Guest Artist Bios

Maiya Sykes, vocalist

Maiya Sykes is a classically trained vocalist, producer, vocal arranger and entrepreneur. She studied independently with Nina Simone and Betty Carter. After graduating from Yale University, she went on to further her musical education at The Musicians’ Institute.

Sykes has provided back-up vocals for for The Black Eyed Peas, Macy Gray, Fantasia, Joss Stone, Michael Bublé, Leona Lewis, and Rita Ora. She was a featured backup singer for Macy Gray in her live show for more than five years. She recently provided backgrounds and was featured in the Academy Award-winning film La La Land .

As a recording artist, Sykes released a dance single with DJ Manny Lehman, “Body Rock,” recorded under the pseudonym Oceana, which reached number 1 on the Billboard Dance Charts in 2009.

Shortly after her four-chair-turning debut on season 7 of The Voice , Sykes began working with YouTube sensation Postmodern Jukebox. Her featured videos with Postmodern Jukebox have received over 3 million views and have been mentioned in Time Magazine and the Huffington Post.

Currently, Sykes has been busy as the lead singer of The Endangered. The band’s second release, produced by legendary producer Steven Miller (Dave Matthews Band, Chaka Khan), was released in early March 2012 to critical acclaim.

MacKenzie, vocalist

MacKenzie, a powerhouse singer-songwriter from Northern Virginia, is renowned for his dynamic vocal range, magnetic stage presence, and captivating performances. Deeply influenced by musical legends James Brown, Prince, and Freddie Mercury, MacKenzie channels their energy and artistry into his own unique sound, blending funk, soul, and rock with a contemporary edge.

As the lead vocalist for the trailblazing funk collective Ghost-Note, he has toured internationally, mesmerizing audiences with his commanding voice and showmanship. MacKenzie’s talents earned him a GRAMMY® nomination for his collaboration with the acclaimed Cory Henry, further showcasing his versatility as an artist. He also serves as the lead vocalist for the band formerly known as New Power Generation, adding to his impressive resume and cementing his status as one of the most compelling vocalists in the industry today.