Art is an extremely social practice. Whether it’s working with others to get a project out and running, performing to an audience, or simply befriending and networking with other artists, there’s a lot to be missed as we continue to follow COVID-19 protocols nearly a year later. However, seeing a familiar face and hearing a familiar voice even if virtual can be just the antidote we need for the COVID winter blues. PAC provided us with just that, bringing Mikayla McLean ‘19 back to her St. Lawrence roots on February 26th for a conversation and performance featuring her new single “House Made of Stone”. 

McLean is an Arts Annex and PAC alumnus herself, who sat in our positions only two years ago. On her return, she says the following about being able to come back to St. Lawrence (even if just virtually): 

“I was beyond excited when SLU PAC asked me to give a talk and perform. I remember how exciting it was for me when we would have guest musicians come in and looking back, I never thought that person could be me. Some of the songs I’m working on now I wrote at the Arts Annex…being able to come back and touch base with where some of this all started only makes me more excited for what is to come.”

Mikayla McLean has certainly taken her future into her own hands, dedicating herself to her passion of music while also balancing many other facets of her life. Moving across the country to pursue a creative writing MFA at Chapman University, she found herself in a compromising situation as the pandemic began soon after she arrived. Knowing she wanted to create music and pursue it professionally, McLean took the leap and began recording her own in a studio, where she was able to then put songs up on Spotify.

Before performing for us, McLean told us of her experience on her music journey thus far, which she describes as “laborious, reflective, scary, but really really fun.” What she shared with us was both fascinating and inspiring, telling us how she promotes herself on social media and puts herself out of her comfort zone to find success in what she does. She explained the process from writing to recording to distributing to Spotify data, and while I’d love to have something more succinct and perhaps poetic to say, all I can tell you is that it’s incredibly cool to watch and listen to people pursuing and achieving their dreams. Seeing someone like McLean taking risks and being so dedicated to her own growth and aspirations serves as a reminder that investing in yourself is worth it, and that we are capable of amazing things when we put our mind to it. 

One of the most interesting things that resonated with me as McLean took us through her process and background was how she was able to collaborate with artists despite the current state of our country. She noted that she misses performing at open mics, that they weren’t just a great opportunity to share new music, but were places to socialize with other musicians. Having moved to California just before the pandemic hit, she has really relied on social media and the Internet in general to make these creative collaborations. Connection is something we so dearly miss nowadays, and it doesn’t quite strike us until how far those losses of connection reach until they are swept from under us. Nonetheless, they can still be found, McLean’s work a prime example of that. Her recent song “House Made of Stone” was created alongside Ommar Ney, who plays guitar and piano on the track. It was co-produced by Ommar Ney and Ethan Herrera, who did the percussion. The three sent each other recordings from their homes back and forth as it came into fruition, and finally sent it to Brian Murphee for mastering. 

Upon listening to McLean perform, there is no denying that she is a powerhouse of pure talent. You’ll first feel soothed by her gorgeous voice, but it is her vulnerability that hooks you and hits you hard. Even within first listen, you’ll hear lyrics that are so clearly personal, and so poetically written. “Oh, and if these walls could talk/They’d talk all the goddamn time,”she sings in another song “What to Do,”  “First they’d warm you up with sweetness/Hold you when you’re in your weakest state of mind.” It feels as though McLean is throwing a rope to us, and pulling us in to reflect on and feel that same vulnerability. She bares her all, and invites us to do the same. 

This emotionally-charged art can be difficult sometimes, but creates the art that is most authentic to you. When asked what advice she would give to other people pursuing a music career, she offered what she had learned so far: 

“Just start making music. This sounds obvious but it held me back for a long time, as I never felt quite ‘ready’. Music doesn’t have to feel fully written, or fully thought out in order to deserve any light. I’ve found that a lot of the really good stuff happens when you’re just in it, trying. Don’t stand in your own way.” 

It was truly lovely to have McLean back at St. Lawrence (kind of) to talk and perform to us. She radiates passion, and was generous in all she did, from showing us a brand new song, to taking the time to catch up with each of us individually. With her drive and personality, there is not a doubt in my mind that she will continue creating phenomenal work that will only soar to even greater heights when we can all be together performing and creating music within arms length. If McLean was able to create such a deep connection with us over Zoom, there’s no telling what she’ll be able to do in person. 

Check out Mikayla McLean’s journey and music: 

Spotify: Mikayla McLean

Instagram: @mikmclean