Micah Justice shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Micah, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
That’s a great question. It’s music. When I’m playing, writing, or even just listening, hours can slip by without me realizing it, especially when I am collaborating with others. It’s where I let go of everything else, but also where I reconnect with myself. Music has this way of both carrying me away and grounding me at the same time. When people listen to my music, read my stories, or look at the crazy art I make, I hope they love it. I also hope that when anyone who needs a way to both connect and disconnect can find that through any creations I have made.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Micah Justice. I’m a dreamer and an outside the box thinker. I’m an alternative country and blues singer-songwriter, author, and artist based in Southern California. I’m also a thriving middle aged divorcee, teacher, and mother who uses creativity to reflect and process on all of my poor choices, desires, and opinions and people tell me I’m pretty decent at it. I’ve been writing and recording music since I was a very young child. I started playing the cello in 4th grade and absolutely loved making music. I joined the choir and theater department in high school. I discovered open mikes in college and my desire to be a professional musician was fueled even more. I never really sang my own creations in public until I attended UC Santa Barbara. Now, twenty plus years later, I have been fortunate to share my music across the U.S. and internationally. It blows my mind. I have been told my performances are known for being authentic and raw—I like to connect with people in a way that feels real and lasting. I am very proud of the work I have done.
What makes my work unique is that I pull from my background in music, theater, and dance, but also from life experiences that people can relate to. In my own music, I have the freedom to do whatever I want…no one can really tell me what is wrong and what is right. I think that is also why I love abstract painting and candid photography…Being naturally defiant and a boundary pusher, I don’t feel burdened by rules with my artistic endeavors. My brand, Grounding Techniques, is really about creativity in many forms. They help me feel grounded.
Beyond music, I also write children’s stories. The stories I write have a social emotional learning element to them. As an educator, I find that my students’ social emotional skills are lacking. My own skills lacked as a kid and it caused me a lot of unnecessary grief…if only someone had read me a story like the ones I write…I truly feel it would have made my life that much better.
Right now, I’m working on writing new music, new recordings, playing with a cover project called West Palm Ave. Band, and continuing to perform. I am also learning more about the marketing and management of my art. For me, it’s always been about sharing energy, kindness, perspective, and truth in everything I create.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Who saw me clearly before I could see myself? Mr. Ed Abry. From the very beginning, this amazing mentor and teacher recognized my ease in speaking and performing in front of audiences. He saw a passion for creativity. He saw something in me—something I hadn’t yet fully recognized—and he believed in it wholeheartedly.
He thought I was great and I believed him. He took me to competitions, recommended me for countless opportunities to perform, and supported me every step of the way by coaching, attending my shows, and encouraging me to reach higher than I ever thought possible. Through his guidance, I felt valued, seen, and loved—not just for what I could do on stage, but for who I was as a person. I have a quite an imagination and grew up very anxious. He turned these things into positive things. I was a difficult student to reach and he won me over. I wanted to do my best because I also represented him.
His belief in me has left a lasting mark. He and his family remain an important part of my life, and I continue to feel the warmth and encouragement he has always offered. As a teacher, I hope that I can pass that love, patience, and recognition of their talents on to my students. There is something profoundly powerful about having someone in your life who is convinced that you are special—and I am so grateful that I had that kind of presence in mine.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are enough, exactly as you are, and your voice, your creativity, and your spirit matter more than you realize. They are gifts that make the world a better place. Keep trusting yourself and don’t be afraid to shine—you are capable of more than you know.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the music industry tells itself is that success is purely about talent or “making it big” overnight. In reality, it’s about consistency, connection, and resilience. Talent is important, but so is networking, self-promotion, and showing up even when no one is watching. I’ve watched those with grit make it a lot farther along than those with great talent. I wanted to be a professional entertainer. I was feeling sorry for myself a while back and I asked myself what is the goal…to be a paid performer. Even though I’m not selling out huge stadiums, I am getting paid…which means I have attained that goal. I see some of my friends have great success because they just wouldn’t quit. I’m going to keep playing music no matter where I’m playing.
Another misconception is that art can be fully separated from the artist’s life. People often think music or performance is just entertainment, but it can be deeply personal and shaped by lived experiences. The industry sometimes undervalues authenticity in favor of trends or formulas.
Finally, the industry can convince itself that competition is the only path to growth. While competition exists, collaboration, mentorship, and community are just as vital to long-term success, creativity, and fulfillment. I have an organization called The Regional Organization of the Creative Kind (R.O.C.K.) which does just that. We host events where makers can make, and players can play. It is a supportive group of people who want all of us to find success and happiness in our work. We find good, make good, and share good.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at ease when I know my daughter is safe, happy, and healthy. After that, when I am creating. Whether it’s music, words, or any form of expression, the act of making something from nothing quiets my mind, grounds my spirit, and reminds me that I am alive and in tune with my true self. The cherry on top is when my creations resonate with others making them feel less alone. I have a lot of joy in people enjoying my work. I love the idea that my creativity helps empower others to share their creativity as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://micahjustice.com
- Instagram: MIcah Justice
- Facebook: Micah Justice
- Youtube: @micahjusticemusic
Image Credits
Photo in the desert: Cathryn Beeks
