McKenna Michels

Meet McKenna Michels. Hailing from the vibrant city of Austin, where creativity lives on every corner, McKenna Michels is a singer-songwriter whose melodies and lyrics resonate deep within the soul. Her heart driven songs give voice not only to the traumas she endured, but to countless nameless survivors who have faced similar challenges in their own lives.

Drawing inspiration from Adele, Florence + the Machine, Lady Gaga, Muse, Gorillaz and a variety of Vocaloid artists, Michels values artists whose passion for music is matched by their inner strength. Channeling emotion through music and connecting with an audience, that is what gets her out of bed each morning.

Beneath the surface of Michels' melodies lies a story of profound resilience and strength. Her journey through a tumultuous and often abusive childhood relationship with her mother imbues her music with an empowering salve, soothing not only her own wounds but also those who found comfort in her artistry. She says that “music has helped me to forgive and writing has helped me heal.” Taking in the perspectives of others, a skill she gained from moving around frequently as a child, allows her to write from a universal perspective and invites listeners into a place of healing and forgiveness.

2022 saw the release of Michels' debut album, "Enlightenment,” released on Arching Dog. The poignant singles "Survivor," "Running," and "Born To Die," reached impressive positions on the Billboard Hot AC charts and resonated with listeners of all ages. "Enlightenment" stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft, and is available on all streaming platforms.

Michels’ passion for music can be traced back to her early childhood - a memory of driving with her grandmother, listening to "The Phantom of the Opera." At the tender age of 10, she wrote her first song. In middle school she joined the choir and musical theater productions, and then challenged herself further with opera. During her freshman year of college, she performed at the venerable Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

Yet it would take two more years for Michels to fully commit to chasing a career in music. Craving an outlet for her self-expression, she gave herself an ultimatum when she walked into a coffee shop (aptly named Mozart’s) and said if she could secure a spot there, she’d go after a life in music. After submitting three songs, she locked in the gig that very day.