Makenzie Phipps and Nashville talent
I love country music, and it is always a treat to get a chance acquainted with new talent. A few years back one of my best friend’s daughter, Rylie Bourne, headed to Nashville. From a musical family, this talented singer/songwriter today is part of a duo composed of guitarist and singer-songwriter Damon Atkins. They are a favorite of mine. Recently I also had the opportunity to attend a cool concert at Spirit Farms, a private event for the Yorkville Christian FFA Chapter. The Rock the Crop concert was sponsored by Firestone Ag, and the FFA chapter won the Rock the Crop contest. This was a different setting than usual for country singer Hailey Whitters who performed for friends and family of this winning chapter. The music was beautiful, and heartfelt from this up-and-coming country music singer. Then came Makenzie Phipps!
Interview with Makenzie Phipps
Recently I got the chance to do a Q & A with singer John Berry. We are going to his amazing Christmas Concert this year; I am so excited.
Then yesterday I got the chance to interview a new singer to add to my growing list of musicians I want to listen to. With a very distinctive voice that can bring a tear to your eye, Makenzie said she was born in the small town of Bluefield, Virginia. “I started singing at four years old my grandma, mawmaw would take me to church every Sunday. That’s what got me going.”
Soon Makenzie said the picked up a few musical instruments, “First I learned the piano, then the guitar. “
Following her dream, she began giving public performances at the age of 14. “I went to restaurants, bars, country clubs, I played cover songs,” she told me explaining how she got started.” When I started, I was a bit nervous, but I feel performing gave me the confidence I have today and performing with big crowds.”
From performing, Makenzie went on to write her own music. “I wrote my first song around the age of 14 but wasn’t strong in it I just love to sing.”
Moving to Nashville
Nashville is the center of country music. For Makenzie, coming to Nashville has expanded her writing horizon and brought growth and depth to her songs. “I still love to sing, but since moving to Nashville a year and a half ago, I’ve had lots of fun diving into different topics, and the trial and error of learning experience.”
This young woman that is 22 and will be 23 in two months was encouraged by her PR team to head to Music City. “I got with my PR team in 2019, when I was 18 or 19 years old. I got to working with them and there were so many things they wanted me to be part of. Nashville, that’s where music stuff happens. My hometown I love it, but there are not many opportunities for music on a career level basis. Plus, I always wanted to move to Tennessee. My parents moved here with me that’s what jump started it.”
She added, “My parents love it, both are in medical field. My dad has been a nurse over 20 years, maybe 25. Mom was a nurse and now respiratory therapist. In Virginia they had to commute an hour and a half now work is only minutes away. So, they, enjoyed moving to Tennessee.”
Makenzie has one older brother that remains in Virgina. She added, “He is very supportive of my music.”
Her music.
During her performances she includes a lot of her original material. Besides fans that come to her shows she said, “I have a big support system on social media. I appreciate the support means a lot to me.”
When asked how she would describe her music she said it is, “Simple southern and redneck.” Where does her inspiration come from? “Inspiration for my songwriting comes and goes. I pick topics and have fun with it. I like party or drinking songs, but then also like to write on more serious topics like addiction or Alzheimer’s I wrote a song I called Life’s Games.“
She said that her grandmother who helped her get started in this career now has this devastating disease. Makenzie said, “I realized that there aren’t many songs written about Alzheimer’s, even though so many people relate to it. I’m most proud of this song, which is currently unreleased. I received a songwriter achievement plaque award for it.”
Makenzie likes to sing songs that move her. “Singing, I like the emotional songs like American Solider by Toby Keith. The meaning behind it pays tribute and I always dedicate it to the man Mr. Toby Keith. I also love Almost Home by Craig Morgan, it is so well written. The first time I heard it a year or two back it brought tears to my eyes. It does a good job captivating the audience into the story.”
Performing
When asked about performing, Makenzie said, “I perform with backup singer and guitarist Shane Begley. People ask if I do shows by myself, and I do, but I’m a big believer in wanting to give the best product, and he’s a great backup and guitarist. He brings so many things to life with his accompaniment.”
Makenzie’s favorite song she’s written that she likes to perform is one that is currently unreleased. It is called There Goes the Titos. Shane helped me work up the song. Its talking about a couple of friends getting together at their house and sharing memories over Titos.”
This has been a breakthrough year for Makenzie. She said when she moved to Nashville that she decided to split performances between her native Virgina and Tennessee. “I was going home every other weekend. I had well over 100 shows this year. Very busy this year. I’m looking forward to the holiday season.”
If you hear her version of O Holy Night, you too will look forward to listening to her holiday songs!
It is a lot of work to prepare and perform. “Everyone thinks we musicians know every song, but it takes a lot of time to learn. People don’t consider how much time it takes to learn and practice. You have to put in perspective. The majority of time in downtown Nashville, I have four hours shows, with no breaks. That puts a bit of a number on fingers and getting my voice to sing that long for a show.”
When performing, she enjoys requests. “I like to try. I may know it but never played it. I’m honest we’ll wing it and try people really enjoy seeing you putting forth an effort, it shows a human side. We musicians are human, we may forget a lyric, play a wrong chord. We are all just humans at end of the day.”
The future!
I have just been working and will have new material in 2025. I will have to see what the good Lord has to offer. Listeners can follow my musical journey Makenzie Phipps.com and on social media.
One of the highlights Makenzie mentioned since coming to Nashville was, “I did get to meet one of my biggest icons Ashley McBride. I met her in Walmart and made the biggest fool of myself. Then back in October I was there for Opry Goes Pink event and I got to officially meet her. It meant so much to me. I shed a few tears; she is one of my biggest icons. If I was in Virgina I never could have met her.”
Country music, local talent, wherever I can listen I try to find a way to meet those like Riley, Hailey, and Makenzie. Who has moved you that you found to listen to?
