Mikalyn is an artist of many talents, with a one-of-a-kind style and unwavering drive, this indie pop star should be on your radar! Initially, she gained unconventional traction when a Brazilian record label discovered her original piano-driven music on Soundcloud and offered to transform them into EDM hits. Following her discovery, she began collaborations with various artists including Zuffo and Evokings which became unexpected steppingstones in building her career. The Canadian songwriter creates relatable songs which touch on relationships, love, or lack thereof, and everyday experiences and emotions. One of her latest releases, “Ready to Love You”, was written about needing to backtrack on a relationship. This song has a shimmering and catchy tune while Mikalyn’s soulful voice exudes honesty. In addition to her talent and devotion as an artist, Mikalyn is dedicated to working with cancer research charities, mental health initiatives, and The LivWise Foundation. Continue reading below to learn more about Mikalyn, her creative writing process, and how she gives back!

Finding a Soulful Connection with Robert Ball

Robert Ball, singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada, has a soulful voice with velvet tones to match. Having been inspired from everything Broadway, pop, and world music, to R&B and country, Robert has a diverse background that shows in his work. His new single, ‘I Need A Man,’ was recently released. The song emphasizes the importance of deep soulful connection with someone, not just a short term fix or casual fling. Additionally, Robert is on the steering committee for ‘BGMN’ the Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario, and a mentor, teaching artist with NIA Centre for the Arts, Vocal Coach with TIFTPA. As an LGBTQ artist, Robert explains that he finds it particularly important to ‘pay it forward’ to his mentees. Read more about Robert Ball’s music and activism in his interview with Jejune below.

SWAC: Influencer, Zissue 37Kaylyn WenzelNovember 4, 2021soul, connection, singer song writer, singer, songwriter, canada, broadway, pop, world, r&b, Country, blm, LGBTQ+, mentor, mentorship, activismComment

Kaitlyn Velez Sings In Style

Kaitlyn Velez isn’t your typical Gen-Z songbird – she embodies the style of a New York City “It Girl.” Her aesthetic as an artist is a blend of pastel and vaporwave visuals, and her music is bubblegum pop with some R&B influences. The young singer and songwriter tells Jejune about what inspires her to create, her single “FOMO”, her Hispanic background - raices - as artistic fuel and how she gives back through the intersection of music and activism.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 29Jejune ContributorFebruary 11, 2021latinx, singer song writer, Latin American, pop star, pop, new york city, girl power, nyc, it girlComment

Fall in Love with Teen Singer-Songwriter Lana Chalfoun

Young love can be a dream or a nightmare and Lana Chalfoun offers both perspectives in her music. Her new single “Cut Off” (coming out Feb. 12th) is a break-up song just in time for Valentine’s Day, which to be honest, is the perfect day to let yourself mourn lost love and move on by February 15th. A fount of youthful sound and energy, Lana’s been dropping music through the pandemic (check out her other singles “Be OK” and “Get Mad”), all of which share the twists and turns of love, anxiety, and coming of age. In our interview with Lana we talk about her music and her chosen charity of choice The Red Glasses Movement. Keep reading to fall more in love with Lana in our exclusive interview below.

ARIA Won't Let The Conversation Die!

Aria Brooks alias ARIA is a young creative to be on the look out for. When she’s not starring in Nickelodeon’s revival of the hit 90s sitcom, All That, she’s mixing her artistry and activism to inspire others to continue difficult, yet important conversations. ARIA’s latest single, Am I Next? and its music video are powerfully influenced by the Black Lives Matter defining the Summer of 2020 and beyond. Jejune talks to ARIA about her artistic endeavors, how they’ve looked during COVID-19, and how she is encouraging BIPOC and white youth alike to take a stand for social justice.

Gina Naomi Baez Shares Some Christmas Candlelight

Gina Naomi Baez is on our radar because she has a knack for putting a spin on holiday music. You may have seen her Youtube music video “Lizzo’s Truth Hurts x Hocus Pocus” that went viral, Lizzo and Bette Midler both sharing and reacting to the comedic parody, as well as another popular (and timely) music video inspired by Hocus Pocus called “I’ll Put a Mask on You”. Now, Gina is sharing her new single, “Christmas Candlelight” just in time for the winter holiday season. Outside of her music career, Gina gives back through a non-profit (which she started) called Kids Performing Who Kare. We’re big fans of Gina and we think you will be too — please keep reading for a dose of holiday cheer and to learn more about Gina below.

Art, zIssue 26Forrest JohnsonDecember 7, 2020music, musician, actor, actress, broadway, star, lizzo, hocus pocus, truth hurts, pop, philanthropy, give back, nonprofit, christmas, holiday, holidays, youtube, influencer, style, iconComment

Belle Scar is Transcendent

Belle Scar is a music project of multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, artist and producer Geeta . A Canadian now living in the UK, Belle Scar is creating art that can’t be confined to conventions of genre or fit into categorical expectations. For Belle Scar, music is not only a passion, it’s her way to survive in a strange and chaotic world, she works hard at creating something real, beautiful, sad, intense…an emotional journey, especially during our contemporary moment. We get a peek into the mind of the artist’s music, discussing the new EP’s “Mementos” and “The Eeriness” (both of which have a sound that is truly unique to Belle Scar) and her perspective on how to best support artists and musicians at this time. Please read below for our interview with Belle Scar.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 26Forrest JohnsonNovember 20, 2020music, musician, belle scar, pop, folke, artist, cinema, producer, music production, video, Give backComment

Broken Bones Matilda In Quarantine

Broken Bones Matilda is an alternative group comprising of childhood friends turned husband-and-wife-duo Sam Gotley and Sarah McGrigor. While many artists have been at home trying to figure out their next moves, Broken Bones Matilda never stopped performing live. They just do it over the internet now.

The economy has been hit hard by COVID-19, but no group has been hit as hard as artists, and especially live venues. In response to this, Broken Bones Matilda put together a virtual tour, #saveourvenues, where they performed over Instagram Live to raise money for all their favorite venues. To learn more about this amazing group and their tour, please read our exclusive interview here.

Elli Moore: Women Breaking Boundaries in Music Production

Female music producers can almost be considered an anomaly. An alarming gender gap exists, with only an estimated 1 in 47 music producers being female. However, there is an emerging group of women altering norms, composing authentic, innovative melodies.

Elli Moore, one half of the pop female writing/production duo, LYRE, along with music partner Alina Smith, is creating an international buzz in the music scene. The LYRE produced tracks such as Gabbie Hanna's, "Honestly".

In addition to her work as a producer, Elli partners with the organization "She Writes", teaching other young aspiring women how to write and produce music.

Elli has branched out as a solo artist, with her most recent single "OK". Her debut EP, "Confections" is out now. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Elli.