Christopher Owens on Makeda Francisco

I first met Makeda through the producer Doug Boehm when I was recording Father, Son, Holy Ghost. All I knew at the time was that there were songs on that album that wouldn’t be complete without backing vocals, and it was new territory. I wouldn’t say I was scared, but I was definitely hoping my ideas weren’t crazy. When Makeda came into the studio with two of her friends to sing, not only was I blown away with her energy and professionalism and personality, I was blown away with her voice. She ended up soloing over the backing tracks and taking the songs to even greater heights with her own ideas and talent. To me, this is the definition of a good collaboration: for the person you’re working with to give you something only they can give, something more than you had even hoped for. Since touring and recording again with Makeda, I’ve learned that we have a lot in common. She’s my age, she has a fantastic story and she believes fully in the power of music. She’s made an incredible journey from New Jersey to Pennsylvania to California, having mentors and hardships along the way but staying focused on her passion. She’s the biggest star I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. She shines bright day and night.