At 20-years old, Abi Mackenzie – also known as Abi Mack – is already making an impact with her music. The Halifax-based singer-songwriter isn’t afraid to tackle tough subjects – covering themes of mental health, trauma, and resilience in her deeply personal songs.
“I’ve been through so much in my 20 years. I feel like I’ve lived a million lifetimes,” Mackenzie said in an interview with CTV’s Katie Kelly.
Her debut single, “Why Me,” confronts a difficult and often unspoken issue.
“That is a song that is so personal and so deep for me personally and also for so many other women that have experienced SA (sexual assault),” she said.
The response was overwhelming.
“I had easily 50 messages from girls reach out. Girls that weren’t following me, girls who had no idea who I was, and just said, ‘That song really helped me.’”
But for Mackenzie, helping others is a bonus because she says music saved her own life.
“I didn’t want to be in the world anymore, and when I was at the darkest points in my life, I turned to music,” she said. “It was a way of escaping the world.”
While her early releases have tackled heavy themes, Mackenzie’s latest song, called “Dirtbags,” brings a more upbeat sound but still carries an important message.
“I think it’s so much more fun to be able to record a fun, whimsical, funny song as opposed to a dark and gloomy song,” she said. “It still has a really serious meaning – to not be in a toxic relationship and to know your worth.”
With an album set to drop in August, Mackenzie says she’s excited for what’s ahead.
“Some people relate, some people don’t. But I do it for me and I hope people relate at the end of the day.”
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