Alyssa Micaela is on fire. With her debut album Cowboys Like That burning up the charts, a red-hot single Getaway Car and enough charisma to light up all of Texas, it’s no wonder she’s igniting the country scene all over the world.

A true country girl, Alyssa was born and raised in Odessa—a West Texas oil town known for its strong country roots—and although she now lives in Nashville, her small-town charm is something that still lends itself to her vivacious personality.

Her journey from shy kid to successful artist (she garnered over 3 million Spotify plays in less than month for Getaway Car) has been an exhilarating one. But as she says, everyone’s journey is different and that’s why she doesn’t compare herself to others. Come on—she’s gorgeous, talented, and has a good head on her shoulders? We’ll take it!

We chatted with the sassy singer about her attitude-filled lyrics, the inspiration behind her music and her fiery success.

Alyssa Micaela Interview with Chloe Magazine

Chloe Magazine: How did growing up in West Texas help shape your love of country?

Alyssa Micaela: Country music is huge there! I’ve grown up listening to it and always loved it because the lyrics say something and I identify with them. My grandpa was a real cowboy and he loved to dance. Some of my favourite childhood memories are dancing in the kitchen with him to his favourite country songs. My song “Cowboys Like That” is about him.

CM: What was your biggest influence to start singing professionally?

AM: Aside from my love of country music, I grew up listening to Selena. I idolized her—and still do! I loved to sing along to her music. (Como la florrrrrr!) I was also really shy when I was younger so my mom made me join an after school group at my elementary. We sang and danced and put on a couple of shows throughout the school year. I remember being terrified but once I realized how fun it was to sing in front of people, I loved the attention and came out of my shell.

CM: Your lyrics are really fun and sassy. What has the reaction been like to your songs?

AM: Thanks! Luckily people have a sense of humor and have reacted really well. I think my lyrics are very real which makes them easy for people to relate to. [My songs] sound like a hot tamale!

CM: What was your thought process behind 'Getaway Car'?

AM: I wrote Getaway Car with Jesse Walker and Derrick Southerland. We wrote it the summer I turned 20 and literally everyone I knew was getting married and having babies! I was like, “What’s the rush y’all?!” Ha! I just wasn’t at that point in my life yet. It’s a fun, light-hearted song and it’s been really fun to see the amount of people who relate to it.

CM: What inspires you today about country music?

AM: The fans inspire me! As a fan myself, their love of country music excites and motivates me to keep writing. Country lyrics have so much truth and I love that I get to tell my story to the listeners. 

CM: What kind of changes have you seen in your life after the success of your hit single and your EP?

AM: Getaway Car and the rest of the EP have opened up a lot doors for me! I’m getting to open for some of my idols and meet fans that identify with the music. It has also opened a lot of doors for great co-writes as well which I am so thankful for.

CM: How do you prep for a show? Do you have any special routines?

AM: It varies show to show. Sometimes I have time to chill, have a drink and take my time getting ready. Other times I have 15 minutes to put clothes and makeup on! No matter what though I am always excited to step on stage and interact with the crowd.

CM: What can we expect to see from you next?

AM: More new music!

This article was written by Melina Morry and appeared in Chloe Magazine's Fall/Winter 2017 print issue.