Rising Texas R&B Artist Micah Talley Opens Up About Her Journey, New Single “Stolen,” and Finding Her Voice
Indie R&B artist Micah Talley, originally from Amarillo, Texas, is carving out her own lane in the music world. With a soulful sound influenced by artists like SZA and Mariah the Scientist, Micah blends emotional storytelling with smooth, indie-style R&B. Her new single “Stolen” showcases just how far she’s come.
Amarillo Roots: Where It All Began
Though she now lives in Denton, Micah's creative journey started back in the Amarillo-Canyon area, where she moved as a freshman. Immersing herself in choir, theatre, and Amarillo Little Theatre productions, she also trained at Anderson’s Talent Agency. There, she took acting and modeling classes, and more importantly, met her vocal coach, Katy Giest, who helped shape her as a professional and classically trained singer over the next seven years.
“Being around people so passionate about music and the arts definitely shaped me,” Micah says. “Katy inspired me. She had worked with MTV and had even dropped an album. That kind of experience motivated me.”
From Amarillo to UNT: A Leap of Faith
After spending her formative years in Amarillo, Micah took a bold step and moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to pursue her music dreams. Now a Media Arts major with concentration in broadcasting at the University of North Texas, she’s taken full advantage of the opportunities around her.
Photo by Cymone Shanks (Cymonesnaps).
“I moved to Denton because I wanted something new and I’ve had so many chances to grow here,” she explains. Micah participated in open mic nights with Poetic Justice for two years and helped organize campus-wide music events through the University Program Council. One of those connections even led to her selection for the North by Northwest music festival.
“Make You Mine” and the Power of Connection
In late 2023, UNT film student Ainsley Beers approached Micah about creating a music video for her song “Make You Mine”. This lighthearted love track Micah wrote at 18 and nearly took offline.
“She loved it,” Micah recalls. “It’s only still up because of her. The video came out in February 2024, and it’s really amazing.”
About Micah’s New Single“Stolen”
Micah’s latest single, “Stolen”, represents a more mature, emotional chapter in her songwriting. Written at age 19, the track reflects on a relationship marked by dishonesty and emotional conflict.
“I was seeing someone who lied and talked to other girls. At the time, I thought it was a ‘me’ problem,” Micah says. “Writing this song helped me understand it wasn’t. It was about accepting that I couldn’t fix someone else and choosing to move forward.”
She describes “Stolen” as a late-night emotional R&B track that explores themes of pride, ego, and heartbreak. All this without leaning on the usual cheating narrative. Influenced heavily by SZA and Mariah the Scientist, Micah crafts a sound that is vulnerable yet empowering.
A Music Video for “Stolen”
Micah draopped the music video for “Stolen” on May 30, continuing Micah’s visual storytelling approach. “It’s my first time putting something this deep out,” she admits. “It’s uncomfortable, but it’s real. And everyone’s been through some version of heartbreak.”
Defining Her Sound & Creative Process
Micah describes her current sound as indie R&B with a soulful, heartfelt core which is similar to artists like Jhené Aiko, Summer Walker, and SZA. Her writing process often starts with a beat or instrumental she connects with emotionally. From there, she freestyles, builds the chorus, and fills in the verses.
“I set the scene with the chorus and build my way around that,” she says. “It’s very much about finding the story.”
Looking Ahead
While a full EP or album isn’t confirmed yet, Micah’s goal is to keep growing her audience. “I want to release another single soon, but first, I’m focusing on building a following,” she explains. “When the day comes, I want there to be demand.”
On a personal level, she’s aiming to surpass 1,000 monthly Spotify listeners and reach 5,000 TikTok followers in 2025. She’s already consistently creating content, joining trends, and promoting her music on her own terms.
Staying Connected to Her Roots
Though she hasn’t performed in Amarillo recently, her hometown remains important. “My family’s still there and I visit often. A few years back, I sang the national anthem for the Sod Poodles at Hodgetown Stadium,” she shares.
Advice for Other Small-Town Creatives
Micah has a clear message for other young artists from small towns, “Don’t be afraid to move.”
“Leaving Amarillo was scary, but if I hadn’t, I would’ve missed out on so many opportunities,” she says. “Networking has been everything. Just because someone says no now doesn’t mean they won’t say yes later.”
On Growth, Vulnerability & the Music Industry
Photo by Cymone Shanks (Cymonesnaps).
Navigating the industry hasn’t been without challenges. As a woman in R&B who doesn't yet play an instrument, Micah has faced doubts, but she's working through it.
“Some places prefer live instruments, so I’m learning guitar. I also want to produce my own music one day and stop buying beats,” she says. “It takes courage to put yourself out there but you can’t be afraid of rejection.”
Micah’s journey is only just beginning, but her blend of honesty, talent, and persistence is something to admire.
Keep up with more of the local music scene via Loud and Heavy Booking.
