Makinna Givens has never been one to hold back, and her unfiltered honesty has become her trademark as a songwriter. Straddling the line between country and pop, this Northern Ontario native is as talented as she is independent. With a diploma in audio engineering, music production, and songwriting, Givens has carved her own path in the music industry, proving that she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Her journey began at just 15, when she picked up a guitar and started writing songs. Growing up in Northern Ontario, where the music scene leaned heavily toward country and folk, she felt deeply connected to her roots. Later, a move to London, Ontario, for school exposed her to rock and pop influences, but the genres didn’t click or feel like herself.
When the pandemic hit, Givens finally had the space to reflect on her artistry. She realized that country music was where her heart truly belonged. Now, after 10 years of songwriting, she’s released her debut single, “If We Meet Again”—a deeply personal track that Givens fully produced, engineered, recorded, and wrote herself..
Releasing “If We Meet Again” as her first single wasn’t an easy decision. The song holds a special place in her heart, and its raw, emotional lyrics made her hesitant to share it with the world. It’s also a favorite of her mom’s and carries a deeply personal meaning for her family.
“If We Meet Again” is a true story about fate and lost love, capturing an experience so specific and personal that it marked new territory for Givens as a songwriter. “I’ve never been this specific in a song before,” she said.
The music video for the single brings those emotions to life visually. Filmed in locations from her small hometown, it creates a sense of closeness for those who know her roots while still telling a universal story that resonates with everyone.
With her debut single now out in the world, Givens is hard at work on her next project—a collection of about seven songs that spans her evolution as an artist. From tracks she wrote at 16 to ones penned just two months ago, this project captures her growth and storytelling through the years.
Production on the project is already complete, and Givens is diving into the recording process. Fans can look forward to hearing new singles from the project as early as summer.
Makinna Givens is just getting started, but her passion, talent, and uncompromising honesty make it clear: she’s an artist to watch.
Check out “If We Meet Again” and stay tuned for more music from this talented rising star!
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