April 22, 2025
Champions: Abigail Fierce, Passion and Persistence in Songwriting
In this interview, we talk with Abigail Fierce, a Los Angeles–based indie pop-rock singer-songwriter and actor. She shares how her love for writing and music led her to start creating songs on her own, teaching herself guitar and writing every night. With a thoughtful approach to storytelling and a genuine passion for the craft, Abigail reflects on what it takes to grow as an artist—and why staying true to what you love is the most important part.
You have a career that spans both acting and music. Can you share a little about how you started in both fields and how much each has influenced the other?
Music is something I’ve always loved. Acting was something I definitely always wanted to do. And when I was 12 years old, I went out to LA for a week, and I got an agent and a manager. My mom was kinda like, “Well, if you’re good enough to do that, maybe we can try this,” because it wasn’t easy to convince them—both of my parents are in the science field. And when I told them I wanted to be an actor, my mom was like, “It’s pronounced doctor.” So when I started coming out here for acting, it was for a couple of months at a time, and then my mom and I just kinda ended up out here full-time. For high school, I was partially homeschooled. I kinda taught myself how to play guitar, and I started writing songs—or at least writing—every night. Eventually, it was just something I could really see myself doing. It originally started as a hobby, and I’m just lucky enough to have been able to turn it into a career.
So you perform as Abigail Fierce in the music world. How did you come up with your stage name, and what does it represent for you?
When I was looking for an artist or project name, it was right before the pandemic. Both of my grandparents on my mom’s side passed away within a couple of weeks of each other. It was a hard time, and I was cleaning out their house when I found that my grandmother had a family tree going all the way back to the 1500s or something crazy. And someone on her side had the last name “Fierce.” I was like, oh my god, that’s so freaking cool. I’d be a fool not to do something with that. It was also a way to honor her, because she never really got to hear my music. She had dementia, and once my mom played her the demo for the very first song I released, Pitch Dark, because I had just recorded it. And she said, “That’s Abigail? That’s beautiful.” So that’s a memory I’ll definitely keep with me forever.
What inspires your songwriting process, and what themes do you explore in your songs?
I always say inspiration is everywhere and nowhere all at once. So I try to sit down and play guitar every night. Sometimes I just mess around, sometimes I get part of a song, sometimes a whole song—you never know what’s gonna happen. It’s really just about the persistence of sitting down and writing. I love to read and I’ve always loved to write, so I just churn stuff out. Eventually, you sort through it and find something good.
And what artists influence your music?
I like to say my music is like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift meets Courtney Love and Alanis Morissette. I love ’90s rock so much, but I also kinda grew up in the singer-songwriter era. So I try to mesh everything I like. And I think if you listen to my discography, you can hear moments from all of those artists.
So, onto a few Make Music Day questions. What first drew you to Make Music Day, and how did you get involved?
I’m a PRS Pulse artist, and they sent out an email about participating. So I signed up on the website—I just thought it looked fun.
And was that your first time hearing about Make Music Day?
Yes, actually. When I performed at Make Music Day last year, a guy came up to me and was like, “This is crazy. I didn’t know this was a global thing.” He said he was in France one year, just walking around, and it was Make Music Day. Then that day last year, he was just walking around in Topanga Canyon, and it was Make Music Day again. He was like, “I didn’t know it was in France too.” I was like, “That’s crazy, I didn’t know that either!”
How was your experience performing for Make Music Day?
I had so much fun. Last year, I was part of the Topanga Canyon chapter, and Topanga Canyon is like a canyon right outside LA. It’s kind of an artistic community, and there are a bunch of businesses along the road. So I was just playing on the side of the road, and cars were stopping, honking their horns—it was just fun.
What’s next for you in terms of music or acting? Any upcoming releases or projects you’re excited to share?
Yes! I’m in a horror movie called Skill House. It’s produced by 50 Cent and stars some huge influencers like Hannah Stocking and Bryce Hall. It’s about influencers getting trapped in a house and dying one by one. That’s coming out July 11 in theaters—they just announced it! Music-wise, I have two songs, hopefully coming out this summer—two more singles. It’s been a minute since I last released something, so I’m really excited. I’m trying to get everything in order so it can be a solid major thing.
What advice would you give to new musicians just starting out?
You have to be willing to play the long game. You have to do it because you love it, not just because you think it’s cool or want to be famous, because it will be the fight of your life. It will take longer than you think—even if your product is really good, it’s hard to get people to care, especially these days. It’s a huge market. There’s so much out there. Even on TikTok, our brains are used to so much stimulation. The human attention span in the ’60s was eight seconds. Now it’s three seconds to grab someone. And my music style is storytelling, so it’s kinda hard to grab someone in three seconds on TikTok when I’m trying to tell a whole story in three or four minutes. So I guess my advice would be: if you really love it, hang in there. Always strive to get better and learn. I think the minute you think your stuff is really great is the minute you stop getting better. So, just always be humble and always be willing to learn.
Finally, what would you say your goal in music is?
I have so many goals. I’ve been performing live a lot over the past year, and one of my big goals is that I’d love to play a major festival. That would be awesome. I haven’t performed at a festival yet. I’m going to be playing at Musikfest, which is in Pennsylvania in August, so that’s kinda my first festival experience. I did open for a Taylor Swift tribute band last August, and they said we had a crowd of 10,000 people. That was definitely the biggest crowd I’ve ever played to. It was so fun—some little girls wanted me to sign their posters. That was just an amazing experience.
April 21, 2025
Champions: Cat Crash, Riot Grrrl Energy, Queercore Heart
In this interview, we talk with two members of Cat Crash—Cecil Yang and Briar Chung. Cat Crash is a three-piece Riot Grrrl band based between New York and Connecticut, blending the spirit of queercore with a pop-punk edge. They shared their experience performing at Make Music Day and the journey that brought them to where they are now. With their fierce sound and unstoppable passion, Cat Crash is more than ready to take over the coolest stages.
Can you tell us how Cat Crash started? How did you all meet and start playing together?
Cecil: I started Cat Crash in July 2022 with a former friend. We decided we needed a guitarist and a drummer. I actually didn’t know how to play any instrument, but I picked up the bass so I could be the bassist. We put out an Instagram post saying we were looking for a drummer and a guitarist. Brett reached out via Instagram, auditioned for drums, but didn’t get the position at the time. A couple of months later, the former guitarist left Cat Crash, so I asked Brett to fill in—and he’s been with us ever since. He kind of became an official member around February 2024. Then, Briar and I met in the summer of 2023 during a filmmaking class. We became friends there and worked on music together—she’d already helped with Cat Crash stuff and even filled in on guitar once. But it wasn’t until our drummer dropped out—literally a month before our first tour—that I texted Briar. And without even really thinking about it, she was just like, “I’ll be your drummer.”
Briar: I think it’s kinda funny how the three of us all sort of knew each other before the band. Like, Brett and Cecil went to the same high school but didn’t really talk. I’d been friends with the band and helping behind the scenes for years before joining as a member. So it feels deeper than just auditioning and getting a spot—it’s all these weird, overlapping connections.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it?
Cecil: I’d call it Riot Riot Grrrl. We’ve got the energy and attitude of Riot Grrrl, even if not every song’s subject matter fits that exactly. Our actual sound is probably more like pop punk.
What artists or bands inspire your songs or your sound?
Cecil: My top three are Fall Out Boy, Mitski, and Bikini Kill.
Briar: I think it’s cool that a lot of our influences aren’t even in the same genre. So we definitely pull from all over—it’s fun to draw from artists far outside our lane.
What’s something fun or unexpected about being in a band?
Cecil: I always say a band is like a relationship. It takes a lot of communication and commitment. We’ve had a lot of members come and go. Honestly, other than me, Brett’s the longest-standing member—and we had a different drummer up until December.
How did you come up with the name Cat Crash?
Cecil: It came from a Reddit comment where someone misspelled “car crash.” I thought it sounded like a cool band name. I wrote it down in this Notes app doc of potential band names and sent it to my former bandmate. She liked Cat Crash, so it stuck.
Let’s talk Make Music Day. How did you first get involved?
Cecil: Back when we were a smaller band, it was harder to get gigs. We heard about Make Music Day, where anyone could sign up to play at a local venue, so we did!
How was the experience performing at Make Music Day?
Cecil: It was great meeting other bands in the area, seeing people from our town come out to watch. A lot of our friends came since the venue was literally just down the street from our house.
And what do you think makes Make Music Day different from other festivals?
Cecil: It’s super open—it’s happening all across the town, and anyone can get involved. There’s no gatekeeping. You don’t need to hit a certain threshold to be part of it.
What’s next for Cat Crash? Any upcoming projects, tours, or releases?
Cecil: We’re competing in the Vans Warped Tour Battle of the Bands. Honestly, we don’t even know how we’re doing, but it would be a dream to play at the event, especially since a lot of festivals near us don’t have the most diverse lineups. Vans Warped has been like that in the past too, and I think it’d be really cool for a queer Asian band like us to play there. Besides that, we’re also planning a summer tour in July and August and working on our debut album.
Finally, what advice would you give to new musicians, especially in punk and queercore?
Cecil: The biggest thing is commitment. Like, just show up and put in the work. So many people get tripped up because they love the idea of being in a band, but not the execution. And in punk or queercore, my advice is—don’t let the haters get you down. There are gatekeepers who don’t want you there. But it’s about finding the people who do want you there—and letting them know you want them there too.
April 18, 2025
Champions: Leah Wrenne, Using Music to Heal and Connect
In this interview, we talk with Leah Wrenne, a soul-folk-pop singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. She shares the story of her early connection to music, the importance of mental health, and the powerful link between music and healing. With a voice that soothes like a warm cup of tea and lyrics rooted in vulnerability, Leah blends soul, indie folk, and pop influences into a sound that’s uniquely her own. Her upcoming release, a collaborative track titled Out of Time, is just around the corner.
I’ve read you started your musical journey at just eight years old. Can you share a bit about that early spark and what drew you to music?
Definitely. I would say it really started when I was five years old—that was the first time I got really interested in music. I grew up in a family that was super involved in church, and they were like, “Yeah, everyone’s going to do something,” so we were in the choir. And I loved it. I told my dad at five, “Build me a stage because I’m going to sing,” and he did. I was really determined to do music in some capacity. I loved listening to music, singing music… And then when I was eight, I started struggling a bit with anxiety. It was hard for me to be seen and heard by people, but music gave me a space where I could do that. That’s when I started writing songs.
Your sound blends soul, indie folk, and indie pop. How would you describe your music, and how has your style evolved over the years?
I’d describe my music as kind of like taking the first sip of hot tea on a cold day—it’s soothing. A lot of my songs are just me processing emotions. I’m not writing music thinking, “I want to put this out into the world.” I’m just trying to understand what I’m feeling or thinking. My style has definitely evolved over the years. Growing up, I mostly listened to gospel—that’s what my parents played. I loved the soulfulness of it. Then I got into pop and was drawn to what they were able to do lyrically. I also used to be obsessed with Rascal Flatts! At one point, I told my sister, “Girl, we’re going to be a country duo.” That didn’t happen, but I really loved country music. Then I started listening to The Oh Hellos—they’re this indie folk group with Irish vibes, banjo, violin… just a lot of cool instruments that make you feel like you’re being transported in time. I love that. I also listen to The Paper Kites; I just love how mellow and soothing their music is. For me, folk music is about storytelling. I think a lot of music out there can feel empty—it might have a beat, but it doesn’t say anything. I want to make music that tells a story and has purpose.
Mental health is a big theme in your music. How has your personal journey influenced your decision to speak out about it through your songs?
Yeah. I started struggling with anxiety when I was eight. I didn’t have the words for it—I just knew my heart was racing, I was sweaty, trembling, clammy… I didn’t know it was anxiety, I just felt sick. Later, when I was 11, I began dealing with depression too. Having music as an outlet was really helpful. I eventually went to Temple University to study psychology because I wanted to understand what I was going through. I remember my school guidance counselor actually walked me to the counseling center because I was too scared to go by myself. I didn’t think I needed it—there’s such a stigma around mental health, and I thought getting help meant I was admitting I was struggling. But that really changed my life. I started therapy, and then later medication, and it truly changed my world. I could actually participate in life. Before, I couldn’t even go to the mall or out to eat without being riddled with anxiety. It just wasn’t enjoyable.
What first drew you to Make Music Day? Was it a local event, or did someone invite you to participate?
I think I saw someone on Instagram talking about it—they said you could just sign up and play in different places, and I thought, “That sounds cool.” I really love using my platform as a musician to also talk about mental health. I work for a mental health nonprofit called NAMI—the National Alliance on Mental Illness—and part of what I do is teach youth how to use the feelings wheel to write songs, poems, and raps about their emotions. So when I performed at Make Music Philly, I also handed out flyers. Because it shouldn’t just end with one day—we should be making music forever. Music lets us tell our stories, and our stories deserve to be told.
How was your experience performing at Make Music Day? How did it feel to connect with the community?
It was awesome. I performed at two different places, and it was really cool meeting other musicians. But it was also really great to meet people who didn’t necessarily think of themselves as musicians—they just liked listening to music. It felt special to connect with people based on our shared love of music, even if our tastes or styles were different. I think it’s important not to stay stuck in one genre. Music gives us the chance to experience all kinds of feelings, and I love that. This was my first year participating, and I’m so glad I did.
What’s next for you musically? Any new projects coming up?
Yes! I’m releasing a collaborative song with a friend on April 26th. It’s about procrastinating and feeling paralyzed when you’re overwhelmed. It’s called Out of Time, and it’ll be on all streaming platforms.
Last question—what advice would you give to someone just starting their musical journey?
I would say to just keep going. Just keep going because I think a lot of times I have felt discouraged, for example by things that people have said that were not very kind. I would just say keep going. Ignore the naysayers. You should be in this for you. It’s not about what you can do with it or how far you can get. It’s healing for you. And then, in that way, it can be healing for other people.
April 14, 2025
Champions: Matt Axton, Honoring Legacy
In this interview, we talk with Matt Axton, a West Coast-based Americana singer-songwriter, guitarist, and bandleader. Matt comes from a remarkable musical legacy—with his grandmother, father, and mother all rooted in the industry—and has carved his own path with a genre-blending sound he calls “mountain soul rock and roll.” He’s a passionate performer, a believer in the power of community, and an advocate for keeping live music alive. Just a couple of weeks ago, Matt released his new outlaw country single, “Same Old Story.”
I’ve been reading about your background, I know you come from a musical family. Can you share how that heritage shaped your path as a musician?
Absolutely. As you hinted, I come from a musical legacy family—actually, a double legacy family. Both my grandmother and my dad were heavily influential in the music industry. They helped a lot of artists get into the business and create sustainable lives as independent musicians. That’s something I also try hard to support and create. Music has been everywhere in my life. My mom’s a professional musician too, so I couldn’t help but grow up with love and respect for the arts. Art and music were always encouraged—and now, it’s the lifestyle I’ve chosen.
How would you describe your sound in your own words? I’ve heard you say “mountain soul rock and roll.” What does that phrase mean to you?
Yeah, the general term people use nowadays is Americana—it’s kind of a blanket term, like how they used to call everything rock and roll. But we say “mountain soul rock and roll” because it reflects our roots. I was born and raised in the mountains, so there’s a rootsy, jammy element. We’re also very guitar-heavy, which gives us that rock and roll feel. And nothing’s ever wrong with a little bit of soul in there. My dad was multi-genre, and I’ve always had the mentality of just writing a good song—regardless of genre—and making it stick.
Have you ever thought about switching genres entirely, or do you feel you’ll always stay close to your musical roots?
We actually hop genres a lot, especially in our live shows. On the same tour, we’ll play a late-night honky tonk in Texas and lean very country. Right now, we’re in Nashville, so we’re definitely leaning into that sound. But if we head to the Pacific Northwest, we get more jammy and rocky. We like to adjust our set based on the region and the venue. That said, I’ve written funk songs, and sometimes I’ll get a band together to record them—or work with other musicians on different styles. I respect and love all genres. We like to poke around and see what sticks.
What keeps you inspired to keep creating and performing? Any recent moments that reminded you why you do this?
Legacy is a big motivator—finding ways to keep my family alive through their music and art. That means a lot to me. Also, in today’s digital world, there’s something irreplaceable about live shows. Seeing the band and the crowd lock in—that’s about as close to magic as it gets. That kind of connection is so powerful. And honestly, in almost every show, someone comes up and tells me a story about my dad or my grandma. That’s such a cool, unexpected cherry on top.
How did you first get involved with Make Music Day?
Last year, a musician in LA named Will Hawkins—who plays in a bunch of bands—was organizing an event in Topanga. He invited me to join, and I said sure. Once I learned what Make Music Day was about, and heard the mission, I was totally in. I work with a lot of music nonprofits, and I give time and support to causes like that. So once I saw what you were doing, I thought it was one of the coolest things I’d ever heard.
How was your experience performing at Make Music Day?
It was very fun! I actually got to cross a couple of things off my list—it was my first Make Music Day and my first time out in Topanga. If you’ve ever been there, Topanga Canyon is this quirky little hippie enclave outside of LA. There was a lot of music happening in a bunch of different spots, so the whole area was just full of good energy and sound. The only downside was—it was very sunny and hot! But other than that, it was a blast.
What would you say to a young musician just picking up an instrument or writing their first song?
Oh, what I’d say is: go. Go experiment. Grow. The world can never have too much music. We need more musicians and artists now more than ever. Go experience life. Go find some content to make your songs bigger and broader and better. Songs are meant to come from some fantasy or some experience or that kind of stuff. And without that, you don’t have a big enough well to write a bunch of tunes. So go out there, experience life, and that’ll give you the inspiration. Everybody does it in different ways, but spreading joy is the easiest way I’ve found. So—go spread some joy.
And one last question before we go—what would you say your goal in music is?
Oh, well—the overall, the broadest goal I can have is—this is sort of our mantra—the joy thing. We push that a lot: bringing joy to the world. And like I said, my family, for a few generations now, has seen and believed the power that music has to create community and create culture and sort of change the world if it’s done right. So I know it’s very altruistic sounding, but that is the goal—to just change the world one note at a time. And, every once in a while, we get lucky. And obviously, you gotta figure out how to make a living doing it too. That’s the biggest thing that has changed in my life—being a professional musician and realizing the business part of it is almost as important, just to keep the music stuff going.
April 7, 2025
Make Music City of the Week: Phoenix, AZ
After a hiatus during the pandemic, Make Music Phoenix was reborn in 2024 under the leadership of Rosie’s House, a music academy for children in the city’s Central Arts District.
This year, Phoenicians can beat the heat on June 21 with a day-long program at the Heard Museum, hands-on activities at the Arizona Opera, Taiko drumming workshops with Fushicho Daiko Dojo, beat making sessions at the BE KIND center, bands and beers at Greenwood Brewing, and many more free events all over town.
Learn more at the Make Music Phoenix website!
April 7, 2025
Music For Paper
Make Music Day invites truly anyone to create music on June 21.
Taking this idea to heart, composer and ukulele virtuoso James Hill has devised a project that lets anyone write music and explore sound using only a sheet of paper.
Following his instructions for Music For Paper, anyone can hand out blank pieces of paper on Make Music Day, and invite passersby on your block – or customers at your store, or patients in your waiting room – to form bands on the spot and make music together using only the sound of the paper (hitting it, shaking it, crumpling it, ripping it, etc).
Watch the videos on his website to learn how to lead the event, and download audio backing tracks to create your own Paper Symphony.
Register your Music For Paper event here!
March 21, 2025
#MySongIsYourSong
We are thrilled to announce that Make Music Nigeria is taking the lead to coordinate Make Music Day’s sixth annual global song swap!
For #MySongIsYourSong, songwriters and composers of all kinds are invited to sign up to learn and perform a song by an artist from another part of the world, and hear one of your original songs covered by them in return.
In recent years, this truly global project has attracted hundreds of talented artists from Nigeria, Australia, Turkey, the UK, the US, and beyond.
Click here to register for #MySongIsYourSong! (Registration deadline is April 28)
March 21, 2025
Announcing Critical Impact
For Make Music Day’s 2nd collaboration with the NFHS, the NAMM Foundation, and MakeMusic, Inc, school and community bands can sign up for free, early access to composer Brian Balmages’s new work, Critical Impact, celebrating the power of music education. This Grade 2 piece is flexibly orchestrated for Concert Band, Full Orchestra, or for band and strings combined.
We invite your band to join! Perform it live on Make Music Day, or send a video of your ensemble performing Critical Impact for us to release on June 21.
Teachers and students are also invited to submit video testimonials about the “critical impact” of music education, and enter your school to win a share of $15,000 in new music from Alfred Music!
All bands are invited to register here. Printable sheet music and free access to MakeMusic Cloud will be emailed to you as soon as you sign up.
December 20, 2024
Make Music Alliance at the 2025 NAMM Show
In partnership with The NAMM Foundation, Make Music Alliance is excited to invite you to The 2025 NAMM Show, January 21 – 25 in Anaheim, California.
The NAMM Show is the place for networking, over 80 professional development sessions, live music, and innovative music products from thousands of brands. As part of the show, the Make Music Alliance will present a panel on “The Power of the Multi-Piano Approach: Unlocking Success for Retailers and Manufacturers” on Saturday, January 25 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the NAMM Member Center.
Click here for a complete list of all 2025 sessions, and click here to register!
December 20, 2024
Press Previews for Make Music Winter
Chattanooga, TN:
“The CHA Music Passport: The Key To “Make Music Winter”,” by Ray Bassett, WUTC, December 9, 2024
“Stamp your passport for Chattanooga’s first Make Music Winter,” by Haley Bartlett, Nooga Today, November 27, 2024
Fairfield, CT:
“Fairfield music group spreads holiday cheer on winter solstice,” by Angelica Toruno, News 12, December 21, 2024
“Make Music Fairfield Announces the Solstice Stroll, Dec. 21,” Hamlet Hub, December 14, 2024
“Make Music Fairfield To Host Solstice Stroll In December,” by Alfred Branch, Patch Connecticut, November 26, 2024
Gig Harbor, WA:
“Harbor Happenings | Lighted Car Parade, Make Music Day at Uptown,” by Charlee Glock-Jackson, Gig Harbor Now, December 17, 2024
Middleton, WI
“‘Make Music Winter’ celebrates the Winter Solstice,” WKOW, December 21, 2024
Montclair, NJ:
“Don’t Miss Montclair Make Music Winter and Unsilent Night on December 21,” Montclair Local, December 9, 2024
Mount Airy, NC:
“Strike up the ukuleles for Make Music Winter,” by Ryan Kelly, The Mount Airy News, December 17, 2024
New York, NY:
“New Sounds: With Pete M. Wyer and the Queens College Vocal Ensemble,” by John Schaefer, WNYC, December 20, 2024
“Things to do in New York City: Dec. 21-22,” by Atlan Hassard, NY1, December 20, 2024
“Christmas Weekend 2024 in NYC Top Things To Do: Make Music NYC, BCM Birthday & Hanukkah,” by Drew Kristofik, Mommy Poppins, December 20, 2024
“Make Music Winter returns with musical parades across the city,” by Ethan Beck, Time Out New York, December 5, 2024
Ossining, NY:
“Make Music Winter Stops in Ossining as Part of 20 City Event,” River Journal, December 2, 2024