Biography
Makayla Lynn (born 2001) is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Nova Scotia, Canada. At just 11 years old Makayla had penned over 40 songs and independently released two albums of all original work. Her debut album I'll Just Keep Being Me was recorded at the tender age of 9 and backed by the band Boothill. Makayla took the reins on the project, not only writing all the music and lyrics but arranging it all as well. It was then followed up by a second album The Music In Me (an acoustic demo) which was recorded at Denmark Recording Studio with award winning producer Dennis Field. Makayla decided to take a different approach the second time around feeling confident enough to lay down her own guitar and piano tracks. “I just really wanted the cd to be 100% me. I really feel like I am doing so well (on piano and guitar) and I wanted people to see just what I am able to do already.”
The past 3 years have found Makayla Lynn performing alongside of many of country music's biggest icons. She has been fortunate enough to spend time and share stages with Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Tanya Tucker, Bill Anderson, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Kid Rock and countless others. Being such a fresh face in the industry makes Makayla Lynn a sought after opening act for performers and venues. She has had the pleasure of opening for Charlie Major, Alabama, Josh Macumber and others. There is no stage too big or too small for the pint sized crooner. She made this evident in July 2012 when she performed on the main stage of the Cavendish Beach Music Festival in front of more than 17,000 screaming fans. “I knew the minute I strummed my first chord that I was exactly where I belong. This is where I need to be for the rest of my life.” Makayla Lynn was the youngest to ever play at that festival in Prince Edward Island. She was also the youngest at the Boots and Hearts Festival in Ontario where she took part in the Big Machine Label Group Showcase in August 2012.
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Two months later Makayla returned to Ontario performing at the prestigious Hugh's Room en route to Nashville which she took on with ease. During a short tour, Makayla Lynn demonstrated maturity and confidence playing many acoustic showcases and sets with the club's housebands. She turned heads at The Stage on Broadway, Legend's Corner and The Second Fiddle getting called back up for multiple encores. "I have to say I was very surprised to hear such a "grown up" voice coming from an eleven year young lady!! Very beautifully balanced, well controlled singer." said Kent Williams, Production/Booking Manager of the three venues. Makayla also performed at Nashville Palace, The Commodore Grill, and Hotel Indigo during her stay. She has already been offered future spots at each.
Makayla has lent her musical talent to many causes including The Canadian Cancer Foundation, The Relaunch of Bluenose II, The 60th anniversary of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee, The Christmas Daddies, The Nova Scotia Mental Health Foundation, The IWK Children's Hospital and many more. In Nova Scotia however, the name Makayla Lynn is synonymous with the fight against bullying. Her song The Joke's On You is being used as an anti-bullying theme in classrooms as far away as Japan and Australia. After it's release in April 2010 Makayla Lynn spent the remainder of the school year spreading her message “you are not alone” to newspapers, radio and television stations and in classrooms all around the Maritime's. It was because of this leadership that the Premier of Nova Scotia awarded her the Power of Positive Change scholarship that spring.
Last spring Makayla competed in the Kiwanis Music Festival and of the 8000 entries she was asked to be 1 of 11 acts to showcase in the Chronicle Herald Gala at the Rebecca Cohn. These spots are reserved for musicians of all genres who were considered the highlights of the festival. While she is a self taught guitarist, she is also a vocal and piano student and has earned awards for the highest voice and piano exam marks in her grade levels. She has won scholarships every year since beginning at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts and is a straight A grade school student. Not only is she talented she is also incredibly smart; a very powerful combination.
Her music has been played on CKDU radio, CBC Radio and many internet based stations. Her fan base is growing rapidly with more than 350,000 views of her videos on you tube and more than 1500 fans on her facebook page. At the prime age for social media, Makayla's internet based support system is expanding rapidly as she makes a name for herself all around the world.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.