Superficial Spirit – Episode: Jayden MacKenzie

In this episode, I’m joined by rising pop powerhouse Jayden McKenzie — a Vancouver-based artist making waves with cinematic vocals, big queer energy, and unapologetically bold aesthetics. We talk about how he found his sound, what it’s like navigating the music industry as an independent artist, and how pop can be both a sanctuary and a battleground.

From heartbreak anthems to dancefloor catharsis, Jayden opens up about the power of performance, queer identity, and why making music is his ultimate form of self-expression.

🎧 Listen to Jayden McKenzie on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Ypv6T1cArcW9wFv8sl0jJ

Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with Vancouver’s own Dust Cwaine—a non-binary drag artist, singer-songwriter, and indie-rock provocateur. We talk about their journey from small-town theatre kid to queer scene leader, the making of their EP 17, and how they blend 90s alt-rock with drag spectacle to tell stories of fatness, aromanticism, and self-discovery. It’s a conversation full of heart, humor, and high-voltage honesty.

Support the show

This week I’m joined by rising Canadian pop artist Connor Nelson, whose signature “Midnight Pop” sound blends moody R&B with cinematic production. We talk about the making of his debut EP Red Mountain Light, landing his song on Ginny & Georgia, and what it means to be an indie queer artist on the verge of a breakout moment.

Follow Connor: connornelsonmusic.com

Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

Support the show