Liam Mackenzie
Canadian drummer/percussionist Liam Mackenzie grew up in the country north of Montreal with musician parents, surrounded with instruments and a great record collection consisting of anything from The Police to Earth Wind & Fire. He got a used drum kit on his 13th birthday after trying to decide whether to take up the drums or bass. His father played congas and got to open for Santana back in the day and his mother is a multi instrumentalist & teacher who grew up singing, playing piano and guitar from a young age as well. Luckily there was no shortage of musical influence or support in his upbringing. Liam was self taught until he was fortunate enough to study with Nasyr Abdul Al-Khabyyr (one of Dizzy Gillespie's drummers) while studying music at Vanier college in Montreal. He moved out west to British Columbia at age 19 and has called BC home ever since. He is now based in Tofino on Vancouver Island where he plays with many different artists and is currently the drummer for Victoria-based band Downtown Mischief (funk, jazz, hip hop). Liam also teaches private lessons upon request. Playing the drums have always been a big motivation and have played an important role in keeping him spiritually connected & grounded. Through life's ups and downs the drums have always been there for him as a source of deep fulfillment.
Most recent recordings include:
Debut single: Picturesque by Buckeroooo (feat. Wishbone Jenkins) 2023
Caleb Hart & The Royal Youths (single “Crazy People”) 2019
Downtown Mischief (Comin' Thru Slidin') 2018 Tracks 3,5,11,13
Caleb Hart & The Royal Youths EP (Origination) 2017
Kalua Moa (Post Contact) 2014
Other bands/artists that Liam has played with over the years include:
Bullfrog, featuring Kid Koala
Parkside Jones
The Novamatics
Kalua Moa (Hawaii)
The Royal Youths
Caleb Hart
Buckman Coe
Matt Storm
Ashleigh Eymann
Kapok
Still Watah (Hawaii)
Doctor Nativo (Guatemala)
Bands/artists that Liam has opened for (direct support) include:
Toots and the Maytals
Culture
Morgan Heritage
Clinton Fearon
Soja featuring J Boog
Michael Franti & Spearhead
Mat the Alien
K-os
Five Alarm Funk
Tribal Theory
Revival (Hawaii)
True Press
Jah Cutta & The Determination Band
Bif Naked
Saul Williams
14" Vintage Old School Patina Hi Hats
20" Abby Ride
18" FXO 6 Crash
18" Abby Crash
16" Abby Crash (modified)
12" FXO 6, 12" Gospel China, 8" Latin Splash (stack)