We had the good fortune of connecting with Keyona McCarthy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keyona, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had an extremely strong connection to all things ART. Whether it be painting, Dance, acting you name it I’ve practiced at one point in my life. Singing was for sure “my thing.” My great grandmother used ask me to perform for her at the age of three. My mom will still tell me till this day that I’d try to “I’m Going Down” just like Mary J. Blidge. All throughout school I participated in school plays or was a member of the drama club. I was apart of so many talent shows. Anything that allowed me to express how different I was. I wanted to be a part of. I believe its my gift to the world, we all have one of those you know. Music kinda chose me but I accepted the call. I feel that if i dont wake up everyday and pursue my dream I’d probably die (figuratively speaking)

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
So it has not been easy at all, and I know i still have a ways to go. My goal was to “get discovered” on one of these TV shows. So believe it or not I’ve auditioned for talent contests a number of nine times. NBC’S The Voice (4), BET’s Sunday’s Best (3) and American Idol (2) after my final audition, I decided I had to change the route i was trying to take in order to get where i wanted to go. I’m from Macon, GA by the way and if you know anything about Macon, there’s a rich history here. And beautiful musical spirit rests in this city. I begin performing at local bars and lounges in my hometown. Singing your favorite covers every weekend. But covers got old. And soon everyone knew me as the girl who sang “ Brown Skin” really well. I didn’t want that, i mean the artists whose music i was singing was already famous. I knew i needed original music. So I decided to take a step back from hometown’s music scene and dive head first in discovering my own sound. I’m most proud of the music I’ve created and released. It’s so me, its my heart in music form. I released my first EP on September of last year. It’s called “ Love Life” and its streaming on all platforms. I’m currently writing and recording my debut album tilted “Earth Tones” sent for release February 23’. A few lessons I’ve learned along the way: you will have “your people” the ones that your music speaks to, those people will support you always. Because the connection is more than surface its a feeling, a vibration that their heart can identify with. The other thing I’ve learned is, you may not know these people. The lovers of you music probably wont be from your hometown and that’s okay. Keep chasing your dreams anyways. You will meet the right people at the right time too get you where you need to be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So we’d definitely enjoy great Music and Food at A Brookhaven Lounge and just next door, you got Vibez. Then across the street we could get our Picasso on at X- Art sip and paint. If we walk up the street we could vibe out at Cherry St. Hookah. Cherry street in Macon Ga has almost everything you need! There’s Serenity Entertainment Complex on Poplar St. If you’re feeling creative come on down to The Cluth Factory and create some music or just catch vibe with some its amazing artists.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my Team. Menn Black Music Group and The Clutch Factory Experience. These groups of Creatives are made up of various songwriters, producers, musicians, other recording artists, vocalists, rappers, a Dj/MC and Photographer/Videographer and wait for it, an A&R Manager . They believed in and supported me when no one else did. They have been extremely impactful on my life and have all had a hand in the music and even content you see today. I would not have published music without these people. It’s a blessing to be surrounded by like minded individuals who have similar goals. I owe them big time. I love you guys.

Website: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/keyonamccarthy/love-life

Instagram: https://instagram.com/keyona_mccarthy?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCi8Fk0ZgzIJc2m-sBBk3ptw

Image Credits
Ashley Gadson of No.fl.ASH. Necessary Photography

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