Meet Elliott McKenzie | R&B Singer/Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elliott McKenzie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elliott, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Believe it or not, my success has actually been completely unexpected! Back in 2017 when I created the “Gunshots” song & music video, I would’ve been happy if only 100 people saw the video and heard the song. Now, the video has over 150,000 views and was the beginning of my success. Since then I’ve been featured on multiple media outlets, traveled nationwide to perform, and have built an amazing fanbase worldwide. I say all this to say that my success started from my desire to be honest about something that many Veterans go through (PTSD) and used my talents in music to tell that story. I think the most important factor in all my success has been just being true to myself and my story. Not being scared to be vulnerable and also working hard to become good at my craft of music so I could use that talent to the best of my ability. I’ve had so many amazing supporters reach out to me to tell me how my music has influenced them, motivated them, and saved their lives. All this success started by me being true to who I am and speaking my truth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My music and brand are different in that I specifically discuss mental illness and overcoming it in my songs! How many R&B Singers out there do you know of who specifically try to inspire others through their story of fighting back against mental illness through music? I think being an Iraq War Veteran and U.S. Marine also sets me apart! Again….how many successful R&B Singers do you know who purposely include being a Veteran into their brand and music? Not many, right? Although now I am working on focusing more on the R&B Singer and less on the Veteran, it will always be a part of my story, music, & brand. I believe I got where I am today through dedication, hard work, and creating my own path. I am a completely independent Artist. No manager, no record label, no marketing team, no nothing. I do everything for myself. I even record, mix, and master all my own songs at my own home recording studio. I’ve gotten where I am today by doing my own research and taking the information I’ve learned and applying it. When I wanted to learn how to mix & master songs, I did days of research and applied what I learned to my own recording sessions. When I wanted to learn how to create promotional flyers and graphics, I did the research and gained the skills through application. Whenever I had the opportunity to network and build relationships with others, I introduced myself and made things happen with those situations. Getting here has definitely been challenging & tough but I kept going, kept learning, & kept growing. I’m still growing and learning today and will always be! If there was anything I’d want others to know, it would be that if you want to do something, do it! If you have access to the internet to do your own research, do it! Learn your craft and become great at it! If you can get mentors, learn from them as well! Never give up on your goals, dreams, or things you want to do!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d definitely start with Hollywood Blvd! That place is always an adventure! They have a great and fun museum called the World of Illusions! It’s a great place for social media pictures and stories! Universal Studios is always another great go to place to visit while in LA! They have a great mix of rides and experiences that can make anyone happy! Driving on PCH and visiting the 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica is also a big must! I’d also take them to places like Rodeo Drive and the Griffith Observatory! If they’re a nerd like me they’ll love learning about space and the stars! The Griffith Observatory has a really awesome telescope that lets you see the sun up close! If my friend is a hiker, we’d explore the hike to the Hollywood sign together! Being my friend they’ll of course love animals so we’d also visit the LA Zoo!! There are so many fun and eye opening things to do in and around LA! I’d also show them places outside of LA too so they can see the great things all of southern California has to offer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My fans!! If It wasn’t for my fans, I absolutely would not be where I am today! I have had so many amazing people reach out to me since my success started to tell me how my music & story have impacted them in such amazing ways. That has motivated me throughout the years to keep going and do even more for them! I came into my career in music not knowing what my path might look like but now I am confident that my purpose is to be a source of inspiration for others going through the same. I now purposely include my story and experiences in both my music and my branding to reach a specific audience and do what I can do inspire. My fans have been so influential in my own cause that I now have tattoos of quotes from fans on my arms to remind myself of my purpose. I proudly dedicate this shoutout and my successes to my fans and supporters…..past, present, and future!

Website: https://www.elliottmckenzie.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliott_mckenzie

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/elliottmckenzie