Q&A: Joey Miceli

Can you introduce yourself?


I’m Joey. I’m an artist and songwriter from Las Vegas. I’ve been in the industry for a long time, but in a lot of ways feel like I’m just getting started. 


Can you describe "String Of Pearls" in three words?


Gentle, grateful, and authentic 


What were the first and last parts of "String Of Pearls" to be written?


Honestly, I started with the very first line of the song and then kind of bounced around between the verses and the chorus. The first line was essentially the heart of the song because I believe you have to reach a certain place in your healing process in order to say such things to someone who hurt you. That led the song to where it is today, for sure. 


What’s your favorite lyric or production element of "String Of Pearls"?



I really love the bridge that ends the song. My favorite lyric is in there and it goes, “when I start to think of you, I’ll think of you laughing. Your smile reminds me you’re not vicious, just adapting.” It’s important to zoom out of your little life and pay attention to who you love. People in pain tend to make others suffer the consequences with them. But forgiveness and empathy does not require any attention of your ego.

Did you learn anything new about yourself while creating this song?

I tried to close a chapter of my life and remove myself from guilt. I really hope people are able to feel that.

Is there a certain place that you feel the most creative in?

I’ve always said I get a lot of ideas driving, but there’s really no singular place that makes me feel more inspired than another. Obviously, being in the studio is the best and one of my happiest places. 



What was on your playlist as you worked on "String Of Pearls"?

At the time, I was really moved by On Your Own Love Again by Jessica Pratt and self titled by Fleetwood Mac; certain songs by The Chicks too. I really love how light and earnest those projects feel and I wanted to capture that.

If you could transport listeners to the perfect location to hear "String Of Pearls" for the first time, what would that place be?



Whenever I hear it, I always think of my friend’s barn near the New Jersey countryside. Incredible memories there, but also a beach vibe would be sick too.

If you had to describe your music to someone who couldn’t hear, how would you describe it?


Oh, well maybe like emo sad international popstar yelling into a mic? I like that I’m kind of all over the place sonically, but it always makes questions like this difficult. 


What comes next for you?

The best of my career thus far. A lot of new music next year. I didn’t mean to write as much as I did after my last record, The Standard Portrait, but it’s happening and you will all just have to deal. 


Make sure to listen to “String of Pearls” on Spotify and follow Joey Miceli on Instagram and Tiktok to keep up with what he’s up to!