Award-winning singer-songwriter Mike McKenzie and Edinburgh’s ambient maestro Haquin team up on their new track, Treading Water, which is a poignant exploration of the depths of human emotion, particularly the shadows of depression and self-doubt.

McKenzie‘s soulful voice, laden with raw emotion, captures a candid reflection of his personal struggles as a queer musician in his mid-30s. McKenzie’s confession of masking his insecurities with a facade of positivity is a sentiment many can relate to. Behind the upbeat exterior, loneliness and self-doubt can be overwhelming, and Treading Water serves as a cathartic release of these pent-up emotions.

The verses paint a vivid picture of an individual constantly battling inner demons, trying to stay afloat amidst the waves of societal expectations and self-imposed pressures. Lines like “I always try to keep myself from drifting” and “They always said that I would never make it” alude to the challenges faced by those who dare to be different, to follow their passion against the grain.

Haquin’s lo-fi ambient beats provide the perfect backdrop to this emotional rollercoaster. The beats, subtle yet impactful, complement McKenzie’s heartfelt lyrics, adding layers of depth to the narrative. The synergy between the two artists is palpable, creating a track that is both dynamic and evocative.

The chorus, with its haunting repetition of “All my days I’ve figured out slow, that nobody knows I’m treading water,” serves as a powerful anthem for all those who’ve felt lost, unseen, or misunderstood. It’s a reminder that, even in our darkest moments, we’re not alone in our struggles.

You can catch McKenzie at his headline show at Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh on Sunday 20th August as part of the Edinburgh Fringe.