Spotlight: WXPN 24-Hour Song Challenge Finalist: Mackenzie Johnson – WXPN

This week, WXPN announced the four finalists in our first-ever 24-Hour Song Challenge. As we get closer to announcing the grand prize winner, we’re introducing you to the four artists who made it this far. Today, we meet Mackenzie Johnson, a Bucks County native and solo artist with 15 years of experience. Her wistful take on our “Summertime” theme stood out from the crowd. Check out her soulful “Sunburn” and learn more about Johnson below.

What is your hometown? Where are you currently based?

My hometown is Newtown in Bucks County, PA. I am currently based there but will be moving to NYC soon.

How long have you been performing? Are you mainly a solo artist, do you also play in bands?

I have been performing professionally for about 15 years and usually play solo acoustic.

What inspired your interpretation of the keyword “summer time”?

I thought most people would take a more lighthearted approach to the prompt and write about enjoying the start of the season, so I decided to fast forward to the last moments of summer and what it feels like to mourn it. I know that’s melancholy, but I tend to delve into the sadder side of things when I write. The brevity of summer is so bittersweet and I wanted to make sure I captured the essence of that with “Sunburn.”

Can you tell us a bit about your process? Do you write lyrics first, then hooks, etc.?

I tend to be a songwriter who writes everything at once – lyrics and melody merge as soon as I start playing my guitar. Sometimes I’ll write the chorus first, but most of the time I’ll write a song from start to finish, from the first verse to the end.

Are you playing live somewhere this summer where our audience can see you?

I’m playing at Milkboy on August 3rd, The Fire on August 4th, and Brooklyn Music Kitchen on August 13th.