Kaylan Mackinnon: Vancouver’s Rising Voice in Cinematic Songwriting
RISING
9 Lounges Team
7/31/2025


The Soundtrack to Real Emotion
Kaylan doesn’t write for algorithms—she writes for people. Her lyrics are unflinchingly honest, often exploring themes of life, longing, and heartbreak with a storyteller’s finesse. It’s no surprise that her songs have seamlessly woven their way into visual narratives at TIFF and VIFF, two of the most prestigious film festivals globally.
There’s a cinematic quality to her songwriting that reflects her deep understanding of storytelling. Whether it’s a love lost, a quiet personal triumph, or the pause between two heavy moments—Mackinnon’s music knows how to make those silences sing.
In a music landscape overflowing with noise, Kaylan Mackinnon stands out by being quietly unforgettable. A Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, Mackinnon’s work is emotionally resonant, cinematically charged, and grounded in the universal truths of heartbreak, hope, and human connection.
If you’ve ever sat in a movie theater and felt your chest tighten during a quietly devastating scene, there’s a good chance Kalyan’s voice was part of that moment. Her music has been featured in works backed by Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., Sony, and beloved platforms like Hallmark. With her debut full-length album set to release in 2024, Mackinnon is poised to shift from behind the scenes to center stage.
A Voice Emerging from Vancouver
Rooted in Vancouver’s rich creative landscape, Kaylan Mackinnon is part of a growing wave of artists redefining what it means to be a Canadian songwriter in the global age. Vancouver has long been known for its stunning natural beauty, but it’s also becoming a hub for authentic, emotionally intelligent music—and Kalyan is at the forefront.
In a city known for its film industry and artistic intersections, her ability to write music that fits both streaming playlists and cinematic narratives makes her a bridge between industries.


From Film Scores to First Album
Having built a reputation through industry collaborations with Hallmark, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Bros., Kaylan has already proven her ability to write music that resonates across borders and mediums. Now, with her upcoming debut album, she’s turning the lens inward and sharing songs from her own story.
While exact details of the record remain under wraps, listeners can expect a body of work that merges her cinematic sensibilities with intimate, acoustic-driven pop. Think the emotional weight of Gregory Alan Isakov, the lyrical finesse of Ben Howard, and the vulnerability of Damien Rice, all wrapped in a uniquely Canadian perspective.
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The lines between music, film, and storytelling have never been more blurred—and that’s exactly where Kaylan Mackinnon thrives. Her songs aren’t just tracks to stream; they’re experiences to feel, stories to inhabit.
As streaming platforms search for music that matches emotion to moment, and fans seek artists who speak their truth without filters, Kalyan offers both the polish of professional composition and the rawness of real life.
Her 2024 debut album promises to be a deeply personal yet universally resonant collection, created by someone who knows how to score both a scene and a soul.
A Voice Emerging from Vancouver
Rooted in Vancouver’s rich creative landscape, Kalyan Mackinnon is part of a growing wave of artists redefining what it means to be a Canadian songwriter in the global age. Vancouver has long been known for its stunning natural beauty, but it’s also becoming a hub for authentic, emotionally intelligent music—and Kalyan is at the forefront.
In a city known for its film industry and artistic intersections, her ability to write music that fits both streaming playlists and cinematic narratives makes her a bridge between industries.