Micah Willis – X

By starrymag | November 2, 2020

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I feel like my sound depends on my mood. I have so many! Each song comes from inspiration from different artists. On the EP X, the song “Play It Safe” is a lot more down tempo chill RnB, but then you listen to “Selfish” and it is this funky sounding pop song. I like incorporating elements from different genres into one song. I think that’s why this EP is so unique. The producer for the project, Austin Payne, plays jazz trombone (which you can hear him play it “Play It Safe”), but he also has an electronic background. He brought so much to the table and he was able to combine those elements beautifully.

 

Q) Who are your greatest musical influences?

A) I could make a list of hundreds! Right now, I get inspiration from The Weeknd, Fleetwood Mac, August Alsina, Great Good Fine Ok and an artist named Leach that I just discovered!

 

Q) Tell us a little bit about the songwriting process for your EP X.

A) Each song was a bit different. We were originally just going to do a single, which was “Play It Safe.” emailed me over a demo of the beat and I wrote to it. Once we took it into the studio, we seemed to have such a good workflow that we decided to make it a while project. We wanted it to be a story of how we have experienced relationships. We always kept that in mind when writing. One of my favorites is called “U Girl.” He produced the song in about fifteen minutes and I just started singing over it and that’s how it was born.

 

Q) For the current singles “Play It Safe,” “Selfish” and “So Long,” are there any music videos for them in the works?

A) When we were in the middle of making X we had plans set for music videos and then COVID hit. We both take the virus very seriously and will wait for things to settle down a bit before we get together to make a music video. Now would be a good time to say wear your masks!!!

 

Q) You & Austin Payne not only wrote the music, but mixed the EP as well. What was the benefit of being able to see the album created from start to finish?

A) Being able to mix with Austin was such a cool learning experience. We decided to do it because we wanted it perfect. We would spend hours on like four bars and take it to the car to give the old driving test and it wouldn’t be right and we would go back in and tweak it. But once we got it, we just looked at each other and just smiled. It’s such a rewarding feeling.

 

Q) I really love the song “When I’m Loving U.” Which song on X was the most personal for you during writing and recording?

A) Thank you! That was a fun one to work on! The most personal one for me is “So Long…” I was going through a really hard time when I wrote this. I have poured my heart into songs but not like this one. I was actually kind of scared to release it because I know the girl who I wrote it about would automatically know it was about her if she listened to it! The writing process of that song was actually very therapeutic. It helped me understand that it is okay to say goodbye to someone you loved and to just cherish the memories you had together.

 

Q) What do you hope fans take away from the new album?

A) We are living in such a crazy time right now. And I just hope my music can let people forget about what is going on in the world.

 

Q) With live music currently in limbo, have you done any or are you considering doing any virtual shows via social media for your fans?

A) I have! My good friend and DJ, Rob Bennion, and I started doing some live shows and then we began doing something called “Curbside Concerts,” where we would go to peoples’ houses and play for them curbside so they could watch on their porch. Music is so powerful and I believe everyone needs it now more than ever and I’m just so glad I have been able to share music while staying safe.

 

Q) What do you miss most about performing live and how has music helped get you through these unprecedented times?

A) I miss the audience. I do music because I love to see people forget about life when they are at my shows. It’s so hard not to see them. Some call them fans, but I feel like they are all my close friends. I miss them so much. Music is so therapeutic and during these times I’ve been able to get my frustration out through writing.

 

Q) You had the chance to work with such artists as Neon Trees, James Valentine (Maroon 5), Steve Smith (Journey) and Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band). What did you learn from working with them that you have applied to your own career?

A) Whatever you do, give it all you’ve got. Those musicians are phenomenal! And they give it their all each time they record, or write or do a show. And that’s a big thing when you are performing at little clubs. Chances are people are there to catch up with friends and have a few drinks, not necessarily to see you. But you’ve got to put on the best show for them. It doesn’t matter if there are five people or fifty thousand people in the audience, I have learned to give it all I’ve got!

 

Q) Aside from music you have also dabbled in acting, appearing on Disney’s “Andi Mack.” Are there any acting projects on the horizon for you?

A) You know, acting is something I’ve always loved doing. I do have a few potential projects and it just depends on if we can all do our part to stop the spread of this horrible virus. Once that is taken care of, I will be doing a lot more acting.

 

Q) Is there anyone you would love to collaborate with in the future?

A) The Weeknd! Anybody who knows me knows he is such a huge inspiration. Even if it wasn’t a song we did together, I would love to write with him or watch his process. I feel like I could learn so much from him.

 

Q) What would you like to share with fans & supporters of your music?

A) I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you! I have the best fans in the world! I am so lucky that I get to share my music with people and the fact people are enjoying it means more than they will ever know.

 

Listen to EP X