Atlanta’s rising pop star Micah Kiyo is uniquely and unapologetically original. The beautiful Black and Japanese-American songstress has mastered the art of being domestically demure, undauntedly confident, and unequivocally driven—all with a strong sense of family, loyalty, and purpose in an industry plagued by phoniness and the desire to fit in. With songs like “Diamonds Curves” and “Superhero Boots,” Micah has created her own sound that she’s dubbed “Global Pop,” with no worries about trying to fit the status quo. In contrast, she’s known for that individuality. When she hits the stage, her presence is atypical of the modern performer and her rare ability to command the attention of anyone in a 50-yard radius is felt throughout the building.
In between her busy rehearsal, studio sessions, and label meeting schedule, Micah called timeout, stepped away from her awesome support team, and sat down with Pure DOPE Magazine Director Arionne Alyssa to talk that talk honey.
Written by Arionne Alyssa
Creative Director: Reiko Taylor of SALT
Photography by: Porsha Antalan
Hair: Kelli J. Stylez
Stylist: Jon Doe & Marquis Laurent
Location: Porsha Antalan Studios in Atlanta, GA.
Date: November 25, 2013
Read an Excerpt from the Full Length Interview
(Arionne Alyssa: AA) You really have unique and memorable music. How did you develop your “Global Pop sound?
(Micah Kiyo: MK) It’s funny because I’ve always felt like my lane has been pop. Even back when R&B was hot, I still was doing pop music. And it wasn’t great pop music, (Laughs!) because I was just starting out. I’ve continued to develop myself as a pop artist because I sing and dance at the same time and because my personality is so positive and energetic that I feel like it’s the perfect fit for me.
(AA) You have a ton of family support in your career. How was the decision made for you to enter the industry? Was it a collective one?
(MK) My parents kind of grew up in the industry. My dad started dancing on Soul Train and was in the original “Dream Girls” on Broadway. Then, he was in Michael Jackson’s “Bad” video so he’s been in the performance industry for a very long time. When I told him that I wanted to sing, he wasn’t surprised at all. He played a huge part in my developmental years, as far as training me to be the artist that I am today. Then, my mom is on the other side. She started off in makeup and hair, then she went into styling and designing sets. That evolved into graphics and design on the marketing, branding side. So after five years into my development, my dad thought that I was ready for the push and my mom jumped on board. It was just a natural progression.
(AA) Did you always know that this was what you wanted to do?
(MK) Music and movement has always been a part of me. I’ve been doing it since before I can remember. I recall being on stage one time as a kid at a fashion show and as soon as I got off, I said, “Mom, I wanna do it again!” It’s like I’m most comfortable on stage. It’s always been something that I wanted to do. It’s never been a question, ever.
(AA) Even though you have that strong sense of servitude, a lot of your music is empowering; screams confidence. Where does your personal strength come from?
(MK) My mother, she is the Japanese parent, and even though she instilled in me to serve others and to serve the men in my life, she also showed me that no person or situation defines me—I define me. Stuff may happen or people may say things that are not encouraging, things that are ugly, in an attempt to tear you down. But, at the end of the day, you have to know who you are and that’s all that matters. You have to stand on that and I think she did a really good job of instilling that in me.
(AA) Do you think your music offers something different than what’s currently on radio?
(MK) Yes, I think that I offer something different content-wise. I get challenged all the time with my content not being edgy or sexual enough, but I feel that I can still be DOPE and people can still love what I do without having to compromise my moral standards or what I believe in. I think that’s been the hardest for me. I’m totally bent on persevering and getting to where I want to be without compromising in that area.
(AA) Where do you see your career in the next five years?
(MK) In the next five years, I want to be traveling the world—not just performing but speaking into people’s lives and connecting them with my music, using my music as a platform.
Follow Micah Kiyo on Twitter & IG
Watch the Official Video for “DIAMONDS CURVES“ by Micah Kiyo
Check out Micah Kiyo‘s DOPE MAG Photo Shoot Teaser
Watch Micah Monday‘s
Read Micah Kiyo’s Full Length Feature in Pure DOPE Magazine’s “Black Friday 2“ Issue - Available Now!
I have seen her perform - She performs with style and great confidence! Her voice is angelical!
Go far Star!!!!!