Congratulations to Kenneth I MacKenzie who has been nominated in Composer of the Year sponsored by PRS for Music in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2023. Vote for Kenneth I MacKenzie now!. It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 2nd December in Dundee’s Caird Hall. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Kenneth of Kenneth I MacKenzie the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I am a multi-instrumentalist and composer based in Glasgow. I play highland pipes, small pipes, harmonica, various whistles, guitar, and sing.
With my musical roots in Grade 1 pipe bands, I have been involved in Scottish traditional music since the age of 14. I have been composing songs and tunes for well over 30 years, some of which have been recorded by other bands and singers. I have been involved in numerous recordings and recently launch my second album of mainly my own compositions called ‘Glendrian’.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Composing music and a love of playing is a major part of my life. To play in my own style and to create and share new tunes that cherish a traditional feel is my main objective.
Having a love of the Scottish Highlands and Western Isles has given me a lot of inspiration for composing in the traditional style, which I hope other Scottish music enthusiasts enjoy.
Any particular career highlights?
I have travelled extensively throughout my musical career including performing in Germany, Denmark, Norway, Russia, Hong Kong, and the US. One of my many performing highlights, was being involved in Irish composer Shaun Davy’s masterpiece The Pilgram with the City of Glasgow Pipes and Drums and the Glasgow Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Iain Sutherland.
My composing highlights include some of my tune compositions and songs being played and recorded by other musicians and bands. E.g., The Men of the Clyde, written as a tribute to the shipyard workers of the River Clyde and Oor Wullie – Scotland’s Oldest Wee Boy, which was re-produced by ‘Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood (Bay City Rollers) and Gordon Campbell and features on their albums, Oor Wullie Sing a long Favourites and A Big Bucket full o tunes.
What are your plans for the future?
To continue composing tunes and develop my song writing. I have a couple of commercial composing opportunities which I am currently working on. I also hope to perform at more concerts and festivals alongside other musicians.
Kenneth I MacKenzie Social Media
Website: http://caberfeidhmusic.co.uk
Facebook: @kennethimackenzie
Twitter: @KennyMacKenzie
Instagram: @kennethimackenzie
YouTube: @kennethimackenzie
TikTok: @kenneth.mackenzie6
The 2023 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 2nd December 2023! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here),Watch it live in the UK at 9pm (GMT) on BBC ALBA and and around the world here. Bands performing on Saturday 2nd December include Peatbog Faeries, Mànran, Karine Polwart and Dave Milligan, Duncan Chisholm Band, Joy Dunlop Band, Aberdeen SC&T Youth and more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.
