Mikara: Self-Love and Melancholia
Mikara On Spotify
Los Angeles, CA — Emerging singer, songwriter and solo artist, Mikara, takes center stage as she delves into her life in Los Angeles and her latest EP, Melancholia. The Japanese-American songstress has made a name for herself with captivating lyricism and exceptional style. Drawing musical inspiration from personal relationships and everyday life, Mikara’s authentic sound resonates deeply with her fanbase, propelling her further into the spotlight.
The inventive artist took her music production to the next level with her heartfelt EP, Melancholia, which was produced by Jeremiah Raisen. The elaborative and heartfelt project features delicate, yet, assertive lyrics, backed by a series of piano-led instrumentals. Melancholia details the churning emotions of post-breakup with sincere honesty and authentic reflection.
Channeling that same candor, Mikara shares with us the significance of her new EP:
“This EP has been so exciting to create because it comes straight from the heart and is a genuine form of me and my art. Most of my past projects have been collaborations, where I topline a track —which were awesome!”
Speaking of collaborations, she recently teamed up with Seattle-based musician, Aydren, and EDM DJ and producer, Zendt, for the release of their single, ‘After the Fall.’ Featuring layered vocals by Mikara and Aydren, the empowering electro pop track provides hope to listeners during these uncertain times, as wildfires continue to destroy the environment and politics remain divisive.
When asked what it was like working with Aydren and Zendt, Mikara says…
“SO fun! I loved working with them. I met Aydren pre-COVID at the ASCAP music expo in Los Angeles and he reached out to me last year about providing vocals for ‘After the Fall.’ When I heard what Aydren and Zendt had created, I was obsessed! I immediately agreed to singing vocals for the track.”
Of the many collaborations that Mikara has been a part of, it’s safe to say that some of the most meaningful ones have been those she’s done with her father, K-Doh—guitarist of K-Doh & the Doh-nutz. As a child, K-Doh would play the guitar before bedtime to help Mikara and her two siblings fall asleep. Although it worked for her siblings, Mikara preferred to stay up late, singing and dancing along. While her father would tune his guitar, he quickly realized that Mikara was singing in tune with the notes. The pair have been performing together since she was six years old; they even formed a band together with some of her friends when she was in middle school.
Speaking on what it’s been like working together with her father, Mikara shares…
“It’s so easy to perform with him since we’ve been playing music together for so long; we’re really in sync. Even if making a mistake, we’re able to follow each other and when I work with other guitarists it’s just not the same, ha-ha. Both of our performances have come a long way since I was a child and as I got more involved in songwriting and taking my career seriously, he did as well. When I left for college, he took over the band for his own and gigs regularly with them. He’s graduated from backup guitarist to a performer, himself!”
Although Mikara has experienced much success as a performer, there can be many challenges that can arise when you’re an emerging artist in the music industry. When it comes to overcoming any internal and external struggles that she’s had to face along the way, Mikara says…
“People will try to take advantage of you in this industry. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past, but I’ve learned from them and am now more critical of who I work with. And the importance of a specific contract! Key word, “specific”.
When faced with adversity, however, Mikara continues to turn negatives into positives. As a global pandemic continues to affect the lives of everyone, including musicians, she has used the experience to her advantage.
“With quarantine and not having access to a studio, the pandemic made me become more self-sufficient. I’ve learned how fun it can be to learn how to do things on my own, and it’s led to more creativity. Creating music has really kept me sane this past year,” she explains.
We were interested in learning more about Mikara’s creative process. Mikara elaborates “Often times I’ll write full songs with melody and lyrics and record it in my voice memos. I’ll then go the piano to find the chords and flesh it out from there!”
She’s inspired by other artists with unique production styles, as well. Some of her dream collaborations include: Porter Robinson, FINNEAS, and Brakence. As for an artist whose work inspires her music creation the most, Lana Del Rey is at the top of her list.
“A song I’ve been listening to on repeat lately, is ‘White Dress’ … I love the jazzy raw performance vibes,” says Mikara.
Prior to the release of her new EP, Mikara’s sound had a soulful, electro pop vibe. She describes her new sound as “dreamy honey-coated vocals over electronic pop vibes.” That could all change though, because as an ever-evolving artist, she refuses to limit her creative scope. According to Mikara, the greatest professional advice she’s ever received, is to find her own unique sound and niche, and to not become a second rate version of someone else.
When asked what motivates her daily to do what she does as an artist/songwriter/producer, she says…
“There’s something therapeutic about making music and it’s gotten me through a lot of tough times. I want my music to help others who have gone through similar experiences. I want people to know they’re not alone.”
She hopes that if her fans take one message away from her music, it’s this:
“I want people to know they’re not alone. We all go through heartbreak and tough times and sometimes you just need to know someone else has been there and things will be OK.”
Looking ahead, Mikara has a series of amazing projects lined up. Her new EP is scheduled to be released August 6. That night, she’ll be having a release party at Ollie’s Pub, in Lodi, CA, where fans are encouraged to come eat, drink and dance the night away. After that, she plans to keep rolling out new singles throughout the year. She’s also organizing the 4th annual Roc-Vemberfest with her father. The charitable music festival helps bring local musicians together to raise money for veterans over Veteran’s Day weekend.
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