We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mikara a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikara, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My latest release “Don’t Know How to Love” has been released in partnership with the SF Asian Women’s Shelter to raise awareness on domestic violence.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey! My name is Mikara and I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. My dad introduced me to music at a young age, playing guitar at my bedside in attempts to get me to fall asleep. And while this method seemed to work on my siblings before me, it did the opposite for me as I always felt energized, bouncing up and down on the bed and singing along. My parents recognized my love for music and signed me up for choir, vocal lessons and Suzuki piano which got me performing on a stage by the time I was 6. Anytime I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up the answer was easy, “pop star!” And things haven’t changed much since. Being on stage, I love connecting with the crowd, becoming one with the music and the emotions the songwriting brings out. I’ve always been passionate about connecting with others and there’s no better way to do that than through music and singing. Creating a community has always been important to me. My latest song, “Don’t Know How to Love” is a reminder to those out there who have been hurt in toxic relationships that they’re not alone and that love shouldn’t hurt. I released this song in partnership with The Slants Foundation and the San Francisco Asian Women’s Shelter to raise awareness on domestic violence. In my music video, you’ll notice artwork from the Asian Women’s Shelter’s latest campaign “Let’s Talk About Us” which reminds us how we’re responsible for each other as a community. It reminds us to listen, have honest conversations, and look out for each other.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Leaving a toxic relationship is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I came out so much stronger. If you’ve ever been in that position then you probably know how isolated the other person tries to make you feel. They pull you away from your friends, family and passions – and for me that was music. Once I left, I tried to keep that part of me and that story hidden, buried deep down in hopes I’d never have to confront what happened. It took me years to talk about but I finally found my voice and the courage to speak up to remind others that they’re not alone. Rather than let my past hold me back, I learned to be vulnerable and share that story through my music and social media to amplify others voices and their stories. It’s a reminder that what’s happened to us in our past doesn’t make us weak, we’re able to overcome it and we’re stronger together.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Getting to connect with you guys a hundred percent. I love hearing from people who reach out and share their own story that resonates with a song I’ve put out. Or seeing everyone’s faces in the crowd and getting to meet them after a show. Making real connections with y’all and becoming friends is what it’s all about!   

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lilmikara.com
• Instagram: @lilmikara
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lilmikara
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Mikara
• Tiktok: @lilmikara

Image Credits
Bella Guerra