May 13, 2025
New for 2025: Circle Singing
On Make Music Day, you don’t have to have a band – or even an instrument – to be part of the music-making.
In a new program for June 21, we’re excited to launch a series of circle singing events across the country. A practice popularized by renowned Grammy Award-winning vocalist Bobby McFerrin, circle singing is an improvised vocal experience without sheet music or advance preparation. Participants create music in the moment, layering sounds and rhythms extemporaneously, and delighting in the beauty of their collective expression.
New York City will feature a 24-hour Sing For The Earth circle singing marathon from noon on June 21 to noon on June 22 in Brooklyn, organized by Make Music New York and the Gaia Music Collective. Song leaders from Argentina, Portugal, Brazil, India, and the US will join all who come and lend their voices for a few minutes, a few hours, or the full day.
Other experienced facilitators will lead circle singing events in the resonant Quincy Market Rotunda in Boston MA, under the glass dome of the Artsgarden in Indianapolis IN, and in a downtown alleyway in Fullerton CA. (Want to lead your own circle singing event? Email maddie@makemusicday.org.)
See the Circle Singing schedule
May 8, 2025
Champions: Tipa Tipo and the Rise of Tropical Yacht Rock
In this interview, we talk with Adele and Felipe from Tipa Tipo, a musical combo blending North and South American influences into their own dreamy fusion of tropical soft rock. They walk us through the evolution of their sound—from indie beginnings in Lima to their pandemic-era rebirth in New York—and share the story behind their band name, their inspirations, and what it’s like to play Make Music New York.
So how did Tipa Tipo come together as a band, and what’s the story behind the name?
Felipe: We started collaborating together around 2010, under different names. We tried different styles of music that were calling our attention back then.
Adele: We started in Lima. We had a band called Humanimas—like human + animal, Humanimas. It was more like indie rock. We were performing around Lima, in La Noche de Barranco and other venues around the city. Then I got into grad school here in New York, so we moved. I feel like our sound really changed after that. We kind of stopped playing for a few years, New York was a bit overwhelming, and we were recalibrating what we were doing: our sound, our influences. Then, during the pandemic we started collaborating again. That’s when we really got into the idea of fusing North and South American sounds—like disco and soft rock, which were big for both of us growing up—and also bringing in Latin sounds, cumbia, and other styles, hybridizing it all. As for Tipa Tipo, Felipe always said he wanted a name that had rhythm.
Felipe: Yeah, we were thinking of something that sounded like a drum fill. We tried a few names—something that wasn’t already taken on Spotify. It’s so hard since you’re competing with millions of people. But Tipa Tipo really resonated with us. It kind of feels like our avatar.
Adele: I remember I was laying on the floor of the studio—we produce all our own music—and I was like, “What about Tipo Tipa? No! Tipa Tipo!”. We really liked it. It’s kind of binary, sure. But it sounds cool and makes sense to our band.
So, Felipe, you’re from Peru. And how about you, Adele? Where are you from?
Adele: I was born in Hawaii, actually. Then I moved to Arkansas and grew up there until I was 17 or 18. Then I went to college in Florida. After that, I went to Peru to do music research around 2010. I ended up staying much longer, met Felipe, started playing in bands, and worked at UPC teaching piano and other stuff. So it kind of feels like fate that we met.
How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard it before?
Felipe: We’ve been calling it “tropical yacht rock.” It’s more than that, but I think it gives you an idea of the worlds we’re playing with. We’re trying to fuse North and South American musical cultures. In particular, we’re influenced by recording and production techniques from the ’60s, ’70s, and early ’80s. We’re not trying to recreate that era, but we are trying to incorporate those techniques—recording to tape, live tracking as much as possible, and using instrumentation like vintage synthesizers and guitar tones.
Adele: A lot of electric piano. Those sounds were big in soft rock and yacht rock. “Yacht rock” is a very specific term for a certain group of bands from the ’70s. It’s kind of a joke term—it became a thing because of a low-budget YouTube miniseries in the 2000s that grouped this kind of music under that label. Some people in that scene actually hate the term. So we’ve considered whether we should change it. But I think it gives a general idea. Maybe “tropical soft rock” is more universally accessible. It’s a bit niche, because some people might not know what soft rock or yacht rock is. But once you hear it, you realize—you’ve definitely heard this kind of music before.
What artists or bands inspire your music?
Adele: Definitely bands from that era—Fleetwood Mac, Hall and Oates. And also more contemporary artists. We’re really into this band Tennis, from Denver, they do a kind of retro pop. And then there are Latin American bands like Buscabulla, Vanessa Zamora, Bandalos Chinos—other bands that are exploring this retro pop aesthetic.
Felipe: And old-school cumbia bands, for sure—Los Destellos, Los Orientales de Paramonga, Manzanita, Los Mirlos. That instrumental era of Peruvian cumbia is a huge influence.
How did you first get involved with Make Music Day—or in this case, Make Music New York?
Adele: I think we’ve done it twice or three times. We did it the first year we got to New York, around 2013 or something. We had no idea where anything was, and we just signed up for a bunch of shows. I remember playing around Brooklyn—I don’t even remember exactly where. It started raining at one point. And then we did it again in 2020 during the pandemic, it was virtual. I think we also participated last year with this New York radio station, with Alisa Ali.
How has your experience been with Make Music Day?
Adele: It’s cool. For me, it shows just how much music there is in New York, the impressive number of musicians and bands I’ve never even heard of. It’s kind of like Fête de la Musique. I remember going to Fête de la Musique when I was 17 or something—2003 maybe—and feeling like, wow, I’ve never seen so much live music happening outside everywhere. It’s kind of reminiscent of that.
How does a day like this compare to your usual gigs?
Adele: There’s a strong sense of community. Because it’s often outside, people can just walk by and stop. New York has a lot of ticketed shows—you have to get people in the door, sell tickets. There’s a very commercial element to it. But this feels a bit more… socialist? It’s festive and refreshing.
So what’s next for Tipa Tipo? Any upcoming releases or shows?
Adele: We just finished our next LP, which will be coming out—well, you know how long these things take—probably within the next year. We also have a remix coming out tomorrow. Our previous record came out last April, so it’s been a year. It had a great reception, and we’ve been releasing remixes since then, this will be the fourth one.
Felipe: Yeah, we’ll probably end up with an EP or maybe a whole album of remixes. Different people have been doing their own versions of our songs. We’ve got another one in the oven.
Adele: And the next album will include a lot of collabs—with artists like La Zorra Zapata from Lima, Cheo Pardo from New York (originally from Venezuela), and others. We’ll probably have a show with Cheo in July, kind of adjacent to the LAMC. So yeah—we’ll keep you posted!
Last question. What advice would you give to new artists just starting out?
Adele: I’d say: stick with it. It’s a long road.
Felipe: It’s a long game. And enjoy the process. Maybe even take time to write down your ideal scenarios every so often—it helps keep you on track. Otherwise, it’s easy to get derailed. There are so many ways to participate in music, and it’s okay to try new things.
Adele: I’d also say: nurture the contacts you make. That’s your network. Value the people you meet along the way, they’ll become the community that supports you.
May 6, 2025
Champions: Sierra Lynn, Turning Heartfelt Stories into Powerful Songs
In this interview, we talk with Sierra Lynn, a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from San Antonio, Texas, whose soulful, powerful, and captivating sound has made her a standout performer. From singing in church as a child to writing her own music and lighting up live shows, Sierra shares her journey, her musical influences, and what makes Make Music Day such a special experience.
When did you first discover your love for singing and songwriting?
I think I’ve always loved music, and I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. I started in church when I was six. And then after that, like, in elementary school, I was in choir, then I was in band in middle school, and choir again in high school. I did all the talent shows and that kind of stuff.
And at what point did you realize you wanted to actually make music?
I think after high school, because I did a bunch of these karaoke competitions. And, you know, it was fun and everything, but I really wanted to be able to write music and accompany myself. So that’s when I picked up the guitar and started writing.
Who are your biggest musical influences, or who inspires you to make music and shape your sound?
Definitely the big soul diva artists like Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys. I love Dreamgirls, so Jennifer Hudson—I would watch that movie all the time. Adele, too—all those singers.
How was your experience participating in Make Music Day last year?
It was amazing. I mean, there were so many musicians there—bands, acts. And when I got done playing, I went upstairs and watched the bands, and everyone was so good. And then, while I was playing, this couple started dancing, which I thought was so cool. Yeah, it was just a lot of fun.
What do you think makes Make Music Bay feel different or more meaningful compared to a regular gig?
I love that everyone was doing original stuff—you don’t often hear about that. And it was just a very cool space. I got so many great pictures from that. It was beautiful. And, of course, all the acts were really talented musicians.
Why do you think sharing live music in public spaces is important?
I’d say because everyone connects with live music. It can really brighten someone’s day, or help someone who’s going through a hard time, or just give people a chance to dance and have fun. I think it’s just a positive thing overall.
What’s next for you musically? Any upcoming releases or performances you’re excited about?
I’m working on a new album. My first album was back in 2017, it was called Freedom, and then I released three singles after that. This will be my second album! I’m planning to release it definitely within a year, that’s a deadline I’ve set for myself.
What advice would you give to young artists just starting out?
I’d say just don’t give up. Believe in yourself, for sure. It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be difficult, and you’re going to hear “no” a lot. You’ll question yourself. But just stick with your heart and keep doing what you do. And be yourself too, that’s really important.
Last question: what would you say your goal in music is?
Really, to connect with people. Creating music usually comes from moments when I’m feeling hurt or sad or going through something. But then, when I release it, it helps people connect to me—or it helps them with whatever they’re going through.
May 1, 2025
Champions: Ariah &, Embracing the Stage with Soulful Indie Rock
In this interview, we chat with Ariah &, a soulful indie rock musician, as she shares the heartfelt journey behind her music. Ariah offers insight into her creative process, the challenges of navigating the music world, and the importance of staying authentic. She talks about her evolution as an artist, the inspiration she draws from figures like Laura Marling, how she overcame stage fright, and her excitement for community music events such as Make Music Day.
Can you tell us a bit about how you got into making music?
I’ve always loved music. My family was really into Broadway and musicals, and my sister would make me sing with her because she wanted to duet on songs. So I learned a lot about musicals from her. My mom would take me to see Broadway shows when I was young, because we lived in the city—well, just outside the city. I fell in love with music that way. Music, for me, was always really attached to storytelling and emotion growing up. Then, when I became a teenager, I started listening to more folk and indie music. That’s sort of where I fell into my style. I started learning guitar when I was, like, an emo kid. I had a phase where I was listening to My Chemical Romance nonstop, and that’s when I started learning guitar because I thought it was cool. But then it kind of shifted—my whole genre kind of shifted. I’ve always loved singing, and I would hear these cool indie singers doing things with their voices that I thought were beautiful. I developed my style from there. I also loved literature and poetry, so writing songs came naturally. Listening to artists like The Shins and Laura Marling—and countless others—inspired me. I started writing my own songs when I was in high school. My dad used to drive me into the city on Monday nights because I had terrible, terrible stage fright. Monday nights at the Sidewalk Cafe were how I got over it. After that, I started getting booked for little shows here and there, and I’ve just been doing it sporadically ever since, wherever I can get booked.
How would you describe your sound or the kind of music you create?
I would say I’m inspired by a lot of artists. I guess I could give you a list of inspirations. Florence and the Machine—I’ve been compared to her a lot. I do a lot of indie folk. My favorite songwriter is Laura Marling; I think she’s incredible. Generally, I’d say it’s indie folk rock/alternative, with maybe an indie vocal, jazz vocal, or soulful tone. It’s hard to describe because some songs I write are straight-up folk, and some sound more Americana, or more soulful, bluesier. It depends on the day, but overall, that’s my general style.
How did you first hear about Make Music Day?
I think I saw artists doing it and heard people talking about it. I live in the city, so it’s very likely I just saw something like, “Oh wow, this is Make Music Day? That’s so cool!” It’s my birthday, and I make music, so why not do that? Last year was the first year I saw something where I could submit. I don’t remember ever having a submission put in front of me before, but maybe Instagram or something was like, “Hey, submit to Make Music New York.” And I was like, yeah, absolutely!
How was your experience doing Make Music Day last year?
I had a great time. It was nice. A lot of people do busking regularly, and I’ve always felt afraid of doing that because I don’t want to interfere with people’s day-to-day sounds. But when it’s purposeful, when there’s a day where we’re intentionally filling the city with music as a celebration, it feels different. It feels like, yes, I’m supposed to be here. I’m going to take up space. I’m going to play my music and share it with the world. It was a crazy day because right after my set—so it’s my birthday—I played at Essex Market, which was lovely. I got to explore, get good food after, and the whole space had these walls of windows. It was just beautiful: sunlight pouring in. Such a beautiful environment to play. Then afterward, I went straight to an album signing of my favorite band. It was just such a good music-themed birthday, from playing music to meeting my favorite artists.
What do you think makes Make Music Day different from a regular gig or show?
A regular gig or show, especially for most independent artists, comes with a lot of pressure. Venues now are often pay-to-play, and they push ticket sales hard. If you don’t have a big social media following, cultivating that takes so much work, like a whole second job. If you already have a full-time job just to survive, you likely can’t keep up with content creation. And if you don’t have a big following, it’s hard to book shows because venues just want to fill the room. My favorite shows are the ones where the audience just wants to discover new music, where you don’t have to bug all your friends to come out again. In the age of social media, things get buried so easily. You have to keep posting, keep reminding people. It’s exhausting. When I do have time to invest in music, I want it to be about the actual music, not spamming my friends or making silly content begging people to come to shows. Make Music Day is different. It’s a celebration of music. It’s intentional. It gives music space to shine. Whoever happens to be in the city on this beautiful summer day gets to experience it. Maybe some people weren’t expecting it, but it still feels like we have a right to be there. We’re presenting our passion to the world, to whoever walks by. It feels like a relief—like, “I’m just getting this off my chest,” rather than performing under a harsh spotlight. And it’s so community-oriented. You’re not the only one playing. You see so many other artists that day. It feels like musicians coming together to do what we love and share it.
What’s coming up next for you? Any new songs, shows, or creative projects you want to share?
Absolutely. I’ve been working on some recordings, and I have some finished. I’ve just been dragging my feet on releasing them because of that whole content creation process we talked about. I want people to hear these tracks when they come out because I put so much love into them. I love these tracks. So it’d be nice if people heard them, but that means I know I have to promote them, and promotion isn’t my most comfortable wheelhouse. So I’ve been putting it on the back burner until I can do it properly. But they are coming out soon, and that’s exciting. I have a few singles lined up. I also just took a songwriting class with one of my favorites, Laura Marling. She’s a British singer-songwriter. She taught a class over Zoom through schoolofsong.org, this incredible online songwriting school based in LA. It was amazing, just seeing her process and hearing her talk about songwriting was so inspiring. There was homework too! We had to write songs, and since then, I’ve just been observing more, taking notes, and looking for more opportunities. I feel like I’ve been opened up a little creatively. So I’m working on more projects right now. I’m excited to be back in that headspace again.
What advice would you give to new artists who are just starting out?
My advice would be to do it because you love it. Do it because it is just calling to you. Do it because there’s a song, there’s something you wanna say, there’s a melody you can’t get out of your head, there’s something that you hear that you just need to express. Do it for the love of music because, with social media, everyone is doing it nowadays, and everyone wants the attention. So, if you’re doing it for the attention, it’s gonna be hard. But if you’re doing it because you love doing it, then that’s just gonna be the reward in itself, and that’s something to focus on. And beyond that, I would say something I didn’t do, that I am like… I’m a millennial, and maybe I was just in my head and so afraid of being “cringe” that I don’t get on camera and play a song often enough. And I would think, if I were to go back in time and tell my younger self something, it would be to just do it. If you have a song that you like, just put on the camera and play it. Stop being afraid of being cringe, or being anything else, or overthinking it. And this is advice I still have to tell myself all the time because it’s not easy to listen to.
April 30, 2025
Champions: 2/14, Keeping the Spirit of Live Rock Alive
In this interview, we talk with Sky from 2/14, a punk rock band blending edgy energy with heartfelt influences from ’90s punk and emo. Sky shares how the band came together after high school, and how their passion for live music drives them forward. He also reflects on the importance of building music scenes in small towns, the lessons learned from recording their first album, and the excitement of working on their second.
How did 2/14 get started?
After graduating high school during the COVID pandemic, I was writing a lot of songs. Then I found our drummer, Ben, on YouTube doing covers of Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, and other rock music. His friend and neighbor, Dylan, joined on bass, and then we just started playing shows from there. We ended up doing a record.
At first, were you guys doing covers and then moved on to making your own music, or were you writing original songs from the start?
Actually, we were always just playing what I wrote!
How would you describe your sound to someone hearing you for the first time?
That’s hard, but I would say edgy, contemporary punk rock.
What are some artists or bands that inspire your music?
Well, my favorite bands are Blink-182 and Finch. I grew up really loving pop punk and emo from the nineties. I love pop punk bands like Blink-182 and New Found Glory. I also loved bands like Mineral, Far, and Texas Is the Reason. That was definitely the basis for our first record and everything we’ve done so far.
How did you first hear about Make Music Day?
I think my mom told me about it. It was really interesting. We didn’t know how it would go, like just setting up our gear in the middle of a park where kids were running around in the middle of the day. But it ended up being a lot of fun. We’re used to playing in basements and small clubs, so it was a big change of pace for us, but it was really cool and different and went a lot better than we thought.
Do you think it’s important for cities or small towns to have these kinds of community events?
I think music, especially live music, has been kind of a dying thing for a long time. It’s really dormant in my generation, and it feels like there’s not a huge scene for live music anymore—especially punk rock and rock music in general. It just doesn’t feel that popular, especially with how expensive tickets are to see bigger bands. I think it’s really important for kids to be getting out there, starting bands, making music, and building scenes in their communities. Music can really change lives. The arts and music are just so important, and they really don’t seem very valued in society. So it’s important for kids, especially in small towns where there’s not a lot going on, to be getting together, making music, and putting themselves out there.
What’s next for the band? Any new music, videos, shows, or plans ahead?
We are recording our second album right now and playing a lot more shows over the summer.
How was the experience recording your first album?
It came out a year and something ago. Our first record was a huge learning curve. A lot of people talk about recording as being stressful and intimidating, but honestly, we just whipped everything out and plowed through it. It was a lot of fun!
One last question—what advice would you give to new bands just starting out?
Never give up. Ever. It’s really hard in the beginning, and even for the first few years, because especially when you’re young, you’re still learning what to do. You’re still figuring out how you want your music to sound. Music in general is such a crazy learning process. You find yourself learning new things every single week that you’re doing it. But when you don’t have much experience and you’re just starting out, it’s important not to get discouraged. Even though there’s a lot you don’t know and you’re gonna look back on things and think, wow, I wish I did that differently, it’s all just part of the journey. Don’t be too hard on yourself about what you don’t know at the beginning, because as long as you keep that drive to keep going, you’re just gonna keep getting better—making better music, giving better shows. That progress is gonna be super inspiring, and you should never give up on that. Definitely.
April 29, 2025
Champions: Wild Ire, Alternative Rock Powerhouse from Salem
In this interview, we talk with Jesse Palmer of Wild Ire, an alternative rock band from Salem, Oregon, known for their energetic live shows and adventurous spirit. As Wild Ire approaches their ten-year anniversary, Jesse reflects on the band’s beginnings, musical influences, and deep connection with Make Music Day—a tradition they’ve helped shape in their community. He shares stories about their costumes, creative process, and the pure love for music that keeps them going strong.
Can you tell us how Wild Ire got started? How did you all meet, and how did you start making music together?
We started probably about ten years ago, in 2015, right around May—so it’s almost our ten-year anniversary. Several people have been in the band, and I met them through our first bass player, Drew. His friend Stefan was a guitar player, and Stefan knew our drummer, Nick. We all just started jamming. They were in high school, and I had just graduated when this all happened. It was pretty easy to find more people because they went to North High School and could find more musicians there.
How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music?
We have Jake as our singer, and he really likes the poppier stuff, like Justin Bieber. He grew up on the pop side of things, and all the musicians backing him are all pretty virtuosic. We’ve always wanted to push ourselves to new levels of ability. I think we’re like progressive pop, almost, because of that, with a little bit of a rock edge. We love Incubus and Muse, and I write a lot of the music myself, so I pull from them.
What other bands or artists would you say inspired your band’s music?
Polyphia is one of them. They’re kind of newer and similar to our style, where they use trap beats but then have shredding guitar over the top. Sean was another one who kinda did that, although they’re not really around anymore. We definitely pull from everybody, like Rage Against the Machine, or just whoever I’m listening to or obsessed with at the time.
How did you first get involved in Make Music Day?
I think it kinda started in Salem right around when we were starting. I’m pretty sure we’ve played every year since it began in Salem. I’m almost sure the Make Music Foundation in Salem told us that we’re the only band that’s played every year. And we just love it. You don’t see Salem come alive for music nearly as much as it does on Make Music Day. Salemers really go out of their way to find music downtown.
Did the experience feel different from a typical show? How different do you think it is?
We’ve always pushed ourselves for Make Music Day to be our biggest show. We would dress up. When rompers first came back, we all dressed up in rompers. We’ve always had a costume for Make Music Day. Because it’s usually our biggest show, we really put a lot of effort into it, and we’re running out of costumes to wear! Last year, we did country: cowboy hats, tucked-in shirts, cowboy boots, and all that. Every year, we go all out for Make Music Day. It’s our favorite time of the year.
How important do you think having a Make Music Day is for a city? How important is it for the community?
For Salem, it’s huge. I don’t see Salem participating in anything else the way it does for Make Music Day. That’s when everyone comes out, and you can really see how many people actually live here. The streets are empty until that day, and then they’re packed full of people watching music. I think it’s really important—it shows that people want live music, and how much they enjoy it.
What’s next for Wild Ire? Any new music, shows, or projects coming up?
We’re constantly in the studio. Right now we’re recording a new album. We have no idea when it’s going to come out, but we’re slowly working on it. The live music scene in Oregon hasn’t been as fruitful and lively as it used to be since 2020, but it’s starting to come back.
Last question: What advice would you give to new rock bands just starting out?
Most of the time, we don’t play music because we’re expecting anything. I mean, the goal would be for music to be our job, but we do it because we love it. It’s fun to hang out with your bandmates and go to Taco Bell at 2 a.m. Just do it because you love the music, and don’t expect anything except to have fun. If you do that, you’ll have a good time.
April 28, 2025
Champions: Isabella Paris, Sharing Stories, Building Community
In this interview, we talk with Isabella Paris, a Boston-based singer-songwriter who’s all about building emotional connection through music. She opens up about wanting to create a space where listeners feel heard, seen, and understood—especially during the moments that feel most isolating. With a focus on community, vulnerability, and emotional honesty, she shares how songwriting became her way of offering comfort and building something meaningful with others.
How did you get started with music, and what sparked your interest in songwriting and performance?
I got started when I was around six years old. I began taking piano lessons, and I’ve always just loved to sing. I started songwriting when I was about 12 or 13, and that’s when I began making my own music. What really inspired me was the desire to personalize my relationship with music. I loved listening to artists, going to concerts, and seeing live shows, but there was something about taking how I was feeling and turning that into music that really drew me in. Seeing that in other artists inspired me to do it myself. So, yeah, that’s pretty much how it all started.
Which artists inspire you? What kind of music do you think has had the most influence on your songwriting?
I really love lyrically heavy music. Around the time I started writing, I was listening to a lot of Twenty One Pilots—I’m a big fan. I also really love Sabrina Claudio, and I was listening to a lot of Melanie Martinez as well. She was pretty big around that time. Honestly, it was all the alternative and emo artists from around 2006–2008 that really made an impact on me. I liked the storytelling, the things they were talking about. That’s when I realized that I could do this too.
You’re currently studying at Berklee. How has your education there influenced your music and your approach to songwriting?
I’d say it’s not so much the formal education, like the courses themselves, but more the people I’ve met. I’ve learned a lot of logistical stuff: engineering, the business side of music, things like that. But I’m not actually studying songwriting at Berklee, because I’ve always loved writing songs, and it already feels like my strong suit. What’s really influenced my writing here is the collaboration. Co-writing with others, taking on songwriting jobs and projects—it’s helped me branch out. I’ve always written very stripped-back, acoustic music, but now I’m experimenting more: adding strings, drums, and being more open to trying new things. I’ve also started thinking more about where I want my music to go, like getting into sync licensing, writing music for film and TV. That’s definitely been sparked by my time at Berklee and the classes I’ve taken. So yeah, I’d say it’s the people more than anything that have inspired me.
How long have you been at Berklee, and what do you hope to do after you graduate?
I’m currently in my sixth semester, so I’m heading into my final year. After that, I definitely want to move to a city that’s a music hub. I might stay in Boston, or maybe move to Miami or even Chicago—somewhere with a strong music scene. I really want to record music and get it placed in sync. That’s my goal: to have my music in film and TV, 100%. I want to submit music for indie films, big projects—whatever comes my way. I’ll probably have a day job to keep me stable, of course, but the dream is to be doing music full-time.
What first drew you to Make Music Day, and how did you get involved?
Before Make Music, I actually had really bad performance anxiety. I was trying to push myself to gig more, and I figured, if I’m going to start gigging, it should be back home—North Carolina is a bit more chill than Boston. Boston has so much talent, and it can feel overwhelming. I saw a Facebook post about signing up for this beautiful event—I didn’t even know it existed before I saw that post. It looked fun, so I signed up. They got back to me and let me pick my time and venue. I ended up driving about an hour and a half to Winston-Salem, and it was so worth it. That show was actually my first real gig—it was a huge moment for me.
How was that experience?
It was really chill! One of my performances was at Divine Barrel Brewing, and the other one was at CMPND, which I loved. I definitely want to go back there this summer—it had such a great community vibe. I performed twice that day, once in the afternoon and once in the evening. It was so much fun. I got to sing my original songs, and my family was there to support me. The crowds weren’t huge, which actually helped ease my nerves. It was a perfect way to ease into live performance.
What do you think Make Music Day means for emerging artists like yourself, especially when it comes to building community and reaching new listeners?
For emerging artists like me, it gives a real sense of importance to what we’re doing. Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated—making music, posting it, sharing it—especially when you feel like no one’s watching. But during Make Music Day, it felt meaningful. It reminded me that there are so many people out there doing the same thing, trying just as hard. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone. What I bring to the table is important. Just because I’m not a huge artist on a world tour doesn’t mean the music I create doesn’t matter. It really does.
What advice would you give to new musicians just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. I’ve seen so many people come to Berklee with an authentic sound, and then change it to fit the industry, to go more commercial because that’s what’s trending. But I say stick to what makes you you. Even if it feels weird or different. I tell myself that all the time—what I write is kind of weird, and that’s okay. People will recognize your sound, and that’s what will make you stand out. Maybe not to be necessarily “big,” but to be real and relatable. I look up to artists who are unconventional or who write about things other people might find odd. So yeah—don’t change your music for anyone. And never get discouraged by rejection. I’ve gotten so many no’s, and every one of them pushes me to grow and keep going.
So what’s your ultimate goal in music?
I’d say my goal, like a lot of the artists that inspire me, is really just to create community. To have a space where people can listen to my music and feel less alone, like they’re being heard, or like there’s this kind of soothing, comforting feeling that comes from knowing someone else gets it. Just that sense of connection, you know? A space to talk, to vibe, or just to listen. I really want to build something welcoming and loving through my music. 100%.
April 27, 2025
Nonprofit Partner of the Week: Music Performance Trust Fund
This past June 21, for the 10th year in a row, the Music Performance Trust Fund supported dozens of special initiatives for Make Music Day across the country. These events, ranging from flute choirs to mbira workshops, gave professional musicians the chance to mentor up-and-coming players while providing a high-quality concert to the public.
The MPTF contributed to 31 Make Music programs in 2024, with more on the way for 2025! Our deepest thanks go to the MPTF for supporting so much music.
April 27, 2025
Make Music City of the Week: Big Bear Lake, CA
Over the last five years, under the leadership of local musician Robbie Bos, the village of Big Bear Lake in California’s San Bernardino National Forest has become a remarkable Make Music Day destination.
On June 21, 2024, 15 local businesses hosted over 60 performances on the town’s streets and sidewalks. Fiddlers, bucket drummers, rock bands, and even a guitarist riding a recumbent bicycle joined the party.
In 2025, Make Music Big Bear will extend their schedule from 11 am – 10 pm to accommodate even more musicians. Visit their website to learn more!
April 27, 2025
15 Years of Sousapalooza
In 2011, Make Music Chicago premiered the first Sousapalooza – an invitation for hundreds of brass, wind, and percussion players to come together on Make Music Day and sightread the timeless marches of John Philip Sousa.
It was an immediate hit. Over the last 15 years the Sousapalooza concept has spread nationwide, with media appearances from podcasts to obituaries, and events scheduled this June 21 in Bloomington IN, Huntsville AL, Milwaukee WI, New Brighton PA, New York NY, Tyler TX… and more to come!
Click here for details, and to learn how to bring Sousapalooza to your town!