Local artist profile: Mikala McNeill

THIS week we chat with Bendigo-via-Wedderburn singer and guitarist Mikala McNeill, who lists winning Bendigo’s Got Talent in 2020 as one of her first big confidence-boosting breaks.

What initially motivated you to become a singer and guitarist?

I was always enthusiastic for music class at school and was always keen to get out of maths to go over to the music room.

Wedderburn College ran a school musical every second year for senior students, and once I hit high school, I was auditioning for any part I could! I threw myself into every role, and even ended up mentoring younger students who were also involved as I got older. This is where my confidence was built and my deep love for singing developed.

As far as guitar playing, I was a late bloomer.

I was always mesmerised by anyone playing a guitar, however I never thought I would be able to play. I really struggled to comprehend both singing and strumming at the same time. I thought you had to be born with a special level of rhythm, but I managed to get the hang of it.

From there, I learnt a handful of songs and would walk to our local supermarket and sit near the front door and busk for all the locals. Now, six years later, I am learning songs to sing people down the aisle on one of the most magical days of their lives.

How would you describe your own style?

I would describe my style as stripped back acoustic. I cover different genres from many decades before my time in hope that a crowd of all ages will be able to enjoy my music and spark special memories. I like to think my music is easy to listen to.

Which other bands or musicians inspire you?

Some of my biggest musical inspirations growing up were several Australian female artists, the likes of Missy Higgins, Jessica Mauboy, Kasey Chambers and Olivia Newton-John. As a young girl seeing such talented female artists doing such incredible things made me realise that anything was possible.

How has your career been affected by COVID?

One good thing that did end up coming out of COVID was Bendigo’s Got Talent in 2020, a Headspace initiative to give local people the opportunity to get their names out there. I ended up being announced the winner after a public vote and that gave me the confidence to keep doing what I loved.

How can people check out your music online?

I am most active on my Instagram account @mikalamcneillmusic but I am also on Facebook under Mikala McNeill Music.

What would you say to young regional aspiring musicians who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

If you care about something you’ll never regret giving it a go. Personally, I don’t want to look back and think “I wish I gave it a shot”. I’m only 20, and still have a long way to go, but I know young Mikala who never would have thought she would be making a real go of music would be so proud.

It’s important not to get caught up in waiting for perfection to just happen. Just start at whatever stage you are at and enjoy the process. Practice can be frustrating, but it is so important in developing and progressing yourself as a musician. Just enjoy it and have fun, it’s the best job in the world.