News
Beth McKenzie unleashes her Deluxe EP ‘Does This Make Me A Bitter Woman?’
Beth McKenzie shares two brand new singles as part of her Deluxe EP release ‘Does This Make Me A Bitter Woman?’ out now via Handwritten Records
Manchester-based singer songwriter Beth McKenzie is back and not a moment too soon. Revealing two brand new singles as part of her deluxe EP release, ‘Catching The Next Train’ takes center stage as a beautiful, honest new single. Beth explained: “Sometimes the fallout of a relationship isn’t screaming and shouting, sometimes it's a more subtle breakdown, and the hard part is actually admitting that there’s a problem.”
Articulated through skilled lyricism and heavenly vocals, the track is a reminder that sometimes someone has to rip off the bandaid. Sharing more she added ‘Make the hard decisions, make the tough call. Don’t settle for something just because it’s familiar and comfortable if it’s not what you truly want.’
Also brand new today is tender and personal ‘My Skeleton Mocks Me’. Written quietly, late at night, the stripped back track is a powerful reminder that unspoken emotions never truly disappear - they resurface and often at a great cost. Sharing more Beth explained: “My Skeleton Mocks Me' is about how trauma is stored in the body and how difficult it can be to just exist, let alone function, in a body that has such uncomfortable memories/feelings stored in it.”
“I remember feeling like the things I’d experienced in the past had stripped me of my future. No matter how hard I tried to bury the things that troubled me, I was still holding it all in my body, which manifested itself in every way it could, both physically and mentally. I’d realised just how important it was for me to stop ignoring and suppressing the emotions I didn’t want to feel. I’d come to terms with the fact that my only way out was by processing the memories. I now realise that the reason I felt like my body was holding onto everything, was because I was pushing it down so deeply that my mind and body started to internalise my experiences, which were then influencing my life.”
The Deluxe version of ‘Does This Make Me A Bitter Woman?’ is here almost a year on from the original release.
The last year has seen Beth hunker down and evolve her songwriting, channeling her life experiences into digestible keepsakes that leave her loyal fanbase in awe of her drive and resilience. Having already proved herself to be a versatile and vibrant indie-pop artist to watch, the new Deluxe release is set to be a significant moment to take notice of Beth McKenzie.
Timeless pop-bops like ‘The Cult’, ‘She’s Finally Lost It’ and ‘Inside Out’ see Beth transform darkness into explosive, unapologetic catharsis. With infectious buoyancy, the playful quality of the upbeat moments add an extra layer of vibrancy to the EP. Sharing more she explained : “For me, once I’ve processed something, it's really important to find the funny side and not be afraid to poke fun at it. I think that can be really helpful when you’re going through something potentially quite dark and sinister, to allow yourself to see the funny side when you’re ready to.”
‘Don’t Tell My Boyfriend’, was the moment that Beth began to turn heads on a much bigger scale. It became a queer anthem on TikTok as Beth deconstructed a partner's internalized homophobia through her impressive songwriting. The track quickly gained traction. putting her on the map as an exciting new artist to watch and leading to her signing with Las Vegas-based label Handwritten Records (KiNG MALA, Jean Dawson, Rachel Bochner).
More delicate moments on the record like ‘It Won’t Always Feel So Heavy’ demonstrate a courageous honesty that brings Beth’s flawless vocals to front. Sharing more: “Sometimes I feel l’m not making as much progress as I’d like to, with my health and mental health challenges. People tell me I’ll get there and it will get easier. I try to believe them, but sometimes I struggle to see a time where it will be easier.”
Manchester-based Beth McKenzie has arrived as a breath of fresh air on the emerging pop scene. She's already proved herself to have a natural way of songwriting that far exceeds her years. After growing up on a diet of defiant female artists such as Lily Allen, Paloma Faith and Gabrielle Aplin, the Stockport-born musician combines Britpop nostalgia with ‘00s pop alongside an empowering Gen Z transparency. Having already scooped support from a wealth of tastemakers including BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop, Clash Magazine, F Word Magazine, DIY, Wonderland and At Wood, the future looks bright for Beth McKenzie. Additionally she has scooped Spotify support from Fresh Finds UK & Ireland, New Pop Picks and Apple Music support on New Music Daily, New In Pop plus lots more!
As a female and queer artist, Beth's passion to be a part of the changing industry landscape is a driving force within all aspects of her music. Whether it's through lyrically grappling with her identity or nurturing her growing fanbase, she strives to become the representation that she sought growing up.
With lots more new music in the works, keep all eyes on Beth McKenzie