Page 236 - FINAL_Guildhall Media Highlights 2019-2020 Coverage Book

15 May 2020

Moray musician joins forces with Pixie Lott to say

thanks to the NHS

by Neil Drysdaleupplied

Buckie's Ryan MacKenzie has recorded a new song with
Pixie Lott.

A Moray musician has joined forces with a chart-

topping star to pay tribute to the NHS.

Ryan MacKenzie and Pixie Lott have created a thank-you message to health staff with a new version of
the Dionne Warwick classic song That’s What Friends Are For.

The 24-year-old from Buckie jumped at the chance to do some arranging and producing for the song,
while he is in lockdown at home with his family in the north of Scotland.

He is currently studying remotely for a Masters’ degree at London’s prestigious Guildhall School of
Music and Drama and was keen to get to work on a new project when the call came from Ms Lott, who

has achieved three No 1 hits in Mama Do (Uh Oh Uh Oh), Boys and Girls and All About Tonight.

Mr MacKenzie said: “I left my flat in London just before lockdown to visit my folks, not knowing that I

would be under house arrest for a while.

“It’s been great having something creative to work on during this strange time and Pixie and I are both

really proud of this.

“What makes the piece even more special is that we did it as a thank you and a show of gratitude to

everyone who is working so tirelessly and selflessly in our health service”

Boosted by sophisticated, modern technology and with a little help from other musical friends, he

produced the arrangement from his parents’ house in Buckie with Ms Lott sending her vocals to him
to be mixed into the track.

The song has been issued on social media and both artists hope it reaches as many people as possible.