Thanks for covering this . His appearance on SNL recently just blew my mind wide open. I feel grateful that at age 66 I can still discover new music like this.
Finally! So glad you found him. He is utterly transportive and creates a nostalgia for a music that was before he was born. Just magic. Check out his earlier EPs: Pronounced McGee and Museum of Contradictions to see how he has evolved as a songwriter. And definitely go see him live, if you like your music to eject you off the planet that is.
Wow, this was gorgeous. I love to hear someone with so much talent who doesn’t seem to feel the need to prove how talented they are. It’s just about the song. Thanks for this one.
According to Spotify I’m in the top .01% in terms of the amount of time I’ve played this song. It was on repeat for months. It hits me somewhere in the feels that I can’t describe
Worked with Justin recently on a job and not only was he lovely there I didn’t even know he had a UA-cam channel. This just came up in my suggested videos and I can easily say this was my favourite album of 2024 and it’s interesting to see someone so knowledgeable talk about it.
reacts are nice because they capture genuine moments. It was cool how this song cut you deep in the right way, I felt the truth when you said "a moment of beauty on a day when I needed to hear one". cheers mate
OOoooo this was beautiful, and kinda nostalgic-cool in an indescribably unique way. Thanks for introducing me to him! Very cool stuff - and that fact that he even impressed you, impresses me even more, LOL 😁
Yes, this McKee has talent. I can see your brain working, producing into an outstanding production. Your genuis has always been apparent since this fan saw it many years ago. I'm with you Sir Justin. 💜
Mk.gee even said some of his inspirations were Pat Matheny and Lyles Mays, which I was like, yes, I'm hearing that 1989 production, kinda jazzy and ambient, like Joni Mitchell early 90s.
I’ve been listening to a couple of Mkgee songs for a while but didn’t listen to more until recently. I didn’t realize how much appreciation he was getting from the online community. I’m not too knowledgeable in guitar culture so I guess I didn’t even recognize how collossal his playing was until I started watching vids. Obviously I could hear how extraordinary his tone is, but I think what caught me is how atmospheric his songwriting is. Not just the instrumentation, but his melodies and his lyrics too. It doesn’t even really feel like a song but more of an atmosphere to me.
Interesting bit of trivia for you, "Behind The Mask" is actually a cover of a cover of a cover! Eric Clapton's 1986 version is a cover of Greg Phillinganes 1984 version is a cover of Michael Jackson's 1981 demo of a song originally written/recorded by Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1979. Been loving Mk.gee's work and it's been very inspiring as a songwriter. You perfectly summed it up with "Ffaaa, that's really cool, fuck!"
Big John Martyn vibes with this guy. The same ethereal atmosphere and delivery. Good to live in a time where we have some amazing artists with us. If anyone is not familiar with Stephen Wilson Jr. you are in for a treat… ❤
You were right on with the guess of the midi pickup! Mike uses the gk3 pickup with the Roland vg8 in a parallel signal to his guitar directly inputted into the tascam 424 (for the big break up sound)
that is an outro to a movie. not a rom com, something with meaning and depth that encapulates the story. love that dull, muted sound and the thumb scrape "noise" . I was just waiting for a tree to take his head off in that video.
i’m a normally a rap fan, but this has been my favorite album of 2024, check out the Mk.gee Dream Police video, that shit is fuckin awesome! it’s so dreamy.
He has a similarly performed song (filmed and tracked on a moving vehicle) called Little Bit More, which also blew me away. Great guitar and vocal melodies that fit nicely in dancing harmonic finger style guitar playing. He also just plays direct into a tascam which has its own unusual but very cool character from crisp clean to gritty clipping, which he controls effortlessly with the dynamics of his playing.
It’s still so much better than so many of these “reimagining the guitar” players. God, as good as the music is, I think I might be most jealous of the lyrics. Really great. I hear a bit of Johnny Marr in there as well. Mostly tone, and the open string riffs
Love this - new to me. Great to hear the Lemon Twigs reference but also check out Unknown Mortal Orchestra for guitar oddness......oh, and Jon Gomm....
The picking and tone reminds me of late 70s/early 80s Joni Mitchell.. think Heijira, etc. Melancholic tone with a heap of resonance and space, and constant change of direction keeps it interesting...
The influence I hear the most in his songs might be The Police honestly, and to capture that kind of complete and cohesive sound while not playing with a band is just crazy
I just learned about MkGee a couple weeks ago. Excited to see where he goes. Enthralling melodies, very impressive guitar work - just hope he keeps the overall sound/song stye varied enough (there’s the rub, isn’t it?)
Loved the Flamenco groove of the theme! We lost him a decade ago, but would love to hear you react to a Paco De Lucia performance. I realize this probably doesn't fit into the 'model' of the channel, but it would be cool to hear your thoughts on the artist. Thought it would interesting to hear your opinion in the context of 'great' guitarists. Thanks for the cool content. ( This is a nice one .. Mi Nino Curro, from a live performance in Sevilla - ua-cam.com/video/6wxdVUlG6GU/v-deo.html )
The Lemon Twigs are from Hicksville, NY. Proud to say I've enjoyed Brian D'Addario on acoustic guitar not once but twice, and hope to enjoy them for years to come. I was looking up into their baby faces and realized that one day I will be looking at their middle-aged faces and remembering when they had no lines in their faces. And then I actually got CHOKED UP. 😂 And then quickly stopped being overly sentimental and went back to enjoying the show. I can't wait to check out this artist. Am I going to be enamored with yet another artist from this channel? First you give me The Struts and now maybe this guy too, we shall see.
I’m sure someone else has commented on this specifically but just want to bring attention to his previous albums which are also incredible. My personal fav, from 2018, “it’s pronounced McGee”
The signal break up via the old tape machine channel is inspired. Experimentation and happy accidents is how you get to cool stuff like that. Not searching UA-cam for what pedal someone uses.
We deserve a full "Justin Hawkins Rides Again" song. Saw you front row in Atlanta, Tabernacle 2004. Sang your praises since, what a show, thanks for everything, now jog on 😉
Thank you, JHRA, for another fantastic recommendation and in-depth analysis!💖 Mk.gee's guitar playing calls to my mind and ears the amazing Michael Hedges...also otherworldly and virtuoso, "Abs O'lutely" check him out!! I looove his cover of Neneh Cherry's "Buffalo Stance" and his performance of the e.e. cumming's poem, "I carry your heart"🤩
I absolutely love Mkgee, but either that performance isn’t live, they’re like an electric vehicle gliding through the stillest wind, or they’ve crafted the most phenomenal voice isolation software ever.
I just discovered MkGee from Saturday Night Live, but the song you played, he did it on Jimmy Kimmel and is on their UA-cam page, so check that out. His song Dream Police reminds me of Sting and The Police, tio be honest...
He is definitely talented and has its own thing going on for sure but I find it really strange how Jai Paul is almost never mentioned when discussing his music. This style of playing AND singing was super present on Jai Paul's stuff from ~10y ago.
oh great call, I think a lot of the "guitar music" fans who are discovering mkgee might not even know Jai Paul to pick up on that. But Mike def strikes me as having a foundation in that indie electronica side of things and the 80s references are being filtered through all that, that's what makes it such a unique sound. It's very post-vaporwave as well
@@kyloren9588 check out his latest release- the double single “do you love her now / he”, as well as his leaked debut album now officially released as Leak 04-13. str8 outta mumbai, crush, genevieve, jasmine, all night, BTSTU off the album are some essentials. the song ‘He’ especially has some mk.gee esque tones
Now you gotta check out the Dijon Absolutely film !
Yesssss
@@lb8279 its a must
That song has essentially one melody the whole song. I keep wanting him to sing something different but oh well.
I agree
"Candy" may be his best track. A good place for new listeners to start.
Thanks for covering this . His appearance on SNL recently just blew my mind wide open. I feel grateful that at age 66 I can still discover new music like this.
This IS my favourite youtube channel!
Finally! So glad you found him. He is utterly transportive and creates a nostalgia for a music that was before he was born. Just magic. Check out his earlier EPs: Pronounced McGee and Museum of Contradictions to see how he has evolved as a songwriter. And definitely go see him live, if you like your music to eject you off the planet that is.
Wow, this was gorgeous. I love to hear someone with so much talent who doesn’t seem to feel the need to prove how talented they are. It’s just about the song. Thanks for this one.
He's provin' it through the picking. It's not easy to play like that.
I've been waiting for this episode for months. Love it
According to Spotify I’m in the top .01% in terms of the amount of time I’ve played this song. It was on repeat for months. It hits me somewhere in the feels that I can’t describe
lol I’m there with you 😂
I'm so jealous ! I'm 0.05% 😂
I’m in that club ❤
ballz
Worked with Justin recently on a job and not only was he lovely there I didn’t even know he had a UA-cam channel. This just came up in my suggested videos and I can easily say this was my favourite album of 2024 and it’s interesting to see someone so knowledgeable talk about it.
To know Justin is to love Justin! Happy New Year everyone!
reacts are nice because they capture genuine moments. It was cool how this song cut you deep in the right way, I felt the truth when you said "a moment of beauty on a day when I needed to hear one". cheers mate
OOoooo this was beautiful, and kinda nostalgic-cool in an indescribably unique way. Thanks for introducing me to him! Very cool stuff - and that fact that he even impressed you, impresses me even more, LOL 😁
I will check into more of Mc.gee. I had never heard of him before until this video. Thanks for sharing, Justin.
So, who else also reached for their guitar right at 14:17? Thank you for the inspiring video! Your passion is infectious in the best the ways.
Yes, this McKee has talent. I can see your brain working, producing into an outstanding production. Your genuis has always been apparent since this fan saw it many years ago. I'm with you Sir Justin. 💜
Mk.gee even said some of his inspirations were Pat Matheny and Lyles Mays, which I was like, yes, I'm hearing that 1989 production, kinda jazzy and ambient, like Joni Mitchell early 90s.
I Love this. It’s a beautiful song, as is his voice. I enjoyed Justin speaking the lyrics as well. Really Good stuff.❤️
I’ve been listening to a couple of Mkgee songs for a while but didn’t listen to more until recently. I didn’t realize how much appreciation he was getting from the online community. I’m not too knowledgeable in guitar culture so I guess I didn’t even recognize how collossal his playing was until I started watching vids. Obviously I could hear how extraordinary his tone is, but I think what caught me is how atmospheric his songwriting is. Not just the instrumentation, but his melodies and his lyrics too. It doesn’t even really feel like a song but more of an atmosphere to me.
Thanks so much for covering him! Love your videos
Interesting bit of trivia for you, "Behind The Mask" is actually a cover of a cover of a cover! Eric Clapton's 1986 version is a cover of Greg Phillinganes 1984 version is a cover of Michael Jackson's 1981 demo of a song originally written/recorded by Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1979.
Been loving Mk.gee's work and it's been very inspiring as a songwriter. You perfectly summed it up with "Ffaaa, that's really cool, fuck!"
I love Mk.gee. I love it when other people love him too.
That video is soo good and somehow you made it even better 😢
Mkgee is saving music rn fr
I found him a couple months ago, and my esteem grows with each new (old) song I discover.
Big John Martyn vibes with this guy. The same ethereal atmosphere and delivery.
Good to live in a time where we have some amazing artists with us. If anyone is not familiar with Stephen Wilson Jr. you are in for a treat… ❤
You were right on with the guess of the midi pickup! Mike uses the gk3 pickup with the Roland vg8 in a parallel signal to his guitar directly inputted into the tascam 424 (for the big break up sound)
Haven’t watched your content in a few years but this was a very good video 🙏
Amazing such an amazing breakdown, Justin. Thanks.
Justin, you're the man
Mkgee is simply the best and he is 28 years old 🥰
Yes! I have been waiting for this video for a while now, here's hoping we get a NPR Tiny Desk with Mk.gee!
JEEZUZ! This is amazing and exciting! I’ll be following this guy.Uniquely mesmerizing song.You’ve done it again Justin!👍😻💕🎄Merry Christmas 🎄
Your sense of humor I am glad to hear has survived any mayhem you have been exposed to. Your are a pillar of strength, you see. 💜
His voice and guitar style are very atmospheric and beautiful. Definitely going follow this fabulous musician from Jersey ♥️
that is an outro to a movie. not a rom com, something with meaning and depth that encapulates the story. love that dull, muted sound and the thumb scrape "noise" . I was just waiting for a tree to take his head off in that video.
I definitely hear Pat Metheny and Daryl Stuermer, as you mentioned, and maybe a little Eric Johnson as well...Very cool!!
i’m a normally a rap fan, but this has been my favorite album of 2024, check out the Mk.gee Dream Police video, that shit is fuckin awesome! it’s so dreamy.
So glad you did a vid on him
to get a sense of how good of a guitar player he is, check out the live version of “little bit more”!
You've got to listen to the full album. We need a full album reaction
He's playing a Jaguar (Fender or Squier). You can tell by the shape of the upper horn and the control plate above the 6th string.
I think it's a Squier bass VI
Yep, great lyrics. Making sense of time. I am there. 💜
He has a similarly performed song (filmed and tracked on a moving vehicle) called Little Bit More, which also blew me away. Great guitar and vocal melodies that fit nicely in dancing harmonic finger style guitar playing. He also just plays direct into a tascam which has its own unusual but very cool character from crisp clean to gritty clipping, which he controls effortlessly with the dynamics of his playing.
It’s still so much better than so many of these “reimagining the guitar” players. God, as good as the music is, I think I might be most jealous of the lyrics. Really great. I hear a bit of Johnny Marr in there as well. Mostly tone, and the open string riffs
Dude, just found you today. This show is fricken great.
Love this - new to me. Great to hear the Lemon Twigs reference but also check out Unknown Mortal Orchestra for guitar oddness......oh, and Jon Gomm....
Oh he is gorgeous! So glad to see him talked about! Sleep Token introduced me to him! ❤
always happy to hear from mr hawkins
The picking and tone reminds me of late 70s/early 80s Joni Mitchell.. think Heijira, etc. Melancholic tone with a heap of resonance and space, and constant change of direction keeps it interesting...
The influence I hear the most in his songs might be The Police honestly, and to capture that kind of complete and cohesive sound while not playing with a band is just crazy
Particularly the new single Rockman. Not just the guitar…but vocals too. No bad thing.
things like this make me wish i could shake music's hand and say "thanks"
Saw him live in Australia a few weeks ago he was brilliant live.
Some of these youngsters are tapping into Joni Mitchell’s later period. There’s a lot of inspiration there in the playing and composition.
Intro still gives me goosebumps.
Very cool is Mr. mk.ee. Appears he is from southern New Jersey as is Patti Smith. Something def in the air down there. 🖤
I just learned about MkGee a couple weeks ago. Excited to see where he goes. Enthralling melodies, very impressive guitar work - just hope he keeps the overall sound/song stye varied enough (there’s the rub, isn’t it?)
Love you Justin!
It was cool to watch Justin's face change from "musical analyst" into music fan towards the end.
Glad you read the lyrics at the end because they're very beautiful.
The intro song/riff was nice. I like the meandering.
That intro was 👌
Loved the Flamenco groove of the theme! We lost him a decade ago, but would love to hear you react to a Paco De Lucia performance. I realize this probably doesn't fit into the 'model' of the channel, but it would be cool to hear your thoughts on the artist. Thought it would interesting to hear your opinion in the context of 'great' guitarists. Thanks for the cool content. ( This is a nice one .. Mi Nino Curro, from a live performance in Sevilla - ua-cam.com/video/6wxdVUlG6GU/v-deo.html )
The Lemon Twigs are from Hicksville, NY. Proud to say I've enjoyed Brian D'Addario on acoustic guitar not once but twice, and hope to enjoy them for years to come. I was looking up into their baby faces and realized that one day I will be looking at their middle-aged faces and remembering when they had no lines in their faces. And then I actually got CHOKED UP. 😂 And then quickly stopped being overly sentimental and went back to enjoying the show.
I can't wait to check out this artist. Am I going to be enamored with yet another artist from this channel? First you give me The Struts and now maybe this guy too, we shall see.
I’m sure someone else has commented on this specifically but just want to bring attention to his previous albums which are also incredible. My personal fav, from 2018, “it’s pronounced McGee”
The signal break up via the old tape machine channel is inspired. Experimentation and happy accidents is how you get to cool stuff like that. Not searching UA-cam for what pedal someone uses.
He’s fkn incredible
You are my favorite UA-cam channel. I love your insight on everything. This guy is really good. Love it.
He DI's into an old Tascam Portastudio. Such an otherworldly sound
Your intro on the nylon strings sounds sick!
He’s playing a Fender Jaguar Baritone Custom!
This is the first time I've ever seen Justin speechless. And I absolutely agree.
He's back. In my feed. Again Again.
Mr mk.gee!!!
This was my most replayed album of 2024.
Loved the opening theme.
🎅Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone🎅
Just watched the Top Gear episode where you set a lap time in the reasonably priced car (Chevy). You look happier and healthier today my guy.
Hell yes
Thank you for this, Justin! Merry Christmas to you and yours! 🎄⭐️🎅
We deserve a full "Justin Hawkins Rides Again" song. Saw you front row in Atlanta, Tabernacle 2004. Sang your praises since, what a show, thanks for everything, now jog on 😉
I prefer Stephen Wilson Jr. phenomenal voice in a country grunge style. Father’s Son is one of my favourite songs I’ve discovered this year.
Thank you, JHRA, for another fantastic recommendation and in-depth analysis!💖 Mk.gee's guitar playing calls to my mind and ears the amazing Michael Hedges...also otherworldly and virtuoso, "Abs O'lutely" check him out!! I looove his cover of Neneh Cherry's "Buffalo Stance" and his performance of the e.e. cumming's poem, "I carry your heart"🤩
Wow! A special talent. Gorgeous. Thank you very much Justin
Hey Justin I guess this is your last transmission before Christmas so I’d just like to wish you and your daughter a very happy Christmas 😊
i’d love it if you could look at some more Wunderhorse. I really recommend Atlantis, one of their more underrated songs; it has a beatlesly melody.
So happy you done this video ❤
Tuned down to nearly baritone range which really keeps things interesting.
You gotta do Mixed Up Everything’s Normality. They are the next big thing I’m telling you. They just opened for the Offspring in Australia!
If Powderfinger & Silverchair had a lovechild .... they're ok, but I'd be surprised if J-Hawk was inspired by them TBH.
@ I beg to differ. They’re right up J-hawks alley. Give ‘em some time to show the world 🤘🏼
Agreed. Would love to hear J Hawks take on these young fellas. Definitely a band to watch out for.
Hope you check out his other live videos from this album - he’s special.
I absolutely love Mkgee, but either that performance isn’t live, they’re like an electric vehicle gliding through the stillest wind, or they’ve crafted the most phenomenal voice isolation software ever.
mk.gee let’s go
I just discovered MkGee from Saturday Night Live, but the song you played, he did it on Jimmy Kimmel and is on their UA-cam page, so check that out. His song Dream Police reminds me of Sting and The Police, tio be honest...
Do Unknown Mortal Orchestra next, you'd love'em
Finally!
Happy holidays
love this video! subscribed
He is definitely talented and has its own thing going on for sure but I find it really strange how Jai Paul is almost never mentioned when discussing his music.
This style of playing AND singing was super present on Jai Paul's stuff from ~10y ago.
oh great call, I think a lot of the "guitar music" fans who are discovering mkgee might not even know Jai Paul to pick up on that. But Mike def strikes me as having a foundation in that indie electronica side of things and the 80s references are being filtered through all that, that's what makes it such a unique sound. It's very post-vaporwave as well
what jai paul music would you believe shows this, because i see jai paul repeated in the music community and have no idea what to check out
@@kyloren9588 check out his latest release- the double single “do you love her now / he”, as well as his leaked debut album now officially released as Leak 04-13. str8 outta mumbai, crush, genevieve, jasmine, all night, BTSTU off the album are some essentials. the song ‘He’ especially has some mk.gee esque tones
@@kyloren9588his demo tapes BTSTU and Jasmie were his breakout tracks and are always great
@@kyloren9588 Jasmine is probably the best place to start and sounds somewhat similar to Mk.gee.
Gotta listen to the Alesia live
Each to their own
Do Dijon next! Mk.gee is his guitar player too
John Martyn's guitar with Terry Reid's vocals