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13 May 2024

Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Dublin artist MICAH to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I first got into music at a very young age through theatre. When I was five, I played Gretel in a local production of “The Sound of Music.” As a teenager, I spent countless hours in various bands, exploring punk, rock and pop. Later on, while starting at UCC, I continued performing in bands and singing at weddings and other events. I eventually joined girl bands and even did some work in the United States as a songwriter and musician. Finally, I left an EDM mgmt and decided to pursue an independent path just before Covid hit, and that’s where I am now.

My name, Micah, was actually thought up by my father. It’s a combination of my mom’s maiden name, my surname, and my middle name, bringing all aspects of my family together in one name. We also love the name because it signifies acting justly, which aligns perfectly with my values of authenticity and fairness.

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
My natural inclination leans towards heavy rock, like Evanescence. However, over the years of writing and working in various genres, I’ve developed a unique style that blends pop, rock, and synth elements, which I’ve grown to love. Before Covid, I felt like I was writing primarily for the audience rather than for myself. During the pandemic, I began focusing more on writing music that resonated with me personally, leading to the development of my new sound. I draw significant inspiration from artists such as Tate McRae, Fletcher, Tove Lo, Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Loreen. They have greatly influenced my music and artistic direction.

How would you describe your sound?
Oh, my sound is a mix of rock pop and synth, it’s a bit like Pink/Fletcher/Tate McRae/Lorraine and maybe a little bit of Evanescence… it’s very honest and authentic songwriting, because if you know me, you’ll be able to pinpoint what’s kind of going on in my life.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My new single, “No Love,” delves into the experience of falling for someone only to realize they don’t reciprocate the same level of interest. It’s about coming to terms with the realization that relationships can sometimes crash and burn. However, there’s a twist to this song because I’m actually portraying the one who’s being perceived as the “bad guy.” I reflect on past mistakes where I hurt someone, acknowledging this in my EP, which is deeply personal and explores self-discovery and honesty about my feelings and actions. The EP is a journey of confronting my own flaws and accepting who I am.

What’s your local music scene like?
Local music scene is very very genre which I’m loving this so much going on so like punk rock pop.

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
My plan for the next 12 months is busy but straight forward – I am going to be releasing a song every 6 to 8 weeks over the next four months, and then it will culminate in the EP headline drop in the Autumn. From there I’ll be finishing off work on my second EP which is a second part of the villain EP.

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with Loreen. I’ve been a fan of hers since 2011, I’d love to collaborate with Fletcher I think she’s amazing, Kate Bush would be amazing too just so many amazing artists who I absolutely adore.

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
There’s been a few, will use some well seasoned, I remember once at a show a group of girls were kind of pulling at me I would say and basically I kind of need to stay focus on what I was at… so I went over to the bouncer who was standing on the floor, but would’ve been my height from the stage and I just threw my arm around as a mess… then the girls were over to him ‘he asked me why?’ I was like so I don’t fall off stage again!…and that has happened too.

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I suppose I am very honest with my songwriting, and hopefully that comes across, and I hope some of what I talk about resonates with people personally, and just if you’re around pop into one of my shows it will be great to see people.

Upcoming live dates and performances
I will be performing at the Stoneybatter festival in June, other dates during the summer to be announced and headline show in the Autumn.

You can find out more about MICAH on her website or via Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, TikTok, X (Twitter) or YouTube.