- "Things You Say" — memories echo in the bittersweet "Things You Say," a song that Mark explains onstage as: "A song about taking stock of your whole life and all the decisions you’ve made along the way."
- "Get Away" — charged with adrenaline, a full throttle riff-driven road burner.
- "Crash" — narrated with sly undertones: "You weren’t after my money/But you knew I had plenty to bail you out."
- "Crazy About the Moonlight" — spooky and ignited by thunderous rock intensity.
- "Let Her Fly" — aloft with acceptance.
- "I Am Love" — a galvanizing anthem of unity; Mark introduces it in concert with these words, "Here’s a song about something we should sing more about in this country every day."

With his first fashion collaboration, designing a t-shirt in tandem with Ventura, CA–based apparel company Iron and Resin, Mark is initiating new creative outlets. Now in its third year, the national month-long "Rockin' and Rollin' Guitar Slinging Christmas Tour" has expanded to include multiple dates in California, Utah, Montana, Colorado, Ohio, and New York.

Based in Nashville, Mark Mackay was raised on the sounds of his native California, from Laurel Canyon to Bakersfield. With a classical piano background, he gravitated to the electric guitar, studied at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, and began writing songs and recording demos in a garage studio.

"There are some striking similarities to what I’ve been writing lately and what my music was like back then," he muses. "The nuts and bolts are eerily similar. It’s a litmus test, back to me and my guitar and what I feel like singing." Like his legendary musical heroes, he embraces the sound of his personal truth. "I grew up on Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp. I’m so moved that over the years they were up there in denim jackets singing songs about America that were meaningful and emotional. I still believe in great songs and guitar solos. That’s become my rallying cry."

Katie Mathews grew up in Northern Utah and began singing professionally at the age of 9, with her first job at the Utah Festival Opera. She was heavily involved with several operas and musicals until she started singing what was in her heart: Country Music. With influences from grassroots country to rock and roll, she began by covering the music of Patsy Cline, Tina Turner, and Elton John.

Katie quickly gained local recognition after winning the county fair Talent Find at the age of 12, and began touring with Ty Herndon and SheDaisy at the age of 15. She then moved to Nashville out of high school where she would write and perform daily. She has opened for several artists including Craig Campbell, David Osmond, Billy Dean, Chely Wright, and Granger Smith.

Katie just finished recording her new EP, "Not Because you’re Lonely," a piece that demonstrates her talent as both a singer and a writer. Her first single was written by CJ Solar. Katie has had the opportunity to perform with CJ and looks forward to collaborating with him more in the future, as well as with other artists from around the American Frontier.

Katie's stage performance displays a seasoned artist and the many years she has spent on the stage. Performing is her "Sixth Sense," and this Girl-Next-Door hopes you give her music a listen with an open heart.