Christiaan MacKenzie

1. What is your role in the store?
Sales assistant, as well as a handy helper around the store.

2. What styles of music are you into?
I love all styles of music, everything from blues, pop, folk, rock, hip-hop, country and everything in-between.

3. Equipment you currently own?
I own a Gibson Es 335, Gibson Les Paul, Fender American Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster and a Custom Shop Charvel – which I play through either a Two Rock Studio Pro 35 or a Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue. I’ve got a small pedal board of which I’m running a Dunlop Cry Baby, Zendrive, BB Preamp, Ep Booster, MXR Analogue Chorus and a MXR Carbon Copy.

4. Piece of gear or instrument you have previously owned… and wish you never sold?
Luckily I’m a hoarder so I never sell any of my gear.

5. Favourite guitar?
My Gibson Es 335, I remember my first guitar teacher had one and ever since the first time I saw one in the flesh I knew I had to have one.

6. Favourite effects pedal?
My favourite effects pedal would have to be my Zendrive, I’ve really grown fond of that little overdrive pedal.

7. Where do you play at the moment?
I try to play everywhere I can from Jimmy’s Den, The Rosemount Hotel, Amplifier Bar, The Bird, Mojos Fremantle, everywhere far and wide.

8. Who have you played with?
Some bands that I’ve been lucky enough to support are The Delta Riggs, The Preatures, Stonefield, KLP, British India, Holy Holy, Tired Lion, Little May and many awesome local acts!

9. When did you start playing?
I started playing piano when I was in year one and then moved to violin when I was in the middle of primary school. I then wanted to learn drums but fortunately my parents bought me a guitar instead and I never put it down from the day I got it.

10. What is the best memory or gig you have played?
I love playing every gig with the bands I’m in. it’s way too hard to pick a favourite memory they’re all special in there own right.

11.  Who do most look up to musically or who has influenced you the most so far?
Two of my favourite guitarists would have to be Robben Ford and Derek Trucks. I really love there phrasing and unique voice they have on the instrument.

12. Best piece of advice you could give to other musicians?
Don’t ever say no to anything. Take every opportunity you can, you never know where it will lead.