Growing up is rarely cinematic — but in Makaio Huizar’s hands, it becomes a soundtrack.
Born into a family of eight siblings and raised in Oceanside, California, Makaio’s early life was shaped by financial strain, divorce, and emotional distance. Now 18 and based in Arizona, he channels those experiences into his debut EP, What Do You Want To Be When You’re Older?, arriving April 24.
The 7-song project is a cohesive narrative arc — not just a collection of tracks. It begins with “Older,” a dark bedroom pop confession about isolation and identity confusion. “Father” explores the longing for parental validation, while “Town” reframes a physical place as a metaphor for the mind — claustrophobic, looping, and heavy with intrusive thoughts.
Presave the EP Now: http://Makaiohuizar.tunelink.to/whatdoyouwanttobewhenyoureolder
At the heart of the EP is “Oceanside,” a soft yet cinematic reflection on brotherhood and childhood trauma. Referencing the avocado tree that stood in front of his childhood home, the song grounds its emotion in vivid, lived-in detail. Home, in Makaio’s world, is complicated — something you miss even when it hurts.
The second half of the EP turns inward. “Medicine” confronts emotional dependency in love, while “I’ve Never Been Much Of A Liar” documents the uncomfortable realization that sometimes you are the one who caused the damage.
The final track, “Stars,” floats into atmospheric alternative pop, closing the project with ambition and self-doubt intertwined. After wrestling with identity, family, heartbreak, and change, Makaio finally answers the question posed in the title: he wants to be a star — even if he’s still learning to believe he deserves it.
With 355,000+ streams and growing, Makaio Huizar represents a new generation of alternative pop artists — ones who don’t hide their uncertainty, but turn it into art.
Presave the EP: http://Makaiohuizar.tunelink.to/whatdoyouwanttobewhenyoureolder
Follow Makaio Huizar on Social Media
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