Bill MacKay and Michael Zerang announce album Scarlet Hour
The eight-track collaboration is due on Drag City on 1/29/27, with lead single “New Song” accompanied by a Michael Vallera-directed video.
Bill MacKay and Michael Zerang have announced Scarlet Hour, a collaborative album scheduled for release through Drag City on 1/29/27. The musicians also have four shows scheduled, beginning with a record release performance at The Hideout in Chicago on the album’s release date.
The record draws on folk traditions from India and Iberia, alongside Arabian and Turkish influences. Nick Broste recorded its eight tracks at Electrical Audio. MacKay plays piano, guitar and requinto, while Zerang contributes saz, darbuka and tambourine.
“New Song” is the lead single, with an accompanying video directed by Michael Vallera. Other tracks include “Málaga,” “Kind Stranger,” “Blush And Quiver,” the title track, “Sun Dress,” “Smoke Rings” and “Black Leaves.” The collaboration follows Stash, the BCMC record MacKay made with Cooper Crain.
After the Chicago performance, the pair’s itinerary lists Rozz-Tox in Rock Island on 03/19/27, Arts + Literature Laboratory in Madison on 03/20/27 and Woodland Pattern in Milwaukee on 03/21/27.
