Some people simply endure adversity without realizing their true strength. Some take adversity and make it beautiful. At Greater Austin Comic Con, I had the opportunity to speak with McKenna Michels, someone who possesses the talent and strength to do just that.
From the creator’s bio:
Meet McKenna Michels. Hailing from the vibrant city of Austin, where creativity lives on every corner, McKenna Michels is a singer-songwriter whose melodies and lyrics resonate deep within the soul. Her heart-driven songs give voice not only to the traumas she endured, but to countless nameless survivors who have faced similar challenges in their own lives.
Drawing inspiration from Adele, Florence + the Machine, Lady Gaga, Muse, Gorillaz, and a variety of Vocaloid artists, Michels values artists whose passion for music is matched by their inner strength. Channeling emotion through music and connecting with an audience, that is what gets her out of bed each morning. Beneath the surface of Michels’ melodies lies a story of profound resilience and strength. Her journey through a tumultuous and often abusive childhood (at the hands of her mother) imbues her music with an empowering salve, soothing not only her own wounds but also those who found comfort in her artistry. She says that “music has helped me to forgive and writing has helped me heal.” Taking in the perspectives of others, a skill she gained from moving around frequently as a child, allows her to write from a universal perspective and invites listeners into a place of healing and forgiveness.