“Not Going Anywhere”
Written by Makena Hartlin
Interview by American Songwriter
Makena Hartlin is the American Songwriter March Forward Song Contest Promotion winner with her song “Not Going Anywhere.” American Songwriter caught up with her to get the story behind the song.
How long have you been songwriting?
I started writing songs when I was about 17. I had sung my whole life before then but it was late in high school when I taught myself guitar and keys and started to craft my first songs. There’s some real cringe-gold in that era of songs but there’s also an uninhibited element to a complete beginner that can churn out some really sincere and amazing things.
Why did you enter American Songwriter’s March Forward Promotion?
I saw that the theme was based on chasing dreams and not giving up on them and my mind said “ah, I have the perfect song for that”. I entered and crossed my fingers! Thanks for choosing this song that means a lot to me.
What was the inspiration behind your song, “Not Going Anywhere”?
The creative journey is soul crushing and very harrowing at times even for people who are absolutely brilliant and have great things going for them. To us, sometimes it feels like absolutely nothing is happening even though we’re giving it our all. There are people, though, who have the spirit and tenacity for this industry and seem to not be able to go anywhere else no matter how many times it knocks them down. That phrase “not going anywhere” popped in my head and the double meaning was immediately apparent.
Are you planning to release any new music this year?
I am! I have been releasing frequently this year- aiming at one song every 2-4 weeks.
Who are your all-time favorite songwriters and why?
Tom Waits, Jackson Browne, and Randy Newman are some of my favorite legends from a writing standpoint. There are also countless Nashville and LA artists and writers of today that floor me every time I hear them. I think the ability to paint both beauty and ugliness in a strikingly honest way is what draws me to a songwriter.
What would you tell other artists who are considering entering the contest?
Shoot your shot! Your songs are worth being heard. If you believe in it, others will.
Check out the winning song below:
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