Makayla Lynn (Canada)

Makayla Lynn is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist from Nova Scotia, Canada. Do not let her young age fool you, Makayla has had musical experiences that many work their whole lives to achieve. She is a little girl with no fear, an unbelievable talent and huge dreams; a combination that will certainly lead her to an unstoppable career in the music industry.

At just 12 years old Makayla Lynn has already penned over 50 songs and independently released 2 cds 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, which includes several Nashville musicians. 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.” 

She has been fortunate enough to spend time and share stages with Carrie Underwood, The Dixie Chicks, Dwight Yoakam, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Tanya Tucker, Bill Anderson, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Kid Rock and countless others. In March 2013 Makayla took the stage with Juno Award Winning songwriter Serena Ryder for a duet in front of a sold out crowd. The following week she was the youngest performer at the East Coast Music Week receiving standing ovations from industry executives. 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 Country Music legend Ricky Skaggs, as well as Kira Isabella, Chad Brownlee, Charlie Major, Josh Macumber and others. In November 2013 Makayla will take the stage with Nashville artist Tenille for a duet during her Canadian school tour. There is no stage too big or too small for the pint sized crooner. She made this evident in July 2012 and 2013 when she performed on the main stage of the Cavendish Beach Music Festival in front of more than 22,000 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 as well as one one the youngest to have the honour to play the main stage at the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. 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. 

Makayla returned to Ontario in October 2012 performing at the prestigious Hugh's Room en route to Nashville which she took on with ease and confidence. During a short tour, Makayla Lynn demonstrated maturity and confidence playing many acoustic showcases and sets with the club's house bands. 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 and plans to return in the Spring of 2014 to promote her new album.

Makayla has lent her musical talent to many causes including The Canadian Cancer Foundation, The IWK Children's Telethon, The IWK's Great Big Dig, The QEII's night of Discovery Gala, The Kids Help Phone, 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. It June 2013 the song was picked up by the Canadian Red Cross as part of their RespectED Anti-bullying campaign. Since it's release in June 2010 Makayla has been a strong voice for other youth consistently spreading her message “you are not alone”. She has spoken out and been featured on CTV, CBC, Global, Eastlink, Bell Aliant and many other news outlets. It was because of this leadership that the Premier of Nova Scotia awarded her the Power of Positive Change scholarship that spring.

The more recognized the name Makayla Lynn becomes, the more her dreams are being realized. “I don't know what IT is, but you certainly have IT” said Freddy Webber of CKDU Radio. She is often referred to as the next Canadian superstar by many radio stations, concert announcers and artists alike. This is due to her effortless ability to play guitar, songwriting skills that are mature beyond her years, and a voice that seems far too strong and controlled to be coming from such a small package. Already her music has been played on CKDU radio, CBC Radio, vradio Nashville and many internet based stations. Her fan base is growing rapidly with more than a half million views of her videos on you tube and more than 3300 fans on her facebook page. She is currently ranked the #1 country artist in Nova Scotia by Reverbnation with more than 12,000 fans. 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.

(from official site)