We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Makena. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Makena below.
Makena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I’ve known my whole like I wanted to do music. It started at the age of 4 being completely obsessed with Britney Spears, and begging my parents to take to me to karaoke nights to sing.
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?
My name is Makena, and I’m an Artist/Songwriter based in LA. I’m originally from Lakewood, Colorado, the suburbs right outside of Denver. I describe my sound and artist project as “Salty Bitch Pop Music”. It’s a little cynical, a little sad, but also gives bad bitch energy. I’m most proud of the songs I’ve written. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most incredible and talented people in LA. The work I’ve been releasing lately, comes from a very dark time in life and navigating my first real heartbreak.. I’m honored to have collaborated with some of my best friends while creating this project. I love raw and honest lyrics with a bit of sass. My hope is that whoever hears my songs, find some sort of relatability in their own lives, and knows they’re not alone.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Around 5 years ago, I made the choice to leave Colorado and move to LA. This was one of the scariest, yet most thrilling decisions I’ve ever made. I felt stuck in Colorado, and like I hit my peak, and I new I needed to pushed in order to grow. The first two years living here were so difficult. I learned really fast who my friends were, and realized quickly how hard the music industry actually is, but with time and perseverance I started to really build a community out here. I have such an incredible group and creative team around here. I’m creating some of the best music I ever have, as well as gaining some organic traction on Spotify, and I truly believe that would’ve never happened if I stayed in Colorado.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I really wish I had a mentor earlier on in my career. I think that is something really important and overlooked in the industry. I think as artists we are expected to learn and figure out everything ourselves (which sometimes I think it’s good to fall and get back up on your own), but I think having people in your life who have already experienced similar things that your going through, and having someone that you can lean on for advice is a necessity. I feel like the industry can be very “gatekeeping” And “toxically competitive”, so finding people that just wanna help you succeed and teach you what they’ve learned it vital.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iammakena.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammakena/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMakena/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iammakena
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbYgXgtUq7ZY9GDi_CBkEuQ?view_as=subscriber
Image Credits
@Munnycat Kate & Khaled Tabbarra