Indie Pop Artist McKenna Michels Frees Herself From Expectations On New Single “Broken Like This”

Indie singer-songwriter McKenna Michels has been using music as an escape since childhood, where she would retreat to a new world to run from her abusive mother. Years later, her songwriting focuses on processing her emotions through storytelling and commanding performances.

On her new single and video “Broken Like This”, McKenna steps into a different time period to dive into the freedom that comes with starting over following a break-up.

“’Broken Like This’ is about finding the strength to follow your own path in life rather than letting someone else dictate it for you,” Michels explains. “It’s very easy to let the opinions of those around you decide your self-worth, especially when they’re close to you. Sometimes the people who have the most influence on our minds use their power for their own benefit at the expense of your happiness and well-being. The song is about having the courage to make your own choices moving forward with confidence.”

The accompanying video is a beautiful homage to the Age of Enlightenment, where McKenna metaphorically removes the constraints of her relationship to make it clear there’s no knight in shining armor needed in her story. “It symbolizes stripping away the expectations of others and being true to who you are, even if that means losing a part of yourself and leaving the life you were living behind in the process. The loss of the weight of trying to be perfect in others’ eyes is painful but freeing, and makes room for powerful self-discovery.”

Her performance brings out similarities to pop peers such as Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, and Sia with her emotional range and power.

Listen below: