Bursting onto the music scene as one-fifth of the female pop quintet Boysworld, Makhyli is now ready to carve her own lane with her infectious new single, “Breaking Bad”. Rock-infused with a bold hip-hop/R&B vibe, the song is an anthem to all those taking on the world unapologetically. Today, the Grand Rapids Michigan native joins me to speak candidly about what intrigues her musically and emotionally.
How did your musical journey begin?
I was debilitatingly shy as a kid, but always knew I wanted to be on the stage. Since I went to a Creative Arts elementary school, I really wanted, was to be in my school’s musical “The Sound of Music”. So, my mom would give me exercises to try to handle my shyness better, such as ordering my own food. I’d scream and cry, but eventually, I was able to do it, and ended up playing Liesel in the show!
Wow! That’s awesome! Was music your first love?
According to the letter that my mom wrote to me when I was a year old, yes. She said I’d be obsessed with watching music videos, and she’d catch me in the back seat singing along to the radio.
(Laughs) That’s really endearing and relatable How would you describe yourself in three words?
Passionate, complicated and sensitive.
Cool! Although the reasons differ, there are a little of those in all of us. What is one thing about your musical style that makes you unique?
It’s so unhinged. If I have the impulsive instinct to make a monster voice mid song. I’m gonna do it.
(Laughs) I just had a mental picture of that! Those are the hidden talents that very few are capable of. Who were three of your favorite artists growing up?
Alicia Keys, Keyshia Cole, and I loved Michael Jackson’s music growing up.
Great list! I love all three, especially Micheal! Do you incorporate any of them into your own style?
Maybe subconsciously! I feel like their music will always be loved and respected by me for sure.
Cool! What is one thing in your creative process as a solo artist, that was different from your creative process as part of a group?
Overall, I’m just doing way more. To every single word, melody, font, or color, every aspect is up to me now. With me being such a detail-oriented artist, there’s a lot more room to play now.
Totally understandable! Many artists who start out in singing groups often find life a solo artist more challenging. Was the transition smooth or rocky for you?
It’s been pretty smooth for me! I feel like I’m able to translate everything that I was so lucky to learn in the group, to my career now. It’s been super helpful!
The lyrical content of “Breaking Bad” features a sassy persona, accompanied by an edgy vibe. What inspired the song and it’s sound?
This song is equivalent to my life right now. “Breaking Bad” represents being unapologetic and my reintroduction to the world as a solo artist.
I hear that! What is something that you believed about yourself when you were younger, that you no longer believe as an adult?
I’ll just say that I used to be so book smart, and I have no idea where that went (laughs). Maybe it’s still in there deep down, but I used to go to specialty schools, science programs and even aviation academy. That literally seems like a different person when I think back.
(Laughs) Don’t worry, change is inevitable as we grow. What is the hardest lesson that life has ever taught you?
It’s taught me that sometimes confrontation is necessary. I used to be (and sometimes still am) the least confrontational person. I always feel like the world is crumbling if I have to confront them, then our relationship will never be the same. Life has taught me that it’s normal to have confrontations with people. It also taught me that if you care about each other enough, it’ll always work out.
Totally relatable on many levels! What is one thing that makes you happy?
I’ve actually been really into food prop making! I’ve been on set recently, and there’s fake cake slices, and I’ve been so interested on how prop food is made! Definitely something I want to be a part of in the future!
That’s interesting! What is one piece of advice that you wish that you had taken when you were younger?
There was this little girl in elementary school who would throw rocks at me, and my mom would tell me every day to not take it. I wish I would have thrown something back.
Oh wow! I’m sorry that you experienced that. Although it hurt you back then, you took the high road, which will benefit you in many scenarios through life. What is one thing you hope that people will never forget about you?
That I was a voice for the volatile seekers, and the “challant” people whose emotions tend to take over.
That’s great! What’s next for Makhyli ?
I want to perform with my whole heart. Even with one song out, I don’t care. I’ll perform it 7 times back to back (laughs). I already have my next single, and music video planned. Be ready because I always have something up my sleeve.
I know that’s right! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today!
It was honestly a blast! I love any moment given to self-reflect.
To stay connected, let the people know where they can find you.
Find me everywhere @makhyli Listen to my debut single “Breaking Bad” on all music platforms out now!
