Montreal-based singer/songwriter Makk Mikkael (MacKenzie Michael) grew up surrounded by musicians in Whitefish, Montana. She then moved to Calgary, where she lived for a while with her family as she focused on developing her sound.

After releasing a country album at age 15, Mikkael moved to LA and Toronto to gain new inspirations and experiences for the single that followed. Now currently residing in Montreal, she is signed to her producer Alex Lustig and has been in the studio writing for her upcoming EP.

She has lots on the go right now and will be releasing her debut EP this fall, with singles being released starting in May. Mikkael’s last 3 singles that are out she has gotten love from New Music Friday and various chill playlists. She continues to grow and pull from events in her life as her sound continues to flourish.

Describe your sound for us. What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?

I would say my sound is ambient spacey. I want my music to take people to a place good or bad but somewhere.

Which 3 artists have influenced you the most growing up?

Lykke Li
The 1975
The Japanese House

How did you discover your particular sound?

I developed my sound through listening to these influential artists and shaping it into my own. All styles of music impact me most positively and I can pull ideas and visions from listening. I’ve always kinda had my “sound” in the back of my head though which I think is a good base to start from.

What are the most important pieces of equipment to you?

My Neumann mic, mini keyboard, and laptop. Everything I need to record.

What outside of music inspires you to create?

People inspire me to create. I think there’s so much good and bad to be learned from everyone you encounter. I think everyone you meet is meant to be in your life for a reason to either teach you or help you grow.

Do you have a favourite memory of your career so far that you will take with you forever?

Something that stands out is hanging with Lana Del Rey at a Duran Duran show. It was so random but cool. I’ve moved around a lot by myself starting at a pretty young age for music so I think every experience I’ve had has been surreal but I didn’t realize it at the time.

If you could work with, or perform alongside any artist living or passed, who would it be?

That’s so difficult. I have a huge list. I would love to collaborate with The Japanese House & The 1975. Pretty much everyone on Dirty Hit Records to be honest.

Most artists say that if they weren’t artists they would be mailmen/women… what would you be?

Most likely in acting or something creative. I’ve been super interested in directing. I need to let out my energy constantly through some outlet so anything in the arts would do it.

What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

I have an EP coming out. My debut project called “nudes & clouds produced by Alex Lustig. I’m super excited for that, it drops everywhere November 15th. Other than that I’m doing lots of creating.

 

 

Follow Makk Mikkael online:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud