In this episode of the podcast, we interview Mikayla Mayhew, guitarist for the Portland heavy-psych band Blackwater Holylight. Mikayla shares her story of growing up in a small town with limited access to a music scene, discovering guitar through Guitar Hero, and developing the playing style that eventually led her to join Blackwater Holylight in 2018.

We dive into her early influences, how heavy music and classic rock shaped her musical identity, and how her move from small-town life into a thriving creative community changed her trajectory. Mikayla offers insight into the band’s songwriting process, dual-guitar chemistry, and the evolution of Blackwater Holylight’s sound across their releases.

Listeners will hear about her personal and musical growth, the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped her as a guitarist, and what it’s like contributing to one of the most dynamic modern psych-doom bands. Whether you’re a fan of Blackwater Holylight, interested in the journey from beginner guitarist to touring musician, or searching for stories about artists who came from small towns and built a life in music, this episode has something for you.

Weekly Recommendation Playlist brought to you by Evil Greed

Apple Music

Spotify

Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube

Rockabilia sells you officially licensed Merch from ALL your favorite bands (and your Dad's favorite band, your siblings etc...). Use the promo code 100WORDSORLESS for 10% off your order.

Get 10% off your Evil Greed order by using the code NEWYEAR (for a limited time only)

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.