Mikyla Cara is a UK-based singer and songwriter. Her soulful voice, contemporary writing style, and chosen melodies place her firmly in the neosoul/R&B genre among her most notable influences and sources of inspiration, Alicia Keys, Brandy, and Aretha Franklin. As a self-described empath, her voice is highly affective, elucidating her personal experiences and pain through her music as a vocalist and lyricist.
She just returned with the feel-good track “If u don’t mind”. We sat down with her to learn more about her artistry, new release and memorable times.
- Can you tell us a bit about your early life in Luton and how it influenced your musical journey?
I grew up in a diverse town full of vibrant culture and music. I would say growing up somewhere such as Luton has definitely influenced my sound and the type of music I create. It also presented me with musical opportunities throughout my young life that influenced the music I create today.
- At what age did you start singing and when did you realize that music was your passion?
I honestly feel like I’ve always sung, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t haha. My earliest memory was when I sang ‘My heart will go on’ (the Titanic classic) in the school assembly in primary school and I remember the buzz I felt being on stage and thinking “I wanna do this again” 
. From there I began performing whenever there was an opportunity and as I got older, I began to write my own songs. Naturally my passion for music has grown and evolved continuously throughout the years.
- Who were your musical inspirations growing up, and how did they shape your sound?
I absolutely loved and still do love Alicia Keys! I remember my Mum used to play her ‘Diary of Alicia Keys’ album in the car on the way to school and I just loved her voice and her overall sound. Other musical inspiration came from 90’s and 00’s R&B as well as soul legends and vocal powerhouses. I definitely feel as though these styles of music and the artists I listened to is prevalent in my music today and for sure shaped my sound as an artist.
- What was the inspiration behind your new track “If U Don’t Mind”?
Most songs I write have a relatively long process, working through melodies and lyrical ideas but with this one I heard the music, and I knew straight away that this song was going to be a feel-good anthem and from there I started crafting some ideas. I also felt the song needed to radiate a feel-good vibe, both melodically and lyrically and include some sort of love story. So, I ended up taking inspiration from conversations with my best friend and using those stories creatively as well as referring to our friendship in the lyrics such as “messages throughout the day just to see if I’m ok” and of course by referencing our favourite coffee “almond latte with vanilla too”. Sometimes you have to get creative and make up your own love story haha.
- You’ve performed at some iconic venues like The Apollo Theatre and Volta Amsterdam. Which performance has been your most memorable and why?
I would have to say my performance at the Apollo theatre New York city was most memorable. It was actually terrifying to begin with because the girl who was on stage before me got booed off! Despite being scared I just went for it and sung my heart out and I got an incredible reception from the 1500 audience members! The feeling I felt after that performance was indescribable, but I knew from there that I was on the right path, and I felt at home on the stage.
- What has been the most rewarding part of your musical career so far?
Such a good question! Receiving messages from people I don’t know to tell me how much my music resonates with them or has helped them through a tough time has got to be the most rewarding part of being an artist. People connecting with my music as a whole is so rewarding.
- What message do you hope to convey through your music to your listeners?
In my music, I strive to be authentic and true to myself, drawing inspiration from my personal experiences to share genuine emotions and stories with my listeners.
- How do you stay inspired and motivated in your musical journey?
My motivation comes from knowing this is what I’m meant to be doing and the joy I feel from creating music. I live a very busy life, but I have learnt to make time to reset and recharge and focus on my wellbeing amongst working hard, this balance keeps me level-headed and gives me the space I need to be creative. I would say the same goes for how I remain inspired, however a lot of that also comes from real life experiences either from my perspective or those around me.
- What advice would you give to aspiring singers and songwriters trying to break into the industry?
Don’t get caught up in the comparison game. Be yourself and focus your energy into your art instead of what everyone else is doing.
- Can you tell us something about yourself that your fans might not know?
They already know I’m a crazy cat lady lol but I am also a huge advocate for animal welfare. I am also into personal growth, spiritual well-being and overall health and fitness.
Follow Mikyla Cara:
Instagram – Facebook – Website – Twitter
