Drummer’s Review
Josh McKenzie aka MckNasty is a name well recognised among his peers. He is renowned for being a Musical Director & Drummer for some of the biggest names in the industry.
Josh has managed to build up an impressive CV with his energetic but versatile ability allowing him to span many genres including: Pop, Rock, R&B, Gospel, Reggae and Jazz.
From Coachella to Glastonbury he has lent his expertise to many acts such as Keziah Jones, Robert Glaspar, Tinie Tempah and Wretch 32. Recording and writing on the Kamaal Williams album “The Return”… and many more…
Josh: “I want to take everything I’ve learned and channel that energy into the relationship between an artist and their audience, on record, and on stage.”
He’s one of the most enigmatic characters in UK live music. He has built a reputation for bringing a palpable energy to every stage he graces.
As Musical Director, MckNasty tasked himself with disrupting the status quo when it comes to live Hip Hop performance, translating the energy from recording to live via full band.
He bought a palpable live aesthetic to British Urban music with Wretch, Devlin and Stormzy, a talent that turned Tinie Tempah’s stages into a full-on rock concert selling out UK arenas.
His musical direction and arrangement talents across genres have transformed the live performances of Lion Babe, Joel Compass, Naughty Boy, Rosie Low, Eliza (Lovechild) amongst others.
These skills were also prevalent in his work on the theatre production, Sylvia at the Old Vic.
Josh also has clocked up considerable hours in the studio, his playing featuring on recordings by Tom Jones, Ava Leigh, Laura Izabor and many more.
Playing drums since the age of 7, Josh remembers fondly the feeling of coming home from school to find his first shiny red drum kit waiting in his mother’s basement.
From that point it was his daily devotion to rush home from school and fit in as many hours before bedtime with sticks in hand, this extended to family jam sessions with each of his 8 siblings either playing an instrument or singing.
Staring his professional career at 15 recording on Keziah Jones’ seminal album “Black Orpheus”. Since then he has toured the UK, Europe and the US, with artists such as Daniel and Natasha Beddingfield, Denis Rollins, Simon Webb, Lily Allen, Terri Walker and Duffy to mention a few.
MckNasty’s performances captivate audiences whether solo or as the host of his Fireball Sessions.
Having learned his craft in church Josh has kept close links with Gospel music, gracing the stage with the likes of Anne Nesby, Marvin Winans, Helen Baylor and Raymond and Co, as well as The London Community Gospel Choir.
His passion for music (he also sings and plays bass) is apparent to any and everyone who sees him, a passion he wants to share with younger musicians coming up behind him.
Using a mix of eclectic rhythm, and a charismatic and dynamic approach he also uses his music as a tool for mentoring young people.
Josh believes strongly in the power of music to build self-esteem and confidence as well as communal and personal responsibility.
Josh is appearing Sunday the 2nd April at 12 noon in association with Pearl Drums Europe.
Visit The UK Drum Show 2022. Tickets on sale now.
The post Josh Mckenzie “MckNasty” joins line-up in Mike Dolbear Room at The UK Drum Show 2022 appeared first on Drummer’s Review.
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