Brad Mackeson

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Mackeson
Birth name	Brad Mackeson
Born	Portland, Oregon
Origin	Los Angeles, California
Genres	Alternative R&B, Soul, Pop
Years active	2012-present
Labels	Capitol Records, Atlantic Records, SlickPony

Brad Mackeson, known as Mackeson, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer & performer residing in Los Angeles, California.

Early Life

At age 11 he began writing spoken word songs, recording them to a cassette player. At age 16 he began playing at bars and clubs around his hometown of Portland, Oregon. In the years that followed he spent time in New York City, Nashville, TN & Portland, OR.

Career

1945 (2011-2014)

In 2012 Mackeson independently released his debut album "1945" under his full name “Brad Mackeson”.The album was recorded in 2011 in Portland, OR & was produced by Mackeson & Grammy nominated audio engineer Rian Lewis. The album was praised by independent music blogs and magazines & compared to classic singer/songwriters such as; John Lennon, Beck, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, George Harrison & Harry Neilson. American Songwriter Magazine debuted a live performance video from Mackeson’s house in East Nashville, TN. Paste Magazine released an exclusive acoustic EP of selected tracks from the album available via download from their website. Huffington Post contributor Mike Ragogn debuted a live video performance of "Love Is For Gamblers" on February 15th, 2013.

Capitol Records (2015-2017)

In 2015 Mackeson claimed to be living on a sailboat docked in Los Angeles when a 9 track album he posted to Soundcloud scored him his first major label deal. The deal proved unsuccessful and no music was released.

Atlantic Records (2017-2020)

Through 2017 & 2018 Mackeson released four singles via Atlantic Records including a remix of his song Bye Bye Baby featuring German rapper Kelvyn Colt. At this time he began to release music under the moniker “Mackeson”.

Falling Apart (2017)

On November 17, 2017 the single "Falling Apart was released via Atlantic Records. Culture Collide debuted the video saying; “The Los Angeles based singer, songwriter, and producer creates soulful synth-pop beats combined with orchestral sensibilities to create a sound that’s contemporary and classic.” Later in the same article Mackeson goes on to say; “The original burst of inspiration for this song came from a vision I had while I was playing piano… I envisioned a high rise apartment and on the streets below was chaos. People rioting, losing their minds…panic. Then I saw a young couple in the apartment building who instead of panicking, closed the blinds to the world outside and decided to shift their focus and enjoy the moment. I realized that this microcosm is representative of our larger human experience and existence. The world has always been & probably always will be teetering on the edge of a cliff & somehow we’ve got to find our balance.”

Blame It On Me (2018)

On January 19th, 2018 the single "Blame It On Me" via Atlantic Records. Live Nation’s Artist discovery platform “Ones to Watch” reviewed the single saying; "With vocal harmonies reminiscent of early MGMT, it’s a track that doesn’t give way to pattern. Defying boundaries, and setting new standards, Mackeson is paving the way for what’s to come in music. Now signed to Atlantic Records, his creative process is shining through. “Blame It On Me” is a track with a dynamic and timeless power." Later in the article Mackeson is quoted as saying: “Sometimes things don't go as planned & when that happens, you've got to own it no matter how brutal the truth may be. A lovers lament. Blame it on me."

Bye Bye Baby (2018)

On May 4th, 2018 the single Bye Bye Baby was released via Atlantic Records. That same day Substream Magazine debuted the official music video. In the interview with Substream Magazine Mackeson says; “My work both musically and visually is an exploration of retro futurism. I’m attempting to create a universe to my liking. I enjoy taking elements from past eras and combining them to make something classic & simultaneously modern.” Substream Magazine goes onto say; “The bluesy vocals bounce off a perfectly sampled piano to create a track that feels larger than life — it’s the kind of slick song that packs enough attitude that you’d want it to be playing behind you as you slowly walk away from an impending explosion.” On August 3rd, 2018 a remix featuring German hip hop artist Kelvyn Colt was released to streaming platforms. On October 30th, 2018 Bye Bye Baby was used as the music for the ending credits in season one, episode three of the ABC TV series "The Rookie" directed by Greg Beeman. On January 5th, 2020 the single was also used during season ten, episode 9 of the Showtime TV series "Shameless" directed by Anthony Hardwick.

Independent Releases (2020-Present)

Following the rejection of his album by Atlantic Records Mackeson was released from his contract. In 2020 he released singles "2am" & "Creaky Knees" via SlickPony. On May 15th, 2021 the single "Shinin" was released via SlickPony. On April 27, 2021 7-11 used an alternate version of "Shinin" in their Harmony Korine directed commercial promoting one dollar slurpees. In 2022 "Shinin" was selected as the theme song for the "Armchair Anonymous" segment of Dax Shepherd's Armchair Expert Podcast.

Cult Classic! (2022)

After being released from his contract with Atlantic Records Mackeson worked construction to support himself & pay for the mixing and mastering of the album. On July 1st, 2022 he released the album via SlickPony. Rocka Magazine editor Alexandra Hall said “The record might not be a full concept album, but it harps on major themes of living life in extremes. Two characters of Mackeson’s psyche arise in the songs: an angel and a devil-like character who torment and encourage him equally.” … thematically and lyrically, the songs don’t seem to be stuck in any time or place. They flow together and almost on top of each other in some moments, like individual pixels unified by the whole picture the album presents. What unites them is Mackeson’s smooth R&B style. It’s the type of album that should be consumed in one sitting.” The album features contributions from notable producers and musicians such as: Roget Chahayed, Justyn Pilbrow, Dylan Brady & Lars Stalfors.  

Musical Style

His early work is often compared to the singer/songwriters of the 60’s & 70’ such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon & George Harrison. Mackeson has described his work as “both musically and visually an exploration of retro futurism. He's also been noted for taking inspiration from Kanye West, Marvin Gaye, Tears For Fears, and even the original Charlie and The Chocolate Factory soundtrack.

Discography

Studio Albums

• 1945 (2012)
• Cult Classic! (2022)

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