macsmusic
Ken McLachlin
A singer-songwriter, story tellin' folk guy.
Ken sings from the heart combining stories and song.
Pour yourself a coffee, favourite brew or beverage and take a look around the site.
Explore what his music is all about.
About the Singer
I've been on this musical path for 40+ years now. A bit cliche, but wow, how time flies by.
Welcome, I'm Ken McLachlin and have performed as macsmusic since around 2008.
Over the years I've met some very amazing, kind and wonderful people, both performers & music lovers. I'm very grateful for that.
I've had a number of people join and stay with me on this journey, who I see regularly at my shows, both in person and on-line. That's pretty exciting to me. It's always great to see you.
My Musical Influences
My earliest influence was the Canadian folk music icon, Valdy and also that of the great Canadian singer-songwriter, Gord Lightfoot. I've been told you can hear both of their influence in my music.
I've always had a great appreciation for John Prine's music and also Canadian folk singer-songwriter, Stan Rogers. Stan had an amazing ability to tell his stories in song. I like to think (hope) that I write in a similar style.
There are so many great musicians & songwriters, ... and trying to list them here, would be doing an injustice to the amazing folks making music out there.
I'm an admirer of folk, Celtic, country, blues and rock.
Truth be known, I'm a sucker for a good story and a catchy chord progression!
More info is available to you in my Bio, located here.
-Ken-
"... any artist wants their output to not only endure, but to actually mean something, hopefully uplift people."
Gord Sinclair - The Tragically Hip, on CBC's Q, June 2, 2021
“Anytime a line is not working for me … I’ll think: WWJPD. (What would John Prine do.)”
Kacey Musgraves, 2016
- macsmusic -
Some Good Stuff to Know
My Newsletter
In 2025, I started a newsletter to keep you folks up to date on what I was up to while on my musical journey.
It's titled, The Folk & Stuff Digest.
Full of inside info, insights and news, it is only available on Substack.
Substack is free to you, it's free from algorithms, AND my newsletter is FREE too!
Please come join along here.
Winter Is Here
My 3rd solo album, Winter Is Here, dropped on May 15, 2026 and features 7 new songs.
It took me about 2 years to complete and reflects where I now find myself in life, that being having more years behind me than ahead of me.
The album presents a renewed appreciation for the past and, of course, gratitude for all things present.
WIH has a very acoustic, folk and roots vibe that allows you to get nice and close to the music.
Digital downloads are available on my Subvert and on my bandcamp .
I also have limited edition, souvenir CDs that I'll have at my shows, or by special request.
Come hear my new stories.
Ken
The Clown Show
On Feb. 13, 2026, I release a single track titled, The Clown Show.
It is a song born out of shock, concern and outrage over the Trump Administration's current policies, greed and arrogance.
It was written to express my concern and safety for the people, including our friends and family who reside there.
The Clown Show is available on my Subvert and on my bandcamp .
Stay Safe Friends,
Ken
My 2nd EP album: Folk From Home
May 5, 2024 saw the release of my 2nd solo album titled, Folk From Home.
FFH is a collection of 8 original songs of mine that are all proudly tied to my hometown area, which is located near Lake Huron and the St. Clair River in southwestern Ontario.
I've been wanting to put together a collection of songs like this for a long time. (One more thing off of my bucket list!)
An acoustic, folk and roots sound overall, telling some cool stories.
More info is available about Folk From Home is located here and on my Subvert and on my bandcamp page.
Souvenir CDs are available at my shows.
Cheers, Ken
My first solo album:
Been There, Done That
This is my first studio album since 2001, and my very first solo EP.
The album is titled 'Been There, Done That'.
I wrote, played, sang, arranged and produced this in it's entirety!
Released in Dec. of 2021 it consists of 6 original songs that captures a series of life moments with a folk and roots feel throughout.
Ken
Purchase your own digital copy on my Subvert or on my bandcamp .
Souvenir CDs are available at my shows!
For more about Been There, Done That click here.
On Social Media:
Here's all of my social media profiles, my website, my Substack & my music links for you in one easy-peasy bio.link spot!
Click HERE.
I'd love to have you join, Like, link and follow along!
See you there :-)
Where Am I Playing Next?
Follow me on BandsInTown
You can find my show schedule here on my website or download the bandsintown app!
Available in the Google Play Store and the Apple Store, bandsintown enables you to keep track of not only my concert dates but other bands and musicians that you enjoy.
Never miss another show with the bandsintown app!
Buy Me A Coffee?
Buy Me A Coffee is a great alternative to express your support!
It's a virtual tip-jar where you can buy me a coffee, or whatever amount you wish, using this simple site. It supports PayPal or any major credit card.
Your support ☕ means a great deal to me & goes directly to furthering my musical journey.
You can check it out here: Buy Me A Coffee
The Ballad of John Lewis
May 23, 2025 was the 89th anniversary of the death of Constable John Lewis, who was the very first Sarnia Police Officer killed in the line of duty. He responded, with other Officers, to a hold-up call at the local liquor store.
I first wrote this song in 2018 and finally completed a studio version recording of it, released on May 23, 2020.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley described The Ballad of John Lewis as, "A very special moment. Gordon Lightfoot could have written this ballad. Beautiful."
You can hear it here, on my bandcamp.com account.
