Working with Artists to help make MUSIC & ART a sustainable career
In the vibrant tapestry of Dublin’s music scene, a singular voice is carving out a unique space, blending raw emotion with an undeniable power. Known by her stage name, Micah, this artist is more than just a performer; she’s a storyteller whose music offers solace and fierce honesty. Her journey, rooted in a deep personal connection to music, promises an experience that is as authentic as it is captivating.
Micah’s stage name itself holds a significant meaning, being her middle name and translating to "act justly". Born in Tipperary, she spent her early infancy in Dublin before her family relocated back to Tipperary, the county she now describes as her most creative space. Her academic path led her to college in Cork, followed by work experiences in Dublin and across North America, including bustling cities like Philadelphia and New York.
The seeds of her performance passion were sown remarkably early in life. Micah recalls her earliest childhood memory vividly: securing the role of Gretel in a town musical production of The Sound of Music even before she had started school. This pivotal moment undeniably ignited what she fondly refers to as "the performance bug".
Music was not merely a hobby in Micah’s upbringing; it was a familial cornerstone. Her entire family, from parents to grandparents, shares a love for singing, though none pursued it professionally. Her grandmother, in particular, was an accomplished vocalist, having won numerous awards. Micah humorously notes, "I’m the odd one that went and pursued it". This inherent connection meant that music was always deeply ingrained in her identity. Even while pursuing her college studies, she actively performed in wedding bands, continuously nurturing her musical dreams.
When it comes to her primary instrument, Micah is unequivocal: "My voice has always been my main instrument". While she possesses skills on both guitar and piano, she finds them to be distractions that hinder her presence during performance. This focus on vocal purity is a defining characteristic of her artistry.
Her vocal influences are eclectic and powerful. Early inspirations include the legendary Freddie Mercury, admired for his vocal prowess. Artists like Kate Bush, Dire Straits, and Mary Black, frequently played by her parents, profoundly shaped her as a vocalist. Later, the dramatic power of Evanescence, particularly Amy Lee's vocals, became a significant influence on how Micah uses her own voice. Amy Lee's emotional weight left a lasting impression, resonating deeply with Micah.
Despite her artistic pursuits, Micah also possesses a strong academic background, having qualified as a teacher and earned two Masters degrees. Yet, throughout her life, music has remained her "safe place," the realm "where I feel most myself". This deep personal connection underscores the authenticity that listeners experience in her work.
Micah’s songwriting process is marked by an almost organic spontaneity. Typically, a song’s core idea manifests quickly, often beginning with a hummed melody or a lyric that serves as a foundation. She can usually lay down the "bones of the song" within the first fifteen minutes. She understands that forcing an idea for over an hour without it clicking is a sign it’s not working. While initial ideas must arrive naturally, she emphasizes that the editing and revisiting phase is crucial later on.
Her creative sanctuary is specific and deeply personal. She finds herself "most creative in temporary, when everyone’s gone to bed, the house is dark, and it’s completely quiet". This specific atmosphere "jet black night, no noise" provides the necessary mental space to truly listen to her inner thoughts, allowing "the good stuff" to emerge.
Writer's block, a common challenge for many artists, is now approached with wisdom and patience. Micah used to attempt to "force myself to sit and write through it ; didn’t work". Her current strategy is to simply wait, trusting that an idea, phrase, or feeling will naturally surface if given the appropriate space. "I don’t chase it anymore. I let it knock," she explains.
Beyond music itself, Micah draws inspiration from the broader tapestry of life. Conversations, interactions, and her personal struggles all find their way into her art. For Micah, music is profoundly therapeutic, a vital tool for processing "what’s happening around me and in me". Whether it’s global events or daily experiences, these elements frequently materialize in her lyrics.
When asked to define her unique sound, Micah describes it as "autobiographical dark pop". This genre designation reflects the deeply personal and often emotionally intense nature of her lyrics, combined with a contemporary pop sensibility. Influences from rock artists like Evanescence have significantly shaped her vocal approach, adding a powerful edge to her sound. Her music is consistently characterized by being "emotional, reflective, and honest ; always coming from a real place".
The thematic landscape of her lyrics delves into the "heavy hitters" of human experience. She frequently explores emotions such as "depression, anxiety, heartbreak, anger, resentment". These are often feelings that remain unspoken in daily conversation, and Micah's music provides a vital outlet for them. It is her method of processing emotions for which she might not otherwise have the words.
A true signature element that makes Micah’s music distinctly her own is her masterful use of harmonies. She performs all of them herself, layering them throughout her tracks to create a rich, enveloping sound. Another non-negotiable aspect of her artistry is her commitment to live fidelity: "what you hear recorded is what you hear live". This intentional approach ensures that listeners are never "tricked" and that her music holds up equally well both in the studio and on stage.
Micah’s journey has been punctuated by significant milestones that underscore her dedication and talent. One of her proudest moments was selling out Whelan’s, an iconic Dublin venue, a week before her EP launch show. The profound experience of standing on stage and hearing the crowd sing her own lyrics back to her was "hard to explain". Further validation came when two tracks from her EP were selected as "Track of the Week" on TodayFM, reinforcing her belief in her path.
This particular show also held deep personal significance. Micah revealed that she had gone through a "really difficult" period, having been assaulted in the lead-up to it. Despite advice from some to cancel the performance, she pushed through, a decision that profoundly taught her about resilience and the importance of "trusting your own voice even when everything else is saying stop".
Her EP launch served as her definitive "breakthrough moment". It wasn't solely about the impressive turnout or the radio play, but rather about claiming her space as the artist she truly wanted to be. She acknowledged the constant pressure to conform to a genre or narrative, but this release solidified her resolve: "no, I’m going to do the music I want to do. That’s it". The experience also provided a harsh lesson in the financial demands of an independent project, from recording to visuals and production, emphasizing the necessity of investing in oneself to progress.
Micah is no stranger to setbacks and rejections. She candidly speaks of "plenty of obstacles," including personal challenges, industry expectations, and the financial strains of being an independent artist. Through it all, her core lesson has been perseverance. She firmly believes in being "your own advocate," asserting that "no one’s going to believe in your music more than you do". For her, a "no" often simply signifies "not yet".
Her dream collaborations reflect her admiration for powerful, authentic female artists who defy norms. She speaks highly of Loreen, calling her "unreal" for her Eurovision-winning voice and electrifying artistry. Skin from Skunk Anansie is admired for her "fire and rawness," while Fletcher is loved for her honesty and power. Kate Bush is "obviously" on the list for her vision and defiance of norms, and Amy Lee of Evanescence is celebrated as an incredible vocalist and songwriter, whose emotional depth deeply resonated with Micah from a young age.
Micah is a firm believer in the power of community within the music scene. Her engagement with other artists is centered entirely on support. She actively attends their gigs, provides online shout-outs, and shares their work. For independent artists especially, this kind of mutual support is crucial, as she believes there’s "no competition really. There’s space for everyone, and we rise faster when we lift each other".
Her fans play an integral role in shaping her artistic presentation. They have encouraged her to reveal more of her authentic self, particularly the "goofy side that comes out after gigs". This less polished version has connected with people more than she anticipated, leading her to "lean into that" and simply "be real".
Currently, Micah is immersed in creating her debut album. The first single from this anticipated release is scheduled for August, with all accompanying visuals already filmed. She is in the final stages of recording the last four tracks, bringing the project to fruition. Beyond the album, a major focus for Micah is touring, aiming to perform, connect with audiences, and participate in more festivals and live sets, ultimately bringing the full album to life on stage.
Looking five years ahead, Micah envisions touring regularly and performing for audiences across mainland Europe, eager to explore "different languages, different energies, but all connected by music". Sonically, she intends to remain grounded in storytelling and emotional honesty, while also venturing into "deeper soundscapes, more stripped-back moments, maybe even collaborations with orchestral or electronic artists".
Her ultimate dream festival to headline is Electric Picnic, a goal she’s held since childhood, aspiring to headline it on her own terms when she feels truly ready to deliver her envisioned set. This achievement would represent a profound "full circle" moment for her.
Micah’s overarching hope is that listeners find a sense of solidarity in her music. She wants them to realize "that they’re not alone," and that whatever feelings they are experiencing—be it "heartbreak, anxiety, anger, grief"—someone else has navigated similar emotions and endured. Her aim is for people to feel "seen in the messiness of life, not just the polished bits".
Through her art, Micah actively addresses significant social and personal issues. Mental health is paramount, as she writes "very openly about depression, anxiety, and trauma". She firmly believes these experiences are real and should not be whispered about. Additionally, she tackles "the reality of being a woman in the music industry; the pressure to look, sound, or behave a certain way," seeking to name and challenge this tension, and the difficult life choices it necessitates.
She deftly balances entertainment with deeper messaging, asserting that "you can do both". For Micah, "the hook might catch you, but the lyric should hold you". Depth always comes first; if the emotion is genuine, it will resonate, even if the track is catchy. She has no desire to sing "empty songs".
Outside of her musical endeavors, Micah’s passions remain deeply personal and grounding. Her family is her constant "heart my everything". Teaching is also a significant part of her life, helping her stay "sharp, patient, and observant". She is also captivated by visual art and film, appreciating how elements like lighting, tone, and pacing can convey a story without words. This visual appreciation directly informs how she designs the visuals for her own music.
To stay grounded amidst her demanding schedule, Micah maintains several daily rituals. These include weightlifting and cardio at the gym, as well as outdoor walks. Crucially, she prioritizes checking in with herself early in the day through journaling, recognizing that without making space for herself, "the noise drowns everything".
After intense creative periods or tours, she recharges by completely crashing, seeking quiet time at home with family, friends, or her dog. This period of stepping back allows the creative itch to slowly return, ensuring she avoids feeling caught in a "rat race".
For those eager to witness this incredible artist perform, Micah promises an unforgettable experience. At her upcoming show, audiences can expect "Live vocals that match the recording, full stop". Her performance will be marked by intensity, genuine storytelling, and a touch of "goofy crap" as she doesn’t take herself too seriously. You’ll encounter "heart, truth, and a laugh or two in between".
Every one of Micah’s songs is deeply personal, pinpointing a specific moment in her life. One song that stands out is "Stranger," a poignant track about meeting her now-husband on Tinder. It carries a beautiful blend of "weight and softness" and holds special meaning for her due to their shared journey.
Micah has a special announcement planned for her next show: the release date for the first single from her highly anticipated debut EP. There will also be promo material available, as she is working with Jawdropper PR to properly launch this exciting new chapter.
Don't miss the opportunity to see Micah live at Out of Order – Vol. 4, presented by Tune Hoppers! This electrifying night of community, talent, and live performance returns for its fourth edition on Thursday, July 17th, at Fibber Magees Basement, Dublin, starting at 8:00 PM.
Micah, hailed for her "powerhouse vocals, emotionally honest lyrics, and sold-out shows," will be a featured artist, delivering her "raw diary wrapped in a cinematic soundscape". She will share the stage with other incredible acts like SilviAlice and Nathan Mac. Doors open at 8:00 PM, with featured performances following an open mic session.
Tickets are limited, so secure your spot now! General Admission is €10 + Booking Fee.
DISCOUNT CODE: MICAH (€2 OFF)
This is your chance to immerse yourself in a night filled with acoustic gems, lyrical truth, and high-concept pop.
Book your tickets now before it sells out!.
For more information and to follow Micah’s journey, visit www.micah.ie, where you’ll find all her socials, links, and news first.
Micah’s music is a powerful testament to the healing and connecting power of authentic artistry. With a voice that moves mountains and lyrics that speak directly to the soul’s deepest chambers, she offers not just entertainment, but a mirror to the shared human experience. To truly understand the depth and magnetic presence of this artist, you must experience her live.
Join Micah at Out of Order – Vol. 4 and be part of an unforgettable evening of talent and honest storytelling.
