The slight bite in the night air as Winter crept into Auckland was no deterrent to fans as they swiftly made their way through the doors of The Tuning Fork to witness Macey present songs from his highly anticipated sophomore album entitled Once.
To begin the evening, an impressive set from up-and-coming local Auckland artist Mizzy, real name Mia Jorgensen-Aitchison, enthralled those who had arrived early with her unique take on dream-pop, the edges blurred just enough to give them an interesting edge.
Treating the audience to an unreleased piece entitled Fruit Flies, Mizzy had an almost ethereal presence on stage; her compositions are rather introspective, refreshingly honest as she uses music to explore her own dreams and doubts as she makes her way along her own journey through this life.
Delivering her set with a full band that elevated each song beautifully, Mizzy quickly illustrated how she will be making her mark in the scene, especially if her debut EP Wild Ivy is anything to go by.
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Macey began his musical career under his given name of Harry Parsons; the choice to transition to his current moniker was another step in his evolution as an artist. His debut album The Lovers, released in 2023, was shaped by the grief of losing his father; also a musician, Macey’s father was understandably a huge influence in his life, the album in many ways cathartic and a way to work through a difficult period in his life.
Three years on, and Macey is feeling far more secure in himself, not only as a person but as an artist; his latest album, Once, is a reflection of this as he explores new creative territory.
Appearing on stage with a full live band, Macey looked relaxed, his smile beaming as the audience welcomed him enthusiastically. Wasting no time, Macey launched straight into Mona Lisa Money, before moving into Bright Eyes, a song he informs the audience was inspired by a girl he saw on the tube in London; she looked “worn down”, but her beautiful eyes spoke of a heart that was full of joy.
London and Macey’s time spent in it played a huge part in not only the development of the album, but in Macey as a person. Describing it as a hugely transformative period, many of his songs came from just riding on the Tube every day, Macey quietly observing people, listening to their conversations whilst simultaneously navigating the city himself, allowing one of the busiest places on earth to shape both his creativity and songwriting.
This authenticity to his craft also inspired Macey to perform his headline show in a stripped-back form; with no backing tracks or in-ears, it was reflective of how Macey views his relationship with his audience. Macey writes music that embraces the art of storytelling and connection, his intention being that listeners will be able to “step inside” his songs and find pieces of themselves within them.
Once is an album that is not intended to be background music, each piece carefully curated to be lived in, music that is designed for “late-night drives,” melodies that are to be sung to with abandonment and joy.
Playing with an acoustic-electric guitar, Macey’s voice was rich in tone, his ability to soften during the tracks that required it a reflection of the maturity of his latest work.
Call it Even, written after a breakup and finding both the good and the mistakes of both people, quickly led into We Still Happened, which speaks of how, regardless of a relationship ending, it still occurred, and each person has still experienced something that has marked their personal journey through life.
As the band left the stage quietly, Macey spoke of his dad before performing before you have to go, a beautifully evocative song about his father and their relationship, Macey pointing out upon its conclusion that his mother and sister Kat were in the audience, two strong women who have obviously also helped shape him as an artist.
The audience were transfixed by Macey, his anecdotes between tracks personally connecting with people, his humbleness and ability to weave stories effortlessly through his music endearing.
Changing tempo slightly, Macey delivered some of his work from behind a keyboard before returning to his beloved guitar, amusingly advising those in attendance that he likes all of his songs bar one, but they will never know which that one is.
Clementine, a decidedly catchy tune, soon had the audience swaying in time before The River from his debut album closed out the set, Macey sincerely thanking everyone for coming as well as his family and team for making the night happen.
Teasing one last track, the fans jokingly booed, Macey giving them what they wanted in the form of It’s Only Love. Leaving the stage to much fanfare, it wasn’t long before the chant of ‘one more song’ rang out, Macey returning to deliver his phenomenal rendition of The Killers When You Were Young.
Macey’s live debut of his latest album Once certainly left no doubt that he will be selling out concert halls in the very near future.
