Rising Stars: Meet Micah Cadwell of Tucker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Micah Cadwell.

Hi Micah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Florida and started playing guitar when I was about 12 years old. I got in my first band in high school and had so many amazing experiences playing shows, traveling, and making records. As I got older, my musical tastes changed but my passion for playing guitar only grew stronger. I moved to Atlanta in 1999 and I have been a full-time performer and guitar instructor for the past 22 years. A life in music hasn’t always been easy but it’s been remarkably rewarding.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A career in music is never a straight line. I tell my students all the time that making a living in music is totally possible if you’re creative and you work really hard. I have been a guitar instructor my entire adult life. During that time I have also owned a music school, played countless gigs, recorded on and produced other artists’ records, recorded my own records, toured, written books, and about a million other things to help “keep the lights on.” It’s a lot of work but it’s also amazing. Being a part of something as special as music really is a gift and I try to never take it for granted.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am primarily a jazz guitarist. In the past 20 years I have played behind many local and national artists all over the southeast. I also have a Jazz-Wave band called Moonlighting that I started with the vocalist Seersha last year. We are currently recording our debut full-length album and playing all over. However, it’s impossible to describe my professional life without mentioning my life as a guitar teacher. I primarily teach jazz and fingerstyle out of my home studio. I released my first book, Melodic Triads, in 2020 and my second book, Deep Dive Into ii-V, the following year.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My wife is my champion. Being married to a musician is A LOT. When most folks are kissing their partner on New Year’s Eve, I am on a gig and she’s home with our dog. She is so supportive. I could never have the life I do without her patience and understanding. I’ve also been fortunate to have had amazing teachers. My father was my first guitar teacher, followed by Joe Rodriguez, and later Bob Shaw. All three of them made sure that I understood that getting the gig was about a lot more than playing the parts correctly. Be kind, be punctual, answer the phone, return an email, these are the things that keep you working. Of course, you have to play well to get in the room, but it’s what you do when you’re there that will keep you busy. I also learn a great deal from players I meet everyday. I can’t begin to calculate the things I learn when I’m on a gig, recording session, or even a lesson. Music rules!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wearemoonlighting.com
• Instagram: @micahcadwell
• Youtube: @micahcadwell

Image Credits
Lone Tiger Productions