A product of the TikTok school of unexpectedly good fortune, Makayla is a vivacious and very natural 21-year old, albeit one with a far from average story. Engineer by day, singer by night, her debut single Nature of Love was released on Valentine’s Day, with the songwriting, backing vocals and support of Six60’s Massive Records label. NZ On Air Music featured the track on the NewTracks compilation in March.

What’s your given name, where are you from and what do you play?

My name is Makayla, last name Mainini – but most people can’t pronounce my last name so I just go by Makayla! I  live in Napier and I play guitar and a bit of the ukulele, but my actual instrument is my voice. 

Any other projects that we might we know you from?

I’m usually known as “…that girl that sings on TikTok” or “…that chick that sings with Six60” as I grew mainly from posting on TikTok starting in 2021 and I’m now signed to Massive Records/Six60 – which is crazy! I went on their Grassroots tour in 2024, regional edition. Opening for them, 26 shows, all over Aotearoa including Stewart Island and Great Barrier Island! Just a girl and her guitar. Best experience ever and for a first tour, so insanely lucky.

I also worked with Hahana promoting Te Ao Māori with other amazing NZ creators like Judaxx/Judah, Uncle Tics and Jimi Jackson. I wrote a song for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 called Poi Tukua which was Aotearoa’s new FIFA song, empowering and uplifting our wāhine/women, and our younger generations. Right now I released my first more personal song called Nature of Love, which can be streamed on all music platforms 

What’s the background story of how Makayla came to be a recording artist? 

I’ve sang pretty much my whole life as I have always been the one in my whānau who had to sing at all the events. My mum is the main reason why I fell in love with music and singing, because she knew from the start that I could make something out of it! I believe my love for performing stemmed from kapahaka. I would call myself a ‘white-Māori’ as I’m of many mixed ethnicities, but I resonate most with my Māori culture.

In school I was involved in all of the productions, bands, solo assembly performances, kapahaka and music classes. I started sharing my voice properly online in 2021, noticed the effect it had on my audience so I’ve been singing and sharing ever since. That’s how SIX60 found me, from TikTok! I thought it was a scam at first. Couldn’t have had a better group of people to back me up as an emerging artist. I had my first studio recording experience in Jan 2023, then that whole year was full of recording and performing, whilst working in-between as an engineer with my dad. We manufacture horse trailers at Apex Horse Floats. Random-as, I know! Engineer by day, singer by night, but I’m ready to stop wiring trailer lights and start wiring more connections on the music industry. 

When did you settle on the artist name for this project? 

‘Makayla’ was pretty hard to come up with really! I’ve never been into the idea of creating a new name or persona for myself as an artist. I’m all about being authentic and real, so it’s just fitting to go by the name I know myself as. ‘Mak’ for short 🙂 

How has your own music evolved from your beginnings in songwriting to now?

Well like anything, the more you do something the better you get… usually anyways. I have so much to improve on and grow – but I don’t think that will ever not be the case. However my confidence has grown massively throughout all the opportunities I’ve had. I’ve found the most growth from things that were “scary” or out of my comfort zone. In the beginning I was more doubtful about my writing, but now? I still am! But my way of thinking and creating has definitely improved. I’m just excited to continue to work and grow and share that journey. 

Aside from this release, what’s been the big highlight to date?

The whole of the Grassroots Six60 tour in ‘24. Opening for them felt like a massive achievement. I learnt so much about myself as an artist and my abilities. I figured out the things I was good at, but more importantly the things I need to work on. I fell in love with singing/performing even more. 

I also opened for the boys this year in Brewtown, Upper Hutt – as a start of the Grassroots city edition. That was amazing because it was my first time with a band backing me up, so I could really enjoy the stage and perform to the beautiful people. 

What makes Nature of Love stand out for you as a single?

The fact that Nature of Love is a vibey/catchy way of narrating the “truth” about love. Also the fact that Matiu Walters and Matt Sadgrove created the song with me! Like what!? That’s a big flex in my books and I’m so grateful to have that memory forever. We spent one day at a Six60 writing camp in Mangawhai, writing a new song every day with different artists. This was one of the last songs born in that week. Sometimes it just works out so easily. 

What is the story behind Nature of Love?

Put simply; where there’s love there’ll always be challenges and hardship – but it’s how you make it through those moments that count. There’s also a part where it says, “Whatcha say, does your love got what it takes?” And that’s the nature of love. So setting that challenge, the real side of love and whether your person can go through the motions with you. 

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

The chorus, the harmonies that build on Nature of Love just scratch my brain so good! But it’s the memories that are tied to that chorus too. Chill vibes, all of us just having a good time, excited for the sound that’s being produced. It was immaculate. Then after the “nature of love” harmonies, there’s the gains vocals, “Whatcha say…” which had half of Six60, Sadgrove and Nico & Vinz! So in reality, it’s Makayla featuring them… I have video evidence of these moments on my Instagram and TikTok too, so I can relive those amazing memories! 

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

That it’s their new fave RnB love song 😉 No, but honestly I just want listeners to have a song they can vibe to, about the rawness of love and not always the lovey dovey side of things. Also that it’s just the beginning of what I have to give, so they should stay tuned as there’s so much more to come. 

Is there anyone else is in your team? 

I’m signed to Massive Records/Sony NZ. In terms of producers we love working with different people to make different sounds! 

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for? 

I’ll be recording a new single very soon, that will be very close to my heart. I tend to share the hardships I go through for my audience so those who may relate know they aren’t alone. This next song will be an expression of that. I have an opening slot very soon which I’ll announce on my socials! But locked in, Oct 25th I’m performing for my hometown – Hawkes Bay for SIX60. My whānau and friends are so excited, as am I. 

Can you name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song.

Aaradhna – Forever Love 
Zac Taylor – Superficial Love 
Sammy V – 90’s Fine

Have any of your previous single releases been included on NewTracks? 

Nope!! First proper single. 

Are there any musical blogs, Youtube channels or podcasts you’re super into?

Honestly, no, not yet at least! Although I love a good Joe Rogan podcast from time to time. 

How can we find you on social media?

Instagram   
Facebook 
YouTube  

Is there a music video for the single?

Not a video but here is a Nature of Love visualiser! It was my first artist photoshoot and I felt so awkward posing for the camera for long periods of time, but it was so worth it. And you can be the judge on whether that awkwardness was portrayed or not…  

 Any last words?

Thank you for letting me share a bit about me and my story! I hope to capture more hearts along this ride.