New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Mark Mackay discovers that the sun always shines after a rainy day with a song inspired by his best friend's struggles and cancer diagnoses. He penned Always
Rains in Portland as crucial reminder to focus on the daily blessings and bright moments, despite it being easy to drown in life's hardships. An ode to solace, Mark Mackay will release Always
Rains in Portland this Friday, December 6.
Describing the inspiration behind the song, Mackay says, "I went to visit him [my best friend] and I asked, 'how do you like Portland?' and he said, 'it always rains in Portland.' That sounds like a song... it always rains in Portland but the sun always shines on me... he didn't want cancer but kept on fighting and finding the bright side of life."
With a vocal delivery and guitar performance that evoke the sound of a young Willie
Nelson and story telling reminiscent of Neil Young, Always
Rains in Portland showcases Mackay's ability to capture a compelling, simplistic performance by the breadth of his illustrative artistry. Channeling his best friend's favorite fingerpicking style, the new single illuminates this skilled guitarist's county and rock blends.
Rounding out a momentous 2019, Always
Rains in Portland will solidify Mackay's goal of making it the best year of his career yet. The western troubadour's relentless spirit secured opening slots for stars
Tim McGraw and
Blake Shelton as well as the success of his previous single Get Me Through The Night.
"[The single] could have been about my friend, could have been a guy who's wife passed away, lost his job, divorced, who knows. But he's headed there and will find the bright side."
About MARK MACKAY
An uninhibited guitarist with songwriting seeped in storytelling authenticity, Mark Mackay finds himself at the crossroads of country and rock n roll. Whether he's performing at The Ryman Auditorium, festivals or opening for over 25 of music's biggest acts, including Chris Janson, Ted Nugent,
Travis Tritt and Marshall Tucker Band, Mark is notorious for captivating audiences with his energetic charisma - which undoubtedly earned him a spot on
Music Connection Magazine's list of Top 100 Live Acts. With a relentless spirit and new music around the bend, this western troubadour is dedicated to making 2019 the best yet - already with opening slots for country superstars
Blake Shelton and Tim McGraw.