by Runs Nov. 10-14 
Makayla Lynn is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist from Nova Scotia. Do not let her age fool you, Makayla has had musical experiences that many work their whole lives to achieve. She is a fresh face with an unbelievable talent and huge dreams; a combination that will certainly lead her to an unstoppable career in the music industry. Barely a teenager, Makayla Lynn has already penned over 50 songs and has just finished recording her third album “Daydream” in Nashville, TN which released in June 2014 and has been nominated for the IMEA Country Album of the Year as well as Music Nova Scotia’s Country Recording of the Year. A ground breaking project for such a young artist, the components of the album will make it competitive in today’s country market. The first single was released to 150 stations across Canada in August 2014 and has made the DMDS chart for the most active indies in it’s first week at radio. “Makayla Lynn has it…and it’s just the beginning. At 13 she can hold a crowd of thousands with her singing/songwriting and playing. Can’t wait to see what her budding career will bring the world of country music” ~ Russell MacKenzie, FX101.9fm – Halifax March 2014 found Makayla Lynn in Nashville, TN working with some of the top A-list musicians in Music City on her first fully produced, radio quality mastered, studio album. Having written or co-written 6 of the tracks sets the young songwriter apart from many others her age. Since the release of her first two albums “I’ll Just Keep Being Me” and “The Music In Me” at 9 and 10 years old respectively, Makayla has been experiencing a rapidly growing fan base with more than 650,000 views of her videos on you tube and more than 4800 fans on her facebook page. She is currently ranked the #1 country artist in Nova Scotia and #3 in Canada by Reverbnation with more than 16,500 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. The past 3 years have found Makayla Lynn performing alongside of many of country music’s biggest icons. 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. August 2014 Makayla joined songwriter Bruce Guthro at the Halifax Metro Centre as part of an event for the Stan Rogers Festival where she performed the ballad she wrote for the 3 fallen police officers in Moncton. “Fallen Hero” has since been picked up by the Canadian Red Cross and the Illinois State Police Department for use in powerful tribute videos. 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, Dallas Smith, Chad Brownlee, Charlie Major, Josh Macumber and others. There is no stage too big or too small for Makayla. She made this evident in July 2012 – 2014 when she performed on the main stage of the Cavendish Beach Music Festival all 3 years in front of more than 22,000 screaming fans. Makayla Lynn was the youngest to ever play at that festival in Prince Edward Island as well as one of 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 2015 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. For the past 4 years Makayla has competed in the Kiwanis Music Festival and in 2012, of the 8000 entries she was asked to be 1 of 11 acts to showcase in the Chronicle Herald Gala at the Rebecca Cohn. These spots are reserved for musicians of all genres who were considered the highlights of the festival. While she is a self taught guitarist, she is also a vocal and piano student and has earned awards for the highest voice and piano exam marks in her grade levels. She has won scholarships every year since beginning at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts and is a straight A grade school student. Not only is she talented she is also incredibly smart; a very powerful combination. With many festivals and showcases already secured for 2014 & 2015, keep your eyes on this rising star as she continues to tour as an acoustic solo act, or backed by her full band of seasoned musicians.
