Micheala Bray: A Heartfelt Journey Through Indie-Folk

Micheala Bray's music is a reflection of a life deeply immersed in creativity and musical inspiration. Born and raised in Toronto, Micheala grew up surrounded by music, with her father’s career as a professional guitarist helping to plant the seeds of her own passion for the art. Moving to British Columbia at 18, she discovered just how much music had shaped her, taking with her the rich influence of Toronto's diverse music scene.

Her earliest memories involve attending a variety of concerts, from local indie shows to large-scale musicals, which built her love for live music and inspired her to start playing herself. By the age of eight, Micheala had picked up the guitar, but it wasn’t until her teenage years—when the songwriting bug hit—that she truly fell in love with music.

One major influence for her was none other than Taylor Swift. “As a thirteen-year-old with SO many feelings,” Micheala says, “listening to her play music she wrote herself really inspired me.” It was Swift’s ability to put raw emotions into words that helped Micheala realize her own desire to express her inner thoughts and experiences through songwriting.

Crafting a Unique Sound

Micheala’s sound is best described as indie-folk, though she draws inspiration from a wide array of genres. Folk music remains at the heart of her style, but elements of indie, rock, and even country have made their way into her music, creating a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique.

When it comes to her lyrics, she often explores themes around luck—both good and bad—along with love, heartbreak, and the process of growing older. Micheala’s songs are not only a reflection of her own life experiences but also a poetic commentary on the ups and downs of life itself. “I love to take real-life experiences and spin them in a poetic way,” she says, giving her songs a depth that listeners can relate to on a personal level.

Her recent EP, Merrythought, centers around these ideas of luck and chance. The title track itself is a meditative exploration of trying to find answers in the stars, letting go of control, and accepting the unpredictable nature of life. The EP has been well-received, particularly within Micheala’s local music scene in British Columbia, where she has built a strong following.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Micheala considers herself first and foremost a songwriter. With a degree in Creative Writing, she has honed her ability to craft intricate, metaphorical lyrics that captivate listeners. “The balance happens through figuring out how much is too much,” she says, referring to her poetic tendencies. Her music aims to walk the line between thought-provoking metaphors and catchy, relatable hooks.

One song that Micheala feels defines her as an artist is Both Hands. Inspired by a fragment of a poem she stumbled across, the song became an emotional journey, with Micheala searching for answers to life’s big questions, while exploring her own personal connections to the poem’s themes.

Despite her indie status, Micheala has already made a significant mark in the Canadian music scene. Releasing her first EP, Half-Drawn Map, was a pivotal moment, giving her the confidence to view herself as a true artist. “That was the first real moment I considered myself an artist,” she recalls, adding that the experience of putting herself out there was both intimate and exhilarating.

Challenges & Triumphs in Canada’s Music Scene

Navigating the indie music scene in Canada isn’t always easy, especially for an artist as deeply personal and introspective as Micheala. “It’s easy to feel like you’re a small fish in a big pond,” she admits, acknowledging the challenges of breaking through to a wider audience. However, the support from her local community has been instrumental in keeping her motivated, as she looks to expand her reach to other cities and provinces.

Micheala’s dream is to keep growing—both as an artist and in her audience. She hopes to one day collaborate with other musicians, although, as a self-proclaimed perfectionist, she’s still working on finding the right creative partners. For now, she’s focused on continuing to write music that resonates with listeners on an emotional level.

Looking Ahead

With Merrythought freshly released, Micheala is taking a well-deserved break from recording but remains hard at work writing and performing. As she continues to build her career, she envisions a future where she’s not only touring outside of her hometown but also collaborating with other artists and playing at venues she’s always dreamed of. Above all, her goal is to create timeless music that makes people feel something different every time they listen.

For those who haven’t discovered Micheala Bray yet, her music is a treasure trove of raw emotion, heartfelt storytelling, and poetic imagery. Whether you’re a fan of indie-folk, or just someone who appreciates honest, reflective songwriting, Micheala's songs offer a window into her soul, and perhaps even a reflection of your own experiences.

Fun fact? Taylor Swift once held Micheala's hand at a concert when she was sixteen, a moment that still resonates with her to this day. That’s the kind of personal connection to music Micheala aims to share with her listeners—a connection that goes beyond just listening to a song, and straight into the heart.