Virtuoso pianist, composer, and avant-garde artist Micah McLaurin has released his stunning new album Diamonds. an evocative nine-track collection of standards, each with deep personal meaning for the artist. Micah has also unveiled the video for his solo piano interpretation of “Shallow” from A Star Is Born, which channels Lady Gaga’s original emotion into a deeply moving performance. https://youtu.be/8rPHlYArw_s?si=MYRYosD28WdtTaKy I’ve become a bit obsessed with Micah’s gorgeous performances on video. It would be nearly impossible not to think of the 60s classical piano showman Liberace in this context. But, I have to say, I never developed a taste for Liberace’s over-the-top flourishes and playing to a TV audience. Micah’s quiet depth of emotional connection to these standards is cathartic and hauntingly intimate. His performances distill the essence of the songs without being flashy or gauche, bringing tender exploration to each cut. “This album was my first chance to use music as a means of personal expression rather than serving the intentions of classical composers, which I love doing, but felt should be by choice, not because it’s the only thing I know,” Micah shared in a press statement. Micah McLaurin (photo: Miguel Villalobos) “I incorporated my love of classical music with jazz-influenced harmonies and wanted to keep everything melodic but as emotional as possible while maintaining simplicity,” explained the out artist. “I didn’t want to over-embellish, so I stuck to what I felt was necessary to maximize the emotional impact.” The new collection features covers such as “Over The Rainbow” from Micah’s favorite movie The Wizard of Oz, “Windmills of Your Mind,” and “Love Story,” which pulls inspiration from his mom’s old music box. Diamonds also includes the recent release “Moon River,” an unhurried burst of breathtaking nostalgia, and lead single “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” which celebrates the camp of the Marilyn Monroe version. https://youtu.be/Lh_wEJM8VbQ?si=-a4V08ZskxsHIHu1 Diamonds builds upon Micah’s early experiences of being homeschooled in a religious household in South Carolina and growing up queer in a conservative community. Performing for live audiences by the age of 9, Micah went on to attend the prestigious Curtis Institute and Juilliard to develop his innate talent by diving deeper into piano technique, music theory, and music history. Finding respite in queer culture upon moving to New York and unlearning many of the lessons that taught him to suppress who he really was, he harnessed his virtuosic talent to celebrate what makes him unique. Be sure to check out his pop/crossover takes on “Rhapsody in Gaga” and his “Madonna Medley.” Diamonds by Micah McLaurin is available now on all major music platforms. Follow the oh-so-talented artist on Instagram below, beginning with his stunning performance of “Love Story.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx54pQTAGTI/
