Micah Dearstone makes music spawned from honesty and authenticity. That’s especially evident in his striking sophomore EP, tellingly titled Out of the Woods. Its songs share insight into what had been a difficult journey, one that veered off a promising path and into the realms of depression and despair before regaining his footing and finding the hope and resilience he was seeking all along.

A follow-up to his initial effort "Highs & Lows" that was shared last year, "Out of the Woods" was released independently earlier this year.

Recorded at Musician/producer Brett Mann’s home studio — affectionally dubbed it "Mann Cave Productions” — Out of the Woods finds Micah working with the talented individual he says has been his best friend since high school. The two have been in multiple bands together and the music they make is the result of a true symbiotic relationship. “When I come to him with a song, the song consists of acoustic guitar, lyrics, and vocal melody,” Micah explains.” Although he chose not to take co-writer credit, all of my full band songs feature him on lead guitar and bass at a minimum. He and I are in the beginning phase of piecing together my backing band, which will feature him as the lead guitarist.”

The resulting music is both poignant and poetic, from the wistful ramble of “Makes No Difference” and the obvious ache infused in, “Chills” to the steady and steadfast of the rocker “Heaven for Hell,” along with the mellow musings “Home” and “The River.” In that regard,, each of the songs shares a certain sustained sentiment.

“'Heaven for Hell,’ ‘The River,’ and ‘Lift Me Up’ are the three tracks that are most meaningful to me,” Micah insists. “Although these three aren't in chronological order on the EP, it is an order. that describes my journey.”

For starters he describes "Heaven for Hell" as the story about a person — Micah himself — who has lost his direction to a certain degree. “He doesn't feel like he knows who he is and as a result, he’s in a bit of a self loathing funk. He doesn't know how anyone could love or support someone who admits he doesn't even know himself.”

"The River" needs no analogies or metaphors Micah says. “It's a song that took me nearly two years to write, and one that I struggle to listen to even today,” he admits. “It comes from the darkest time I ever experienced. I was literally driving down to the river to take my own life.”

On the other hand, "Lift Me Up" describes what it takes to overcome all the obstacles one invariably encounters. “It's a song about needing someone, maybe even a few key people, to be there,” Micah muses. “It outlines the importance of asking for help, while also emphasizing the importance of being there for your loved ones when they are in need as well.”

Micah adds that when taken in tandem, this new set of songs reflects his ongoing growth as a writer. “My first EP was some of my best work at the time, and it set the bar,” he reflects. “It was also the first time writing my music without the constraints of having to have a band in mind. In short, I was — and still am — finding my voice as a songwriter. That being said, my goal for writing is always to outdo what I've already done.”

Indeed, while those in the music biz always seem intent on labeling artists and confining their music to certain preconceived genres, Micah defies that notion entirely. He opts for authenticity while oftentimes pushing the parameters.

It follows then, that Micah came of age by being able to defy any preconceived boundaries. His parents passed on their love of music to their son, as did his granddad who found joy in playing guitar and singing songs. At the age of twelve, he attended his first live concert featuring Def Leppard and Joan Jett, and from that point on, he realized that music would play a pivotal role in his life. 

“The music I’m making today is a reflection of the early influences I gained from listening to the records my parents were especially fond of, artists like the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac,” Micah remembers. “I grew up in a household that provided me with a soundtrack for my youth. Once I started playing in cover bands, I was able to broaden my horizons with everything from Bad Company and Alice in Chains, to Killswitch Engage and Tool. Plus, the fact that I grew up in Tennessee made me appreciate country music as well, from Hank Jr, Brooks and Dunn, and Travis Tritt, to Tyler Childers, Benjamin Tod, Sturgill Simpson, and many more.”

As far as the future is concerned, Micah says he’s somewhat undecided. “Would I love to play for thousands of attentive fans? Absolutely. But that's not my goal. I'm happy playing to 20 people in a pub in the middle of nowhere. My focus is on taking one song at a time. If music takes me to the next level, I welcome it. If it only takes me to my hometown watering hole, I welcome that too.”

Regardless, Out of the Woods clearly finds him ready and prepared to further his own individual horizons.