Photo Credit: Paul Andrews
STRANGE FILMS TO RELEASE MACKENZIE NICOLE’S
MYSTIC SHORT FILM ON MAY 15
A VISUAL AND MUSIC JOURNEY TO MENTAL WELLNESS
In the spring of 2018, Mackenzie Nicole unveiled her debut album, The Edge. Its songs tallied over 1 million Spotify streams, and her videos totaled 8 million-plus views. On the outside, Mackenzie seemed to be a happy and fearless 18-year-old whose hard work and talent was starting to pay off. On the inside, she was literally fighting for her life.
She explains, “The first time I remember contemplating suicide, I was six years old, so I’ve been no stranger to mental illness. However, I learned how to cohabitate with my demons, viewing my suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, and OCD as a sort of haunted house in which I was forced to reside.” She continues, “When I thought I could suffer no more surprises at the hands of my mental state, I was blindsided by an acute mental breakdown that overtook my entire life. When my psychiatrist diagnosed me with bipolar I disorder, I felt a sense of relief.”
As Mackenzie dove into her ongoing journey of recovery, she also had a responsibility to start writing and recording a new album. With a sense of obligation to her own mental health and a need to reach anybody else that might be struggling, Mystic was born. “I knew immediately the story must be told. I promptly began recording an autobiographical chronicle of my odyssey through the stages of mental health.”
Tapping into a reflective and ethereal vibe throughout the songs and visual story, she shares her innermost insecurities, struggles, and triumphs, hoping to connect with others through shared experiences. Mystic is more than a concept album. It is a personal yet relatable journal both musically and visually which features an accompanying short film slated to premiere on May 15. See the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
“This is an important topic,” says Mackenzie. “I wanted to handle it in an artistic and personal way. If you have been in the dark place, you know it’s a little monster always ready to destroy you. I hope people walk away with a greater understanding of themselves and others.
Mystic is out now on Strange Main (the pop music division of Strange Music.) “A really emotional listen” – LadyGunn.
Watch Mackenzie’s TEDx Ted Talk. Mystic: A Mental Health Odyssey here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Follow her at:
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