Micah E. Wood - Take It Slow
by Madison Deyo
photographed by Amira Green
The world of artistic idealism is a cataclysm of sound, sight, emotional depth, and the universal source of human integrity. Baltimore native Micah E. Wood has proved that a true artist is capable of indulging in all types of mediums, specifically the artistry of photography and musical genius. Beginning in the realm of visual arts, Wood photographed musicians in a manner that they desired, straying away from the typical “prop shop” style of magazine music photography where bands are structured to optically represent the genre they create. Working with the idea of “photographing bands he loves in a way they loved” for four years of documentation, Wood released the book Features in 2016. Using natural and artificial lighting to his advantage, Wood’s portraits of musicians contain the gentle structure of an artist who is truly passionate about his work. The affection granted towards his photographs is carried along into the lyrics and rhythm of his music.
After self-releasing his first solo album See Me (2017), Wood has dived deeper into the transcendental universe of sublime sound. Following two other singles to promote his 2019 album, Take It Slow travels across an otherworldly beat that is described perfectly by the title of the song. The illustrious sounds of instrumental soul with a sweet melodramatic note of computer generated pop combine to evoke intense visuals of dreamy slow-dancing through a kaleidoscope of soft colors. Wood’s fervent vocals laid carefully across the smooth synthetic rhythm reflect the adoration he has for making meaningful, emotionally enticing music that encompasses a world of unlabeled feelings. Accompanied by musician Modern Nomad, with additional production by Mateyo, this track contrasts each element of itself with clear and flattering certainty. Micah E. Wood has tapped into a musical potential that only a small number of people are lucky enough to contain. There’s a whole world of sights and sounds still at his fingertips, and the world should feverishly await his further discoveries.
photographed by by Christopher J. Chester