Bill MacKay will release new album ‘Locust Land’ on May 24th.
The Chicago based experimentalist is continually seeking to expand his voice. 2019 solo album ‘Fountain Fire’ brought a huge deal of acclaim, while 2023 saw album projects from his bands Black Duck and BCMC.
The impact of collaboration appears to have rubbed off, with Bill MacKay switching it up for his new album. ‘Locust Land’ breaks with tradition – on previous solo records the guitarist played every note himself, but this time round it’s a more communal endeavour.
He comments:
While making ‘Locust Land’ I had a breakthrough. I saw that I could truly let a lot of things go, without losing the joy in them, and make something new in a huge way. So it is really about clearing a new path. Making a revolution of my own in life and song.
Out on May 24th via Drag City, the project is led by new single ‘When I Was Here’. Riding a blues-soaked riff, Bill MacKay’s off piste songwriting is augmented by Mikel Patrick Avery on percussion and Sam Wagster on bass.
Packed with life, it’s an intriguing starting point. He comments…
“If you get to return to hometowns and early magic places, you might see what remains of your life before. Are the people there? What’s the meaning of what you’ve passed through? It may be eternal and will always be a part of you. Adventures leave new worlds in their wake, but it’s not for everyone. Paths diverge & you change but there are eras & experiences that never completely leave you.”
Tune in now.
Photo Credit: Yvette Dostatni
