Lesbian
Trans
People of Color
Drag Queen/King
OURFest
Halloween
In the world of rising LGBTQIA+ artists, McKenna Michels stands as a beacon of resilience and creativity. The Austin-based singer-songwriter, who identifies as autistic and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, has used her life experiences as a platform to connect deeply with listeners worldwide. From her critically acclaimed debut EP Renaissance to her full-length album Enlightenment, Michels’ music has been a cathartic journey through her personal struggles and triumphs. As she prepares for the release of her highly anticipated second EP, Revolution, in early 2025, Michels continues to evolve as an artist while maintaining her unwavering commitment to advocacy and self-expression.
A Journey of Healing and Empowerment
For McKenna Michels, music isn’t just art—it’s therapy. Her songs often delve into the pain and challenges she faced growing up in an abusive environment and navigating life as an autistic woman. She channels this pain into powerful, emotionally raw melodies, creating songs that resonate with survivors and those grappling with their own traumas. Her 2021 debut EP, Renaissance, marked the beginning of her rise as an artist to watch, followed by the release of her first full-length album Enlightenment in 2022. Singles like “Broken Like This” and “Survivor” became anthems of resilience, earning her spots on the Billboard Hot AC charts.
Now, Michels is ready to captivate her audience once again with her upcoming EP, Revolution. The project’s first single, “I Don’t Know,” was released in September 2024, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. Described as an upbeat yet introspective breakup song, “I Don’t Know” explores the emotional fallout of a failed relationship and the courage it takes to embrace new love. The song speaks to the internal struggles of moving forward after emotional damage, which Michels explains is a major theme of the entire EP. “Each song gives the listener a unique insight into various situations, emotions, or thought processes I have day to day,” she says, making Revolution a deeply personal work of art.
Breaking Barriers and Building Communities
Beyond her music, McKenna Michels has also made significant strides as a live performer. Over the past year, she has opened for prominent artists such as Echosmith (“Cool Kids”), WizTheMC, and EMEI during their European tours. One memorable stop was in Belgium, where Michels performed an intimate, secret show at Villa Bota in Brugge. Fans flocked from miles away to experience her ethereal, haunting performances, solidifying her reputation as an artist who deeply connects with her audience.
But Michels’ artistry extends beyond the stage. She has also found an innovative way to merge her love for storytelling with her passion for advocacy through her comic book series, Survivor. The comic, which was inspired by her single of the same name, addresses issues like bullying, abuse, and epilepsy—subjects close to her heart. The character, McKenna, serves as a superhero in a world designed to help children navigate their own struggles, particularly those dealing with trauma and health issues. The series has been embraced by the Epilepsy Foundation of America and other nonprofits, and Michels frequently donates copies to children’s hospitals, where her music is also played.
A Personal Revolution: Revolution and What’s Next
With Revolution, McKenna Michels aims to continue pushing boundaries—not just musically, but in how she connects with her fans and advocates for others. The EP promises to be a multifaceted exploration of identity, love, loss, and healing. The lead single, “I Don’t Know,” sets the tone for what is expected to be an empowering and transformative collection of songs. As Michels herself puts it, “While it’s technically a love song, it’s focused primarily on the internal struggles, thoughts, and feelings of the protagonist.” Her ability to blend universal emotions with her own deeply personal experiences is what makes her music resonate with so many.
In addition to the new EP, the second comic in her series, Monster, is slated for release in 2025. This follow-up to Survivor will continue exploring the cycle of abuse and how survivors can break free from it. The third comic, Queen of Venom, is also in development, with plans for a late 2025 release. As with her previous work, Michels is ensuring that her art serves a higher purpose by raising awareness for issues like epilepsy and abuse while providing a voice for those who have been silenced.
Looking Ahead
McKenna Michels’ journey is one of perseverance, creativity, and advocacy. Whether through her music or her comic books, Michels is committed to using her platform to create positive change. Her upcoming EP, Revolution, will undoubtedly continue this mission, offering a heartfelt glimpse into her world and the battles she has fought—and continues to fight—every day. As fans await the full release in early 2025, the message is clear: McKenna Michels is a revolutionary voice in both the LGBTQIA+ and autistic communities, and her work is only just beginning.
Stay tuned for updates on her tour dates, upcoming comics, and more as McKenna Michels continues to inspire with her passion, creativity, and unstoppable resilience.
A Journey of Healing and Empowerment
For McKenna Michels, music isn’t just art—it’s therapy. Her songs often delve into the pain and challenges she faced growing up in an abusive environment and navigating life as an autistic woman. She channels this pain into powerful, emotionally raw melodies, creating songs that resonate with survivors and those grappling with their own traumas. Her 2021 debut EP, Renaissance, marked the beginning of her rise as an artist to watch, followed by the release of her first full-length album Enlightenment in 2022. Singles like “Broken Like This” and “Survivor” became anthems of resilience, earning her spots on the Billboard Hot AC charts.
Now, Michels is ready to captivate her audience once again with her upcoming EP, Revolution. The project’s first single, “I Don’t Know,” was released in September 2024, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. Described as an upbeat yet introspective breakup song, “I Don’t Know” explores the emotional fallout of a failed relationship and the courage it takes to embrace new love. The song speaks to the internal struggles of moving forward after emotional damage, which Michels explains is a major theme of the entire EP. “Each song gives the listener a unique insight into various situations, emotions, or thought processes I have day to day,” she says, making Revolution a deeply personal work of art.
Breaking Barriers and Building Communities
Beyond her music, McKenna Michels has also made significant strides as a live performer. Over the past year, she has opened for prominent artists such as Echosmith (“Cool Kids”), WizTheMC, and EMEI during their European tours. One memorable stop was in Belgium, where Michels performed an intimate, secret show at Villa Bota in Brugge. Fans flocked from miles away to experience her ethereal, haunting performances, solidifying her reputation as an artist who deeply connects with her audience.
But Michels’ artistry extends beyond the stage. She has also found an innovative way to merge her love for storytelling with her passion for advocacy through her comic book series, Survivor. The comic, which was inspired by her single of the same name, addresses issues like bullying, abuse, and epilepsy—subjects close to her heart. The character, McKenna, serves as a superhero in a world designed to help children navigate their own struggles, particularly those dealing with trauma and health issues. The series has been embraced by the Epilepsy Foundation of America and other nonprofits, and Michels frequently donates copies to children’s hospitals, where her music is also played.
A Personal Revolution: Revolution and What’s Next
With Revolution, McKenna Michels aims to continue pushing boundaries—not just musically, but in how she connects with her fans and advocates for others. The EP promises to be a multifaceted exploration of identity, love, loss, and healing. The lead single, “I Don’t Know,” sets the tone for what is expected to be an empowering and transformative collection of songs. As Michels herself puts it, “While it’s technically a love song, it’s focused primarily on the internal struggles, thoughts, and feelings of the protagonist.” Her ability to blend universal emotions with her own deeply personal experiences is what makes her music resonate with so many.
In addition to the new EP, the second comic in her series, Monster, is slated for release in 2025. This follow-up to Survivor will continue exploring the cycle of abuse and how survivors can break free from it. The third comic, Queen of Venom, is also in development, with plans for a late 2025 release. As with her previous work, Michels is ensuring that her art serves a higher purpose by raising awareness for issues like epilepsy and abuse while providing a voice for those who have been silenced.
Looking Ahead
McKenna Michels’ journey is one of perseverance, creativity, and advocacy. Whether through her music or her comic books, Michels is committed to using her platform to create positive change. Her upcoming EP, Revolution, will undoubtedly continue this mission, offering a heartfelt glimpse into her world and the battles she has fought—and continues to fight—every day. As fans await the full release in early 2025, the message is clear: McKenna Michels is a revolutionary voice in both the LGBTQIA+ and autistic communities, and her work is only just beginning.
Stay tuned for updates on her tour dates, upcoming comics, and more as McKenna Michels continues to inspire with her passion, creativity, and unstoppable resilience.