Ciera MacKenzie Turns Heartbreak and Self-Sacrifice Into New Single “Red”

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Love may inspire the most beautiful of acts, but it may also take individuals on paths they were never meant to follow. One such individual is Ciera MacKenzie. She takes listeners through a dark yet passionate side of love in her latest single, “Red.” It’s an emotional country-rock record that delves deep into the emotions of intense love, desire, and desperation.

Not showing love as simplistic and pure-hearted, the track focuses on how one gives his or her all for the relationship without knowing if the other has put forth the same effort. This emotional song was, at first, thought to be too personal for MacKenzie. Only to realize later on that it connected with others as well.

The Story Behind Ciera MacKenzie’s “Red”

“Red” was inspired by another song. MacKenzie had once been repeatedly played Coldplay’s “Yellow” by someone who considered it the soundtrack to their relationship. However, the emotion of this song left an impression on her, especially the willingness to sacrifice everything for someone you love. In response to the breakup, Ciera MacKenzie wrote “Red.”

At the same time, MacKenzie had a friend who found herself in a similar situation. She said that she loved someone to such an extent that she was ready to do anything for his happiness, although he did not share the same feeling. Their conversation helped shape the emotional core of “Red.” As for MacKenzie, the track became bigger than one relationship. She wanted to capture a feeling that many people experience but may struggle to articulate. Loving someone so much that the relationship begins to consume your sense of self.

A Country-Rock Sound With a Cinematic Heart

On a musical level, “Red” takes Ciera MacKenzie further down a path of country rock. The single includes 1960s rock elements along with the “red dirt country” sound that she experienced while residing in Oklahoma.

These factors create an earthy feel to the song while keeping the emotional core of the lyrics intact. The guitar is also an important part of MacKenzie’s work, since her connection with the instrument strongly influences her songwriting process. One of the most meaningful lyrics is the picture of lassoing the moon in order to please a loved one. This idea comes from one of MacKenzie’s favorite movies, It’s a Wonderful Life, and shows how much effort would be put in order to please the other.

From a Song Hidden Away to a Song Shared

Originally, MacKenzie hid the song “Red,” as she believed the content of its lyrics could be perceived by listeners in an extreme way. Some time later, the artist decided to play the song live, and it made her reconsider her decision.

Following concerts, many people started approaching her with comments that the song sounded like she had opened a private diary. It helped MacKenzie realize that the emotions, which she used to consider extremely personal, could be experienced by other people. This idea played a vital role in the appearance of “Red.” This song is not only about being heartbroken. It tells a story about the anguish, hope, and even self-denial that can appear due to the feeling of being madly in love.

“Red” ultimately stands for the chapter that Ciera MacKenzie was once too afraid to disclose. Now, she makes it public, presenting her audience with one of her most personal pieces of art.

Listen to Ciera MacKenzie’s “Red” out now: