Victoria, British Columbia-based singer-songwriter Mikayla Menzies‘ new single, “Misery,” is a powerful and poignant anthem about the complexities of physical and emotional pain, resilience, and the journey of reclaiming personal freedom.

The song stems from a harrowing road trip across Canada, where Mikayla found herself grappling with a mysterious illness while navigating the winding, often painful path toward healing. “Misery” captures the feeling of being trapped in one’s own body, while still searching for moments of solace amidst hardship.

The song’s title speaks to the challenging journey Mikayla faced as she endured long stretches of highway, dizziness, muscle aches, and confusion while clinging to the hope of reaching her destination—Tofino, a small surf town on Vancouver Island. Through the pain, she discovered a deep, unexpected strength within herself, and “Misery” is her cathartic expression of that personal evolution. The track’s lush production and flowing singer-songwriter and alternative pop-inspired sound embody the bittersweet mood Mikayla experienced during her painful summer, which later evolved into autumn.

What can you share with readers about your new project? 

My most recent song called “Misery” was born from a very bittersweet road trip I embarked on the summer I moved out west. During some difficult health issues, I was in a deep spiral inward, with a mindset that hardwired me to burn – writing this song was my key to freedom, a flicker of light in all the darkness I was experiencing.

How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

This record truly feels the most honest I’ve ever been. The feel-good undertone, electric guitar riffs and a build up of drums to such lyrically heavy words isn’t something I’d ever done before. My single, “Mess” , a tribute to my late mother, was a melancholy ballad and another project of mine, “Fade Away” has a very relaxed atmosphere. “Misery” feels nostalgic, freeing, inspiring and hopeful all while carrying deep insightful words woven together to express my experience. 

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

This release is the very first taste of a very special collection of tracks I’ve been working on the last two years. The story of a deep unraveling inside me personally and in my career as an artist. It’s the first glimpse inside a world I’ve created from my heart to yours. I’m so excited to share !!

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

I’ve always considered myself lucky enough to be a channel for music. I think the ability to weave words and melodies together to make others feel is such a privilege. What keeps me going is just reminding myself that just being present is enough. That no matter the positive or negative external noise, I can still create – and that’s a gift. 

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? 

I mean let’s be honest, if I could be in a writing room with Julia Michaels or Amy Allen – that would be an absolute treat. They are both such cool artists and writing HITS right now. 

Amy Allen – https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ebm2DC4Spo173X85D1n5x?autoplay=true

Julia Michaels – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ZED1XzwlLHW4ZaG4lOT6m

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

The last song I listened to was Death Wish by Gracie Abrams. I was sitting on the beach here in Oceanside, California, it was my first time listening to this song. The view plus those lyrics, was deep nostalgia at its core. 

My top 5 favourite artists/bands of all time probably have to be, in no particular order, The Lumineers, The 1975, Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers and Avril Lavigne??? I had a very strong Avril Lavigne phase when I was little. 

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

I was going to say, by the ocean or a coffee shop… BUT if you can’t find me at your local cafe or beach haha, I am the most active on Instagram & Tiktok, both @mikaylamenzies !
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off? Thank you for listening to Misery !!! I can’t wait for you to hear the rest of this collection of music.