Biography
Mikayla Braun is a New Orleans-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and community advocate known for her dynamic performances and emotionally resonant songwriting. Originally inspired by a formative experience seeing Etta James perform at BB King's Club in New York at age thirteen, Braun's musical journey began in earnest after college, when she shifted her focus from another field to pursue music full-time. Her early exposure to iconic performers and her upbringing in a musically rich environment laid the foundation for her eclectic style and deep commitment to artistic expression[1].
Over the past decade, Braun has become an integral part of the New Orleans music scene, performing with over a dozen local bands and gracing stages from intimate venues to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Her music blends elements of jazz, funk, folk, and soul, reflecting the city's diverse musical heritage. Known for her velvety, smoky vocals and her skills on piano and ukulele, Braun creates performances that are both intimate and high-energy, captivating audiences with warmth and authenticity. Her original songs often explore themes of mental health, connection, and catharsis, resonating deeply with listeners[2][1].
Braun's legacy is marked not only by her artistry but also by her dedication to community and collaboration. She frequently lends her voice to benefit concerts and other artists' projects, embodying the spirit of New Orleans' collaborative musical culture. Named one of the Top 10 New Orleans Musicians of 2023 by Where Y'at Magazine, Braun continues to inspire with her fierce, comforting, and genre-bending approach to songwriting and performance[4][2].
Fun Facts
- Mikayla Braun was named one of the Top 10 New Orleans Musicians for 2023 by Where Y'at Magazine[4].
- She plays both piano and ukulele, often switching between them during live performances[2][5].
- Braun is deeply involved in community advocacy, frequently organizing and performing at benefit concerts[1].
- Her music is described as 'warm, fierce, and comforting,' blending jazz, funk, folk, and soul influences[1][2].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Etta James - Inspired Mikayla's pursuit of music after seeing her perform live at age thirteen (Live performance at BB King's Club, New York) [Early 2000s]
- Allen Toussaint - Philosophical and lyrical influence; Braun cites his lyrics as shaping her thinking about music and success (General inspiration from Toussaint's body of work) [Ongoing]
Key Collaborators
- Various New Orleans Bands - Performed with over a dozen local bands as a vocalist and instrumentalist (Live performances, festival appearances, collaborative projects) [2015–present]
- All-star New Orleans Musicians - Frequently collaborates with a rotating cast of local musicians for live shows and recordings (Band performances, benefit concerts, studio recordings) [2015–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Peace I Need (Live) (Live at the Maple Leaf Bar)
- I'm on Fire (Live) (Live at the Maple Leaf Bar)
- Untold (Live) (Live at the Maple Leaf Bar)
- Magic (Magic)
- Same Page (Synapse)
- I'm Still Here (Synapse)
- Anything but the Truth (Anything but the Truth)
- Twice (EP1)
- Every Day (Live from the Tin Shack) (Every Day (Live from the Tin Shack))
- Jasmine (Drift)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Mikayla Braun has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 21, 2025 | 11:20 | Magicfrom Drift | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams |