Makari Recharged: Fifteen Years and a Brand‑New Chapter

Makari Recharged: Fifteen Years and a Brand‑New Chapter

Makari’s story stretches back to 2011, when a group of young Florida musicians began shaping the atmospheric, emotionally charged sound that would eventually define them. Fifteen years later, the band has weathered lineup changes, cross‑country moves, creative reinvention, and a decade’s worth of growth — emerging stronger, sharper, and more confident than ever. With a brand‑new album completed and fresh singles already turning heads, vocalist Andy Cizek and drummer Kevin Beljan sat down with Highwire Daze to reflect on their earliest releases, the evolution of their craft, and the relentless drive that keeps Makari pushing forward. What followed was an honest, funny, and deeply thoughtful conversation from two artists who have truly grown up inside this band.

We’re here with two members of Makari. Introduce yourselves and tell me what you do in the band — starting with Kevin.
Kevin Beljan: Hey, I’m Kevin Beljan. I play drums, and I’m also one of the lyricists for the band.

Andy Cizek: And my name’s Andy, and I sing in the band.

Let’s jump right into the new single, Stare at the Sun. Is there an overall story or concept behind that song?
Andy: Actually, Kevin could answer this one.

Kevin: Yeah, that one started with Eric. He had this idea built around the feeling of “I can’t get enough,” paired with imagery of light beams passing through you. We sat together and worked out the rest of the chorus, and the song became about that overwhelming feeling you get when you’re really in love or enamored with someone.

Especially in the beginning — the honeymoon phase — everything feels perfect. You can’t get enough of the other person, their energy, their presence. You want to be consumed by it. That’s really the heart of the song.

Let’s go back to the previous single, Speed Freak. Tell me a little about that one.
Kevin: That one’s another love song. I was thinking about the people I love and miss. We’re from Florida — well, I’m from Florida — and we were all the way out in California. You’re driving with the sun going down, and your mind goes to the people you care about.

I was thinking about an old movie I watched with my dad, and I was also thinking about my girlfriend — wishing she could see the same sunset I was seeing. Wanting to share that moment with her. Just imagining how romantic it would be to be on a night drive with no worries, no cares, just enjoying the time together. I think a lot of people can relate to that.

Let’s talk about Disappearing Act with Brian Butcher from The Home Team. How did that collaboration come about, and have you had the chance to perform it live together?
Andy: Yeah, we were already building a relationship with them before we toured together. We’d gone to see them, they’d come to see us — we were fans of each other. Eric started writing this really catchy, pop‑leaning song, and we immediately thought Brian’s voice would be perfect for it.

As we built the song and demoed it out, it eventually reached a point where we could send it his way. He was stoked and happy to be part of it. Then we went on tour together, and at the end of the tour we were able to perform it live with Brian, which was awesome.

How close are you guys to recording a new album or EP?
Andy: We actually finished recording a new album completely. It’s on the way. When did we wrap on that, Kev?

Kevin: I think in February.

Andy: Yeah, that sounds right.

So it’s been sitting there for a minute.
Andy: Well, the mix and mastering process took a little while, but yeah — we’re eager to keep sharing singles and eventually put the whole thing out.

The Continuum EP came out in November 2020, right in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. What was it like releasing music during that historic time?
Andy: For me, it was scary. I didn’t know what was going to happen. I was afraid the music industry — touring, gigging — wouldn’t come back the same way. Putting music out during that time felt like jumping into the deep end. It was an experiment. We did a lot remotely, sending demos back and forth online. It was definitely a little scary.

What about for you, Kevin?
Kevin: I think it was scary for any musician. You didn’t know what would happen — whether the world was ending or if it was just a phase.

But we still wanted to get the songs out there and be of service to people — give them something to enjoy, something that might help them through a dark time. I especially wanted to keep releasing music to have hope and things to look forward to. Thankfully, at least the COVID aspect has eased in terms of not living in fear of a plague.

Andy, you joined Makari in 2017. You’re about to hit your ten‑year anniversary with the band. What’s it like knowing you’ve been involved for almost a decade?
Andy: It makes me feel very old, first of all. But really, it’s wonderful. It’s the most important project I’ve ever been part of. I’ve seen so much growth in everyone — as musicians, as people, as friends.

They were a band for quite some time before I joined, but I still feel like we were in our youth, or maybe just exiting it, when I came into the picture. We were still growing up. Looking back then compared to now, we’re much stronger, we’ve learned so much, and I’m excited to keep building on that — ten years, twenty years, whatever comes next.

Now, speaking of ten‑year anniversaries — Ghost Stories and Elegies recently hit their ten‑year mark. When you look back on those releases, what do you think of them now in retrospect? Ten years goes by so fast.
Kevin: I look at them the way a parent might look at a kid’s drawing — like when a child traces their hand to make a turkey. It was the beginning of something. Very rudimentary, the earliest stages of what we were trying to become.

There was good stuff there, and clearly enough people liked it that we weren’t getting kicked off stage, which encouraged us to keep going. But when I look back, I see young me with a terrible haircut, not as much finesse, not as much development. It was a time of being young and trying to make music.

If you compare those releases to Stare at the Sun or Speed Freak, it’s like looking at a sculptor’s first year versus year ten. Ideally, you progress to the point where you’re getting closer to your version of the David. We’re always fine‑tuning and trying to get more refined. Those early releases were an important learning step — and they led to us meeting Andy, which changed everything. Hopefully most people would say we’ve been getting better.

Some of my favorite things you’ve done are the acoustic tracks. Have you ever considered touring acoustically? Would that even be fun for you?
Andy: I don’t think we’ve ever considered doing a full acoustic tour. The demand would definitely have to be there, and I’m not sure it is. Beyond that, we’re more comfortable doing the full‑band thing — that’s more true to our sound.

But I’d personally love to throw an acoustic moment into the set as a break. We did that with Phantom, our acoustic song, a couple tours ago, and I thought it was really special. I just can’t imagine doing an entire acoustic set at this time.

Kevin: Yeah, I think it’s more likely something we’d do as part of a VIP package — a few acoustic songs there, maybe one in the main set. It’s a cool dynamic to offer people, but when it comes to live shows, the five of us are more intent on rocking out.

How did your recent tour with Hail the Sun and Foxy Shazam go? What were some of the highlights?
Andy: Man, it was great. One of the biggest highlights for me was watching Foxy go absolutely crazy on stage. They’re nuts. Their stage presence is out of this world.

Their singer will literally eat a cigarette. Their keyboardist will throw his rig into the audience and jump in after it. And the camaraderie we have with Hail the Sun is always amazing — any time we tour with them, it’s just a wonderful time. So yeah, it was awesome.

Kevin: It was a blast from day one. One of those tours where everyone got along and everything just clicked. Maybe there were a few bus issues here and there, but otherwise everything went off without a hitch.

Foxy’s energy definitely pushed everyone to give their best. I think all the bands fed off each other, and the fans were the direct recipients of that. Everyone wanted to put on the best show possible. It was a really good time with a lot of good energy.

You guys are playing Warped Tour Orlando. What are you looking forward to most about the Orlando show?
Andy: I’m excited to watch some bands. Our set will be great, I’m sure, but honestly — it’s a free ticket to Warped Tour. I just want to see other artists. I haven’t been to a Warped Tour in a long time.

Kevin: Warped Tour has always been iconic. We played the Ernie Ball stage once or twice, but this feels more like playing it properly. We’ve been based out of Orlando for a while, most of us, so it’ll be cool to have a bunch of friends there like, “Oh my God, that’s amazing.”

I’m looking forward to playing the show and checking out other acts too. I think it’s going to be a good time with a lot of good energy.

Andy, did any of your other bands ever play Warped Tour?
Andy: No — well, actually, I think A Lot Like Birds definitely did before I joined. I don’t think Monuments ever did; they’re mostly UK‑based. But yeah, not on my end. I did it like Kevin said, on the Ernie Ball stage, but I haven’t done a proper Warped Tour.

You mentioned your other bands — Monuments and A Lot Like Birds. Are you still involved with those, and what can we expect from them in the future?
Andy: A Lot Like Birds is definitely working on music. There’s a tour happening in September that I’ll be part of. Monuments is on hiatus, but we recently got together, and there’s a chance we might put out a single. We’re taking it slow.

Would A Lot Like Birds and Makari ever want to tour together, or has that already happened?
Andy: Pulling double vocal duty for an entire tour would probably be physically impossible for me. But we did play a festival where both bands were on the bill — I played a double set. For a one‑off show, it’s cool and totally doable. That was at Kill Iconic Fest. But a full tour? I don’t think my voice could survive that.

Andy, I wanted to touch on Golden from last year. Tell me about that song — and is there any other solo material on the horizon?
Andy: I’d seen that song going around and was blown away by the vocal range. It’s from the movie K‑Pop Demon Hunters, which I actually ended up liking way more than I expected. When I hear a song that’s vocally challenging, I want to try it. I’m like, “Can I pull that off? Can I hit that note?” It was really fun.

As far as solo music goes, I always say I want to put out more — but I’ve got so many projects going at once. It’s hard to find the time and the creative energy. But I still want to make it happen eventually.

If a band wants you to do a guest vocal spot, what do you look for?
Andy: Basically, if it’s sick. If I vibe with it and feel like I can bring something to the song — elevate it — I’m in. I like doing features. I’m a little more selective these days because I’ve done so many, but making cool music with talented people is always fun. More often than not, I’m up for it.

And Kevin, are you involved in any other bands or projects outside of Makari? I know this band is your baby.
Kevin: No, this is where I put the majority of my creative energy. Outside of Makari, I write poems and I’m working on a short story, but this band is where most of my input goes. For the longest time we were DIY — no management, no anything — so my plate has always been full with Makari. In short, I try to pour everything into this.

You’re now part of the Thriller Records family. How did that come about?
Andy: It started because The Home Team is on Thriller, and we had a good relationship with them. We met Bob, the head of the label, at one of the shows we played together. Am I remembering that right, Kevin?

Kevin: Yeah — Seattle, the last leg of the tour. Nico, their A&R guy, was there too. People had heard of us because we’d been doing everything on our own, even through COVID. One of the best things about this band is that no matter what obstacle gets thrown at us, we keep going and keep making music.

I think once people finally see us live, they’re like, “Damn, this is legit.” Especially if we’ve only been in their peripheral — once you hear Andy, hear the band, and see us giving our all, it clicks. Thriller heard us, we started talking, and we told them we had songs in the works. It all came together from there.

Last question — do you have any messages for Makari fans who’ve been following you over the years, or maybe for new fans?
Kevin: I always lead with thank you. Thank you for being here, or for just getting here. Whether you’ve been with us for years or you just discovered us — thank you for caring about a group of human beings making art. I hope you enjoy it. I hope it’s useful to you. I hope it fills a space in your heart or your mind that you need.

If you’ve ever gone to a show, spent your hard‑earned money to see us, bought a shirt — thank you. We promise to give back. If you want more music, there will be more music. We can’t do this without you.

Andy: Honestly, I couldn’t have said it better. Kevin has a way with words. I echo everything he said — thank you. We’re going to keep rocking as long as you’ll have us. And even if you won’t, we’ll probably still do it.

Kevin: Yeah — music has always spoken to all of us. It’s another language, a way for us to communicate. We’ll do it whether you like it or not. But hopefully you like it.

In Conclusion

From their earliest EPs to their most polished work yet, Makari’s journey has been one of persistence, passion, and constant refinement. Fifteen years in, the band feels more energized than ever — still experimenting, still evolving, still chasing the spark that first brought them together in 2011. Whether it’s Andy balancing multiple projects, Kevin pouring his heart into lyrics and storytelling, or the entire group pushing their sound into new territory, Makari remains committed to connection and creativity. As they prepare to release new music and step into their next era, one thing is certain: the band’s dedication hasn’t wavered, and their fans — both longtime supporters and brand‑new listeners — are about to witness Makari at their most epic.

(Interview by Ken Morton)

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