Song Spotlight: MACKandgold's Chasing Down (a night at The Semi-Tropic)

MACKandgold (the moniker for Mackenzie Graham) closed out the Echo Park Rising Friday pre-party at The Semi-Tropic. With her funky beats, it was the perfect way to end the night. Her fanbase was pressed close to the stage. That very crowd is what makes the band's set so precious to attend. Their enthusiasm for her music is unmatched in the Los Angeles music scene. She'll give the fan base a look and you'll hear them singing back "I'm Your Dog" or any other catchy lyric. 

MACKandgold at The Semi-Tropic

Comment of the set, "Can I smoke in here."  That was associated with her song "Occasional Smoker" where she had to admit, "Unfortunately, I'm fully addicted these days." That song also led to an amusing moment where she realized that the settings for her Fender Tone Master just weren't right. Down on her knees she went, playing with the buttons. There was an eventually look of relief and she told the audience, "I don't know how to work this thing, at all." That sometimes aligns with my understanding of my Canon camera. Sometimes I'm pressing a button and wondering why the camera isn't doing what I want it to do. Then I start to just press random buttons until I finally select the right one and I'm like, "Oh yeah, it is that one." She ended the song by panning the audience, taking in the adoring cheers. 

MACKandgold at The Semi-Tropic

On occasion she plays the guitar like she's making slow tender love to it. Then there are moments where the music takes that funky turn and she's handling it like a dance partner as she bounces around the stage. It is an instrument that is attached to her just like everyone in the venue. 

My first time crossing paths with MACKandgold was in 2019 at The Satellite (rest in peace). I've been a fan ever since. This is what I wrote about that set:

Her set was filled with so much joy. There was this mischievous smile that always crossed her face. A solid crowd was also out for her early set, which increased the level of enthusiasm. Her music has some nice soul grooves. And her songs take their time to reveal themselves to the listener. 

MACKandgold at The Semi-Tropic

She does love her photographers. She'll always give me a hug. Back in 2022 when she was doing a residency at The Echo she put out an Instagram Stories, reminding all her photographers to get in touch with her so that she could put them down on The Echo photo list. 

MACKandgold at The Semi-Tropic

Is there any doubt about making "Chasing Down" the song spotlight? It has to be the most loved song by her fans. She closed out the set with the song. The clock was ticking ever so closer to midnight and as soon as those opening notes were played on the guitar, the crowd went wild, turning the venue into a mass dance hall with arms waving. The chorus had everyone drowning her out as they sang along, "We're chasin' down, chasin' down my mind." 

Setlist: Before We Sleep, Occasional Smoker, The Middle, Desperation, I'm Your Dog, You're Crying, Chasing Down.