A Diary in Seven Chapters: Makaio Huizar’s What Do You Want To Be When You’re Older?

Makaio Huizar’s debut EP unfolds less like a playlist and more like a confessional manuscript.

“Older” opens in subdued bedroom pop minimalism. The production feels restrained, almost claustrophobic, mirroring lyrical themes of emotional numbness and identity disorientation.

“Father” shifts the emotional center toward familial longing. The vocal delivery carries tension without melodrama, allowing vulnerability to surface through restraint rather than volume.

“Town” reframes geography as psychology. The instrumentation loops subtly, reinforcing the feeling of being mentally trapped in familiar patterns.

“Oceanside” stands as the project’s cinematic core. Softer textures and nostalgic imagery create contrast. The song does not romanticize childhood; it interrogates it.

“Medicine” pivots toward relational dependency, examining love as a coping mechanism rather than salvation.

“I’ve Never Been Much Of A Liar” introduces accountability. The tone grows more introspective, acknowledging personal flaws instead of external blame.

“Stars” closes expansively. The production widens, almost lifting the project into atmospheric alternative pop territory. Ambition and doubt coexist in the final statement.

The EP’s strength lies in sequencing. Each track builds on the previous emotional revelation, forming a cohesive narrative arc rarely achieved in debut releases.

Presave the EP Now: http://Makaiohuizar.tunelink.to/whatdoyouwanttobewhenyoureolder

At just 18 years old, Arizona-based singer-songwriter Makaio Huizar is emerging as a distinct voice in independent alternative pop, blending elements of bedroom pop, folk pop, dream pop, and atmospheric songwriting into deeply personal music. With over 355,000 total streams across his catalog — including breakout tracks “What Am I Waiting For?” and “Town” — Makaio has steadily built a dedicated audience drawn to his confessional lyricism and immersive sound.

His upcoming debut EP, What Do You Want To Be When You’re Older?, out April 24, unfolds like a series of diary entries that explore identity, mental health, family dynamics, love, accountability, and the uncertainty of growing up. Each of the seven tracks offers emotional honesty and narrative cohesion, peaking with the expansive closer “Stars,” where Makaio answers the central question of the project with quiet ambition: he wants to be a star.

Raised in Oceanside, California, in a large family shaped by struggle and resilience, Makaio channels lived experience into music that resonates with listeners navigating change, confusion, and self-discovery. Recognized in 2025 by Broken8Records as an “Artist To Watch” and “One of Arizona’s Most Promising Young Artists,” he is positioning himself as a defining voice for a generation that values vulnerability over spectacle.

Presave the EP Now: http://Makaiohuizar.tunelink.to/whatdoyouwanttobewhenyoureolder

Connect with Makaio Huizar and stream his music:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmakaiohuizar?igsh=M251bG9oanZ2dzYz&utm_source=qr
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsmakaiohuizar?_r=1&_t=ZP-91theC4KzIl
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4iHVWZaNqFWl0woiEtFrLj?si=s8hFNRu1QECUpseiQirlxg
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/makaio-huizar/1712378059
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@makaiohuizar?si=ohqbJH_INLjflOGj