Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I was born and raised in Birmingham and have lived here my whole life so far. I have a lot of family in Birmingham that I spent a lot of time around growing up. Most my family had a big love for music, there was always music playing wherever I’d go. This inspired me to start experimenting with music and writing my own bars, which later lead to me releasing freestyles on popular Youtube channels. Since then I’ve fallen in love with the process of making music and developing my sound.
Q: And what other artists have you found yourself listening to lately?
A: There’s not much new music that I listen to. I tend to listen to older projects as I feel they have a bit more substance to them in some cases. I’ve been a big fan of Tame Impala, Coldplay, Metronomy and others similar, but generally I listen to all genres and styles of music. My favourite track this past month has been ’Sinner’ by Kelz, I’m really excited to see what else he has coming!
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘Micah’?
A: One of my biggest musical influences has been my cousin Corey, who produced all of my current catalogue of music. I’ve been working with Corey now for years and we’ve been able to create a unique sound that feels very authentic to my style. I previously released music under the name ‘Molly Mikes’, which was during a period of time where I made rap/hip hop music. ‘Micah’ is my real name, and entering a period in my music career where I am creating and releasing music that is more true to myself, it seemed like it made sense to have a rebrand and release under the name ‘Micah’.
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Exciting’. Is there a story behind it?
A: ‘Exciting’ was one of the first tracks I recorded in this new style of music I’ve been making the past few years. The track was recorded in December 2019 following an eventful year for myself, which gave me lots to talk about in my music. It definitely showed me what I was capable of musically and inspired me to go and record more!
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: I have plenty of music locked and loaded which I am so eager to share with the world! There may be an EP coming soon, providing the demand is there, but for now we plan on just releasing some strong singles alongside some creative visuals!
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I would hope the lyrics resonate with listeners! I speak about real life situations I’ve been in and I’m sure there’s plenty of people who have experienced similar feelings, hopefully my music can help or bring joy to those people. The production is another key factor in my music which could have an impact on the listener, the fusion between modern and old school styles provides a nostalgic feel that may provoke some emotion. If I had to further describe my sound, I would call it refreshing and stimulating – regardless of how my music makes you feel, I believe it’s bound to leave you feeling some kind of emotion.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: Yeah definitely!! Even before I started releasing earlier this year, it felt very fulfilling to be able to write and record music that felt authentic to myself. It’s also like therapy for me, I feel like it’s important for people to find something that can relieve some stress for them. Since releasing it has felt very rewarding though, I love sharing my music with people and hearing how it’s made them feel!
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: The creative process can vary depending on the time and circumstances. Usually I go to Corey, my producer, with a rough idea – which may be a melody, hook or even just a few bars! Once Corey sets the foundation for the beat we just build from there and allow it to become whatever it is meant to be! The process is very natural and authentic. Sometimes I like to write whole songs prior to entering studio, but there’s something special about writing the lyrics in studio when I’m taking in the energy around me!
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: The loss of my cousin is for sure up there with one of the most difficult things I have endured. He inspires me every day to keep going hard and to try and improve life for myself and my loved ones, as well as to become the best version of myself as possible. Dealing with rejection has also been a challenge throughout my music career. I’ve been releasing music for around 6 years now, on and off, and it can become difficult to keep a hold of your vision and to stay motivated and disciplined. But it’s important to believe in what you’re doing and keep going, the journey only stops when you stop!!
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: Releasing ‘No Way’, which was my first release in a while that came out in June, was a proud moment for me. I’ve had a wide catalogue of music sat waiting to come out for a while now, so finally getting to release something felt very relieving!! The reaction we got was great and definitely inspired me to continue releasing as consistently as I can. I’m looking forward to see what other significant moments arise through my music career.