# Bill MacKay and Michael Zerang Announce Collaborative Album Scarlet Hour Chicago musicians blend global folk influences on their upcoming record arriving early next year. - **Source:** [Stereogum](https://www.stereogum.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b636c07a-8294-4192-973a-f4e0ad196a9c ## New Collaborative Project Chicago-based musicians Bill MacKay and Michael Zerang have announced their upcoming collaborative album titled Scarlet Hour. The record is scheduled for release on January 29, 2027, through the Drag City label. This partnership follows MacKay's recent collaborative work with Cooper Crain on the BCMC record titled Stash, continuing his active local scene involvement. ## Global Musical Influences The eight-track album draws significant inspiration from a diverse range of international folk traditions. Specifically, the compositions incorporate stylistic elements from Arabian, Turkish, Indian, and Iberian music. These global influences are integrated into the duo's unique sonic framework, marking a distinct departure from their previous individual projects and established experimental musical styles. ## Instrumentation and Recording The album was recorded at the renowned Electrical Audio studio by engineer Nick Broste. Bill MacKay contributes on guitar, requinto, and piano, while Michael Zerang provides percussion and string textures using the darbuka, tambourine, and saz. This specific combination of instruments highlights the duo's focus on acoustic textures and intricate rhythmic arrangements. ## Lead Single Release The duo has shared the lead single titled New Song to accompany the album announcement. The track is paired with an official music video directed by Michael Vallera, which is currently available for viewing. This release serves as the primary introduction to the specific soundscape developed by MacKay and Zerang for this project. ## Album Tracklist Details Scarlet Hour consists of eight tracks in total, divided into two distinct halves. The tracklist includes titles such as Málaga, Kind Stranger, Blush And Quiver, and New Song. The second half features Scarlet Hour, Sun Dress, Smoke Rings, and Black Leaves, showcasing a structured approach to the album's overall narrative and flow. ## Upcoming Tour Dates To support the release, the musicians have scheduled a series of performances in the Midwest. The tour begins with a record release show on January 29, 2027, at The Hideout in Chicago. Subsequent dates include stops in Rock Island, Madison, and Milwaukee throughout March 2027, bringing their collaborative sound to regional audiences. ## Context of Collaboration Bill MacKay is well-known for his frequent collaborations within the Chicago experimental and folk music communities. By partnering with Michael Zerang, a percussionist known for his deep involvement in improvisational music, MacKay expands his artistic reach. This project highlights the collaborative nature of the Chicago scene, where artists frequently cross-pollinate their distinct styles. ## Significance of Release The release of Scarlet Hour represents a notable intersection of traditional folk instrumentation and contemporary experimental composition. By utilizing the saz and darbuka alongside standard guitar and piano, the duo creates a bridge between disparate musical cultures. Fans can currently pre-order the physical and digital editions of the album via Drag City. ## Sources covering this story - https://stereogum.com/2517296/bill-mackay-michael-zerang-announce-new-album-scarlet-hour-hear-new-song/music/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._