Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikayla Joseph.
Hi Mikayla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I come from a family of musicians and music lovers. Born and raised in Baltimore, I grew up immersed in a wide range of music. My grandmother was a musician who got me singing in church and just about anywhere else it was acceptable by the age of 3 or 4. I probably wasn’t very good then but it definitely got me comfortable performing at a very young age, which I am super grateful for. Never really had to deal with the stage fright thing.
My grandfather had a massive vinyl collection, and my dad was absolutely a product of that. So music, and the sense of community it creates, has always been a central part of my life.
All through school, I joined every choir I could. I started out signing in the children’s choir at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and eventually, I went on to study classical voice at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts here in Baltimore. That’s where I really learned how to use, control, and care for my voice, especially through private lessons. But deep down, I always wanted to write music, just didn’t know where to start.
After high school, I took some much-needed time to explore and grow which included a couple of soul-searching years in California. When I finally came back home, I stumbled into a basement full of guys I barely knew, and that’s how Mallow Hill was born. We’ve been rocking for about 5 years, and just released our first full length album this past January.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is anything worth doing ever easy? Being a musician has been the most challenging, and most rewarding, thing I’ve ever chosen to do. Most artists will tell you, it doesn’t really feel like a choice. It’s either go all in and struggle until you make it, or get a “real” job and spend your life wondering what could’ve been. Not to be dramatic or anything…
Being an independent artist means wearing a lot of hats. You’re not just a performer. You’re a writer, a social media manager, a booking agent, a creative director… the list goes on. The schedule is wild, and you’re guaranteed to miss out on some things. But when you write a great song, play an amazing show, spend a week in the studio, or hold your own vinyl record in your hands for the first time it makes all of it worth it.
I truly believe that good things require sacrifice. We get to travel, meet incredible people, and build real connections with fellow musicians, music lovers, and fans. And the fact that I get to do all of this alongside my husband, best friend, and bandmate, Danny Gwinn makes it that much more special. I’m so grateful for this life!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My name is Mikayla Joseph, and I’m the frontwoman of the Baltimore band, Mallow Hill! We’re known for our original music and our killer live performances that are full of raw energy, passion, and a sense of community that brings together fans of blues, soul, and rock and roll.
I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come since we started this journey five years ago. It hasn’t always been smooth. Bandmates have come and gone but today, we’re a tight-knit group of four friends, fully locked in and united by a shared love of musical bad-assery.
Our debut record, Soul Candy, came out this past January, and I couldn’t be prouder of it. Writing that album was deeply therapeutic. Channeling my personal struggles and emotions into something real. Making it alongside our friend and producer, Dex Green, and a handful of other amazing musicians, was not only a blast, but also one of the best learning experiences I’ve had. It really pushed me to grow and showed me what I’m capable of as an artist.
What sets us apart is our commitment to originality and our ability to blend genres in a way that feels fresh but still rooted in classic sounds. We’re doing it our way, and it feels damn good.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
For me personally, I’ve learned how easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and chaos of it all. That’s why it’s so important for me to stay grounded and always come back to why I’m doing this in the first place….music, community, love, and joy. That’s what it’s always been about. <3
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mallowhillmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallow_hill/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mallowhillmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mallowhillmusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4WFFl59eDth6AIlFFNPoMX?si=IrP4zglsTwCjliq75wWNBA
