Letter to Stewart

May 28th, 2008 (Graduation Day)

Dear Stewart,

I have been a fan of the Vinyl Cafe for as long as I can remember. Listening to the musical talent featured on the show has often provided me with inspiration over the years. (My personal favourites include the Be Good Tanyas and Owen Pallett from Final Fantasy)

Between 2003 and 2007 I attended Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Between writing up lab reports, essays, studying for mid-terms and final exams, and racking my nerves over giving class presentations, I would somehow find the time to satisfy my passion for playing music. I would rehearse with a band composed of close friends, and regularly perform at venues around the city.  Thanks to the high concentration of incredible musical talent out here in the Maritimes, let’s just say I have been kept busy over the past five years.

I thought perhaps I would share with you some of what we’ve been working on out here in Halifax. Being from Ottawa, Ontario, I was lucky enough to find myself playing alongside genuine martimers, each hailing from an Atlantic province. We formed a band last summer titled Anew Airship, and have been quite busy ever since. The band consists of myself on bass guitar, Jeremy Francis (Moncton, NB) on Vocals and Acoustic guitar, Mike Ritchie (Halifax, NS) on Piano and Lead guitar, Mark Bachynski (Halifax, NS) on Drums, and Mary-Grace Koile (New Glasgow, NS) singing harmonies.

Today I graduate from University with a degree in Environmental Engineering to award the past five years I’ve spent studying at Dalhousie. My graduating present: A new bass. My parents have just arrived in town, and I was reminded once again by my father, who’s been telling me for months “You know, you really should just send your album to Stewart McClean…”

So long for now,

Phil MacKenzie

Environmental Engineer, Full time Bassist

Halifax, NS

The song Telescoper from Anew Airship EP was featured on an episode if the Vinyl Cafe on December 1st, 2009<