We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Makena Brown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Makena below.
Hi Makena, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
My most meaningful project so far has been an EP called “January Bugs” that came out on July 13th, 2024. The songs on the composition were all born from a time of immense loneliness and isolation. But what makes this body of work so special, is the vibrant community that it came to life in the company of.
Makena, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Wasp Eater is the musical project of songwriter Makena Brown. Her debut EP, ‘January Bugs’, was released on July 13th 2024. It is a heartfelt collection of tunes blended together with folk sounds from her Kentucky hometown, rock influences from her days listening to her father’s bands, and honesty — with themes of heartache pulled from a challenging time in her personal life.
Makena is a product of years of musical influence and love of the guitar. She started playing and writing around her 10th birthday and has never stopped. When she turned 18 she moved to Nashville to begin a more serious quest towards her creative pursuits. From there she has spent time in Berlin, New York, and Los Angeles, exploring ideas bigger than herself.
Wasp Eater was born in 2023, after five years of coaxing her songs and visual world into existence. To Makena, Wasp Eater is the symbol of overcoming fear, alchemizing it into something larger.
Wasp Eater has had the privilege of playing solo and full band shows around Nashville, and Los Angeles. These include: The 5 Spot, The Basement, Eastside Bowl, The Soho House, Gold Diggers, etc.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Healing through music. Whether for myself or for anyone who hears the songs I’ve written. My goal is to create a world through lyrics and soundscape that fosters a space of elevation and growth. I feel drawn to explore the deepest corners of my own mind in hopes that others can see themselves in these places.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Completing a project! I recently just finished my first full length album, which took five years of struggle and creative unblocking to arrive at. Having a complete idea come to fruition after years of dreaming about it, is a feeling like no other. I am so grateful to be in position where I can relish in the hard work, and look forward to the numerous albums that I’ll get to create in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waspeater.com
- Instagram: @eatingwasps
Image Credits
Violet Teegardin, Avery Adzima