Makena Captures Heartbreak and Hope in Her New Single “Delusional”

Los Angeles-based alt-pop artist Makena has done it again, turning raw emotion into an irresistible anthem with her latest single, Delusional. Born in Denver and seasoned by life’s ups and downs, Makena has always had a knack for transforming the messy, complicated bits of human experience into music that feels both cathartic and oddly comforting.

Delusional, released on October 10th, is the first glimpse into her upcoming project The Valley. The song dives into that bittersweet space where hope and heartbreak collide — that quiet, stubborn part of you that refuses to let go, even when all signs point otherwise. Makena co-wrote the track in Nashville alongside Kate Ryder and Anthony Rankin (ANTI), who also produced the single, giving it a shimmering, cinematic alt-pop sound that glides effortlessly over your emotions.

What makes Delusional so captivating is Makena’s ability to blend heartbreak with bite. The song’s glossy synth-pop production contrasts perfectly with its introspective lyrics, creating a sound that is at once dreamy and piercingly honest. It’s a song for anyone who has ever believed in what could be, rather than what is — a feeling that’s both universal and uniquely Makena.

Her knack for storytelling is backed by real-world proof: over 400,000 organic streams as an independent artist, no playlist support required. Whether she’s exploring love, self-sabotage, or starting over, Makena’s “salty bitch pop” style remains unmistakable — sharp, self-aware, and emotionally charged.

With Delusional, Makena not only sets the tone for The Valley but also reminds listeners why her music resonates so strongly: she turns heartbreak into something you can dance to, cry to, and ultimately, relate to. For those ready to lose themselves in shimmering melodies and relatable, bittersweet truths, Delusional is a must-listen.

Listen to Delusional on Spotify or Smart Link and get ready for the next chapter in Makena’s The Valley.

We got a chance to interview Makena and ask her about "Delusional"...

Delusional explores holding onto hope even when it seems impossible — can you share a personal experience that inspired this song?

"This song was inspired by feeling like LA and my music career were leading me on...kind of like an F-boy. It kept giving me just enough to keep holding on, but never enough to actually feel secure or like it was going to work out. I wanted to personify that feeling and write it like a relationship that you know is bad for you, but you can’t seem to walk away from."

Your music has been described as “salty bitch pop” — how do you balance the bite and honesty with the dreamy, synth-pop production on tracks like Delusional? 

"I think it all comes down to the lyrics. I’ve always loved conversational writing, the kind that feels like you’re just talking to your best friend, but it still cuts deep. Honestly, I think the most truthful thing you can say sometimes just happens to be the saltiest.... and then when you put that kind of raw honesty over a softer melody, it hits hard."

Writing Delusional in Nashville with Kate Ryder and Anthony Rankin must have been a creative adventure — what was the vibe like in the studio, and did any unexpected moments influence the final track?

"It was honestly so fun! It was my last session on a trip to Nashville. I had never met either one of them, and tbh sometimes you never know what you're walking into when you go to a session. It's basically like blind dating. But from the second I got there we all just instantly clicked. I feel like we probably just talked for like 2 hours before we even started writing a song. Anthony really brought the vibes to life with his synth pop production, and Kate really helped bring lyrical and melodic story together."

This single is the first taste of your upcoming project The Valley — without giving too much away, what can fans expect from the rest of the project in terms of mood, themes, or sonic experimentation?

"“The Valley” feels like a breakup album... just not with a person. It’s about falling out of love with a city,  but also exploring how you're not ready to let it go. While also exploring my own mental health and  the relationships I've made along the way here.  It’s moody, emotional, and a little delusional  kind of like chasing something you know might hurt you, but doing it anyway. I'm definitely exploring new sounds sonically as well for this project. So I'm excited for you guys to hear it! :)"