Mackenzie “Mack” Romano has been laying down killer drum beats for over 20 years, bringing passion, precision, and pure rock energy to her performances. Raised on a steady diet of legendary rock, folk, and blues—think The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and Fleetwood Mac—music was in her blood from the start.
Her drumming journey kicked off at age 12 when her middle school music teacher saw her potential and encouraged her to pick up the sticks. It wasn’t long before Mackenzie got her first drum kit, and from that moment on, there was no looking back. She quickly found herself jamming on drums and congas in her church band, mentored by none other than Dusty Slaybaugh (Spider Kelly, Ratt).
Determined to push her craft even further, Mackenzie took formal lessons as an adult, while living in San Francisco, with Jake Wood (touring drummer for Hamilton, Diego’s Umbrella). After returning to Southern California, she continued her studies with Scott Reeder of Fu Manchu and Social Distortion fame, who remains her mentor to this day.
In 2022, Mackenzie joined the powerhouse original rock band Barely Lethal, based in Santa Ana, CA. With them, she rocked iconic venues like Whisky a Go Go, Alex’s Bar (Long Beach), and Transplants Brewing Co. The band’s electrifying track “Code Red” even earned a spot on KLOS’ Stay or Go segment, where listeners overwhelmingly voted “stay.” Now, Barely Lethal is gearing up for their highly anticipated third and final album, Posthumous, set to drop in February 2025.
Mackenzie’s drumming journey reached new heights in April 2024 when she took part in the Red Hot Chili Peppers-themed Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp. There, she jammed alongside legendary drummers like Chad Smith and Vinny Appice (Dio, Black Sabbath), forging connections with an incredible network of musicians. The experience was so impactful that she signed up for another round in December 2024—this time, an all-female camp where she was personally mentored by trailblazing drummer Samantha Maloney (Hole, Mötley Crüe).
Known for her high-energy performances and unrelenting power behind the kit, Mackenzie doesn’t just play the drums—she owns them. She’s a regular in the SoCal jam scene, tearing up the stage at PopRockz (Hotel Ziggy), Last Call (Tarzana), and the invite-only Rainbow Bar & Grill jam hosted by Scoonie G. She’s also played live with acts like Herway to Hell (all-female AC/DC tribute), original country artist Sabrina Lentini, and rock group Azalea.
Recently, Mackenzie was featured on Pro Drum Hollywood’s “Groove of the Day” Instagram segment, laying down a “YYZ” inspired beat from one of her drumming heroes, Neil Peart.
Mackenzie Romano is a force behind the drums, and she’s just getting started.