Singer-songwriter Alyssa Micaela has just released her highly-anticipated debut full-length album, The Hard Way. The album features a total of 11 tracks, including her previously released singles like “The Bar Guy” and “If Texas Had a Heart”. The album showcases Micaela’s versatile range as a musician, with a combination of catchy upbeat tracks like “The Hard Way” and introspective songs like “Jealous of the Birds”. In this interview, we will delve deeper into the making of The Hard Way and get an idea of who Micaela is as an artist.
“Jealous of the Birds”
I asked about “Jealous of the Birds,” as it really stood out to me when I first heard it. Micaela told me that it’s one of her favorite songs. The song was written in 2019, during a time when she was struggling with anxiety and depression. She had never written anything so vulnerable before, but the idea for the song came to her one day when she thought about how she was jealous of birds. Micaela attended a church service about anxiety, where the pastor talked about how God provides for the birds, even as they have to constantly uproot themselves due to changing seasons and destroyed homes.
This gave Micaela hope and inspiration for the song. She co-wrote the it with Brendan Cooney and Chris Rafetto, and they immediately understood and embraced the concept. Micaela believes that the song is relatable to anyone, regardless of their background or life experiences. The lyrics touch on the idea that, while birds may have a different way of life, there is still something to be learned from them, such as how they are provided for despite their constant struggles.
Discovering Her Love for Singing
Micaela began singing as a child and recalls how she was initially hesitant when her mother suggested that she join an after-school music program. However, after adjusting to the program, she began to enjoy it. Her mother then encouraged her to audition for a solo, which initially terrified Micaela. She ended up getting the solo and her music teacher praised her talent to her mother. Micaela admits that she was initially shy, but she enjoyed the attention she received when she sang, especially since she came from a big family where one had to be outgoing and assertive. This positive reaction to her singing was the beginning of her musical journey.
Reflecting on her path, Alyssa Micaela shared how moving to Nashville was always her first choice despite the fact that many artists make their living by playing shows in Texas, where she grew up. She never wanted to have any regrets and is grateful for the time she spent in Nashville as it brought many people into her life, including those she writes music with and who have become good friends. Alyssa acknowledges that her music wouldn’t be where it is today if she didn’t know them. Now, she is looking forward to exploring more of Texas, since her family is there, and it makes sense to her.
The Hard Way
Alyssa Micaela shared that her main goal with her new album is to connect with her listeners on a personal level. She hopes that her music will make people feel like they know her and maybe even want to be her friend. Along with some upbeat and fun tracks, the album also contains several messages about confidence, which is an important value to Alyssa. She wants to spread this message to her fans and inspire them to be confident in themselves as well. The album also has some emotional songs, like “Jealous of the Birds,” which holds a lot of hope for her. She believes that the album as a whole is well-rounded and has a good mix of tracks that will make listeners feel different things.
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Connect with Alyssa Micaela
For more information on Alyssa Micaela, visit https://www.alyssamicaela.com/.
