Spencer Mackenzie Talks New Album, Single And More

JUNO nominated and Maple Blues Award winner Spencer Mackenzie returns with his new album, ‘Empty Chairs’ released by Gypsy Soul Records on February 20th, 2026. As he released his latest single ‘What You Do’ it felt like the perfect time to chat to him:

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

 

Listening to classic rock and blues running around the house as a 5-year-old when my dad played music through his stereo. Playing music from artists like Chuck Berry to the Beatles.

 

When did you begin songwriting?

 

I began songwriting quite a few years after I started playing. I would say at 14 or 15 years old I started writing my own music.

 

You have your new album ‘Empty Chairs’ released on Friday 20th February 2026 on Gypsy Soul Records. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

I wanted to approach this album with high energy and power both lyrically and musically. In the studio we worked together by playing through the songs and turning my writing into powerful anthems. We took every song and worked with the original intention of the lyrics to guide us in making the music.

 

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

 

I recorded the album at RHC Music in Toronto, Ontario and Ross Hayes Citrullo who is the owner of RHC Music is the producer. Ross is the guitar player for The Commoners.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

There are plenty but one of the most memorable was when we were tracking guitars for the song “What You Do,” I was playing the solo and I was so close how I wanted it but it wasn’t quite there. I kept playing repeatedly and after a whole afternoon I finally got the solo. There are moments in the album where we kept the solo from the original take. But that solo from “What You Do” is a proud achievement on the record.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

I used a Vox AC30, a Hiwatt 50 & 100, a Marshall Super Lead 50, and a Fender Tremolux 50. Some tracks used a combination of amps and some just used one amp. From the amp I ran a tuner and an Analogman King of Tone. Then for guitars I used my Gibson Les Paul standard primarily but also used my Gibson ES 335, Fender Stratocaster, and Gibson Hummingbird.

 

Which of your new album tracks captures you at you’re a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

 

“Trip” is my happiest. Everyone needs to be able to break away from the day-to-day routine. Whether it’s a dream or reality, it’s time to take a trip!

 

“Empty Chairs” is me at my angriest. This expresses anger and frustration from the perspective of friends and families, who have lost innocent people they love due to gun violence. This can’t be the new normal! It’s got to change.

 

‘What You Do” is my most reflective. When we say that we’re fine. Are we really? Or are we just trying to save others over ourselves? Reflecting on how you really feel helps with a guessing game that we all play.

 

Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?

Miles Evans-Branagh- piano, Hammond organ, keyboards

Stacey Shopsowitz – Bass on tracks 1-5 and 8-11

Steve Pelletier – Bass on tracks 6, 7

Adam Canon – Drums on tracks 1-5 and 8-11

Matt Burns – Drums on tracks 6, 7

Sandra Bouza and Chantel Williams – Background Vocals

Ross Hayes Citrullo – Background Vocals on track 2

 

Does the album’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

 

Empty Chairs is a soulful blues rock song that expresses anger and frustration from the perspective of friends and families, who have lost innocent people they love due to gun violence. This can’t be the new normal! It’s got to change!

 

Was it a difficult album to write?

 

It was not a difficult album to write but it did take a long time in the best way. From the songwriting all the way to the mastering I never rushed the process. I continued to tour while making this record so when I went into the studio, I was already feeling motivated. I made a huge effort to get every detail I wanted and sometimes that takes time, but the result is an album that leaves you satisfied and excited to share with the world. 

 

Who designed the album artwork?

Jen Squires took the cover photo and Natasha Macdonald design the cover artwork

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

 

My hometown is Ridgeway Ontario, which is in the Niagara region of Southern Ontario Canada. Five words to describe it is:

1. Small

2. Hospitable

3. Fun

4. Historic

5. Peaceful

 

How do you look after your voice?

I have a vocal warm-up that I sometimes do before shows. Primarily to keep my voice in shape and stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, and try to avoid dairy the day of shows.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?

 

Not yet, hoping to soon!

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I hope to achieve a bond with the audience through music and performance. And leave them feeling inspired and wanting more

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones, etc?

 

I would have to say my Les Paul Standard is my ultimate favourite stage tool. Also, my paddleboard which I soldered the cables for myself.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

A book I’ve been reading recently is Robbie Robertson’s testimonial. He was one of the most influential Canadians in his work with The Band and solo career.

As a guitar player and songwriter, myself there are lots of similarities and things I look up to in his work.

 

One of the tracks is the single ‘What You Do’ which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

 

The story behind that song is one we all know. It’s about people who say that they are ok and say that they are fine, but they are hiding behind their own lie. It’s a song about seeing through people and trying to get them to care for themselves.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I grew up listening to blues and rock legends like BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, and many more. Now as I get older and grow older, I listen to a wide variety of music but some of my favourite artists are Joe Bonamassa, Garry Clark Jr, Marcus King, and Derek Trucks.

 

What makes Spencer Mackenzie happy and what makes you unhappy?

 

Spending time with the people I care about whether it be making music with the people in my band and playing for an audience or being with family and friends.

 

Injustice makes me unhappy. There are plenty of things going on in the world that people continue to do with no forgiveness. To this question I say there are a few songs on the album that speak out toward different issues in the world and bringing awareness and justice to those issues make me in happy.

 

Feature Image Photo Credit: Jen Squires

The new single “What You Do” is available on all streaming platforms here – https://lnk.fuga.com/spencermackenzie_whatyoudo

Spencer Mackenzie’s new album “Empty Chairs” is released by Gypsy Soul Records on February 20, 2026. The album is available to pre-order from www.spencermackenzie.ca