C&I chats with Mikayla Lane on making her mark on true cowboy music by writing about what she knows and about the ranching life she loves.
Newcomer Mikayla Lane was born and bred to make music as country as it comes. And her latest song “Neon” fits the bill just right. The uptempo tune came out of a writing session, some cutting sessions, and a love for the dusty dance floor way of life. “We wrote this one at my cowriter Bridgette Tatum’s place — a little farm outside of Nashville — and I came in wanting to write a honky-tonking dancehall song. I start out with music and the melody first. And then Bridgette, who’s so good with those liners, added the first lyrics, rhyming ‘ring on’ with ‘neon.’ Even though I’m only 18, I grew up singing in those bars. If you’re working, it’s okay if you’re not 21 yet.”
Lane started singing at five years old. Then she got serious, and started writing songs at 13 years old. “That gave me a leg up and kind of a head start, because I was so young,” Lane told C&I. “And I think I’m just naturally better at music than other paths that I might’ve pursued.”
Her father’s work in the cattle business led the family to Oklahoma — specifically, to Manford, where Lane lives now when she’s not in Tennessee honing her country music craft. “If I’m not in Nashville, I’m doing something outdoors with cutting horses or branding. There’s nothing like branding season in the spring and fall. I love working in the branding pen, because it’s such an authentic and gritty experience that takes you back to our roots and the industry that’s so essential to all of our lives. It’s a hard way of life. It’s constant. And it’s what make our country go around. I try to spotlight that and the salt-of-the-earth people in my music.”
We Have to Ask
Favorite part of Oklahoma?
There’s nothing like how open it is out there. I love that you can just see forever, and that the landscapes and the sunsets are famous for a reason. Especially in the ranching communities I love, like Pawhuska. (Also home to Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond.)
Best stage you’ve played so far?
I’d have a hard time deciding between my two favorites: Billy Bob’s Texas and the Ryman Auditorium. There is nothing like the energy and the environment of Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, but then again the Ryman in Nashville is such an iconic and sacred stage.
Songs that changed your life?
When I was little, I’d listen to music with my dad all the time. One of my favorites was Don Edwards’ “Coyotes.” I love the sound, and it’s such a cool old cowboy song. Another one has to be “Palomino Gold” by The Wilder Blue. Both songs have an open desert, western kind of vibe. And now that I’m making my own music, I love mixing those kinds of sounds with ones that are more contemporary to keep it relevant and current. But still making sure it’s a nod to true cowboy music.
Do you have a dream collaboration in mind?
Collaborating with Cody Johnson would be a dream come true. Because not only do I love his songs, but I also love how we both stay true to our message. His authenticity matters, and what he stands for and supports are the same things that I stand for.
What happens when you put pen to paper?
I usually start my songwriting process with a title or a phrase in mind. Not a whole verse or a chorus. I love the physical music — the guitar, the fiddle and all of that — so that’s what comes more naturally to me. And if I’m in a session with another songwriter, then I have ideas to bounce off someone else. That’s how I prefer to write songs.
When did you know you were on the right track?
When I step back and look at what’s happened so far, and how far I’ve come, that’s when it’s clear. Coming off the stage and reflecting and thinking, “I really just played the Ryman? I really just played Billy Bob’s?” Moments like that remind me that I’m not just messing around. I’m working really hard in order to make these things happen. And that is so rewarding.
Have you had a taste of fame yet?
For the first time, yes. Recently I was in Missouri for a cutting-horse event, and as I was walking back through the arena there was a girl about my age who came up to me. She said, “Are you Mikayla, the singer?” I said yes, and she said, “I’m the biggest fan.” Honestly, I think I was more shocked by it than she was. I never take the fame into consideration, but when it happens, it makes what I’m doing feel right.
Check out “Neon” by Mikayla Lane
Check out more of Mikayla Lane and her music on Spotify and Apple Music.
Images: Courtesy of Mikayla Lane and Johnestone Entertainment
