MICAH OTANO
is a Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum songwriter, producer, musician, and entertainment entrepreneur whose career spans more than two decades of creative collaboration with some of the music industry's most celebrated artists, songwriters, and producers. With a passion for musical excellence and an instinct for identifying and developing exceptional talent, Micah has built a diverse career encompassing songwriting, record production, live performance, artist development, and entertainment ventures.
Originally from a small town in Washington State, Micah pursued his passion for music at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. Following graduation, he relocated to Los Angeles in 2003, immersing himself in the city's vibrant music industry and establishing relationships that would help shape his professional career. After nearly 15 years in Los Angeles, he expanded his professional presence to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2017, further strengthening his connections within the entertainment community. Today, Micah divides his time between Los Angeles and Nashville, maintaining an active presence in two of the country's most influential music markets.
Songwriting & Production
Among his most notable accomplishments, Micah co-wrote and produced "Lost" by Frank Ocean, featured on Ocean's critically acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning album Channel Orange. The album's success and enduring cultural influence helped establish "Lost" as one of Ocean's most recognizable recordings, introducing Micah's work to audiences worldwide.
His extensive songwriting and production credits also include "Overload" by Fantasia Barrino, co-written alongside Lonny Breaux, professionally known as Frank Ocean; "Burning Star" by Anastacia featuring Natalia; and "Simply" and "Hardest Thing" by Frank Ocean, featured on The Lonny Breaux Collection. Additionally, Micah contributed guitar to "I Want You" by Luke James, a recording that also received a Grammy nomination.
Throughout his career, Micah has collaborated in the studio with an impressive roster of artists, producers, and songwriters, including Nasri Atweh (lead vocalist of MAGIC!), James Fauntleroy, Sonny Mason, Kimbra, Pleasure P, Corey Gibson, Jackie Boyz, Frankie J, Steve Russell, Steph Jones, Eric Darius, Brian Culbertson, Dave Koz, and Malik Yoba, among many others.
These collaborations reflect his versatility across musical genres and his ability to contribute creatively alongside established industry veterans and emerging talent alike.
Touring & Live Performance
Beyond his accomplishments in the recording studio, Micah has an extensive background as a professional touring musician and live performer.
As a keyboardist for Solange Knowles, Micah performed with her band during the Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams era, appearing in the music videos for "T.O.N.Y." and "Sandcastle Disco." His work with Solange also brought him to numerous nationally and internationally televised performances, including appearances on Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall, Late Show with David Letterman, Today, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, the World Music Awards, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Later... with Jools Holland (UK), MTV TRL, The View, The Tyra Banks Show, The Early Show, and various AOL, Yahoo, and DIRECTV performance sessions.
His touring experience includes performances alongside Solange on concert tours and engagements featuring Chrisette Michele, Raheem DeVaughn, Estelle, Lyfe Jennings, Beyoncé, and Alicia Keys.
These experiences provided Micah with a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and technical demands of the entertainment industry, further shaping his approach to music production, live performance, and entertainment business development.
Entertainment Entrepreneurship & Artist Development
Building upon decades of experience in the music industry, Micah has expanded his professional pursuits into entertainment entrepreneurship, business development, and artist management.
As the driving force behind Pop and Hiss Records, an independent record label dedicated to discovering, developing, and championing exceptional talent, Micah continues to pursue his passion for creating commercially impactful music while helping artists build sustainable careers.
His entrepreneurial endeavors also extend into professional audio, audiovisual technology, and live event production through MOPS AV, where his firsthand understanding of the entertainment industry's technical and creative requirements contributes to the company's commitment to exceptional production services.
By combining his experience as a recording artist collaborator, producer, touring musician, and business executive, Micah brings a unique perspective to his ventures—one rooted in creative excellence, meaningful relationships, and a genuine understanding of the people and processes that bring entertainment to life.
Beyond the Music
Despite a career built around the fast-paced worlds of music and entertainment, Micah considers his greatest accomplishments to be those beyond the professional spotlight.
A devoted husband and proud father of two, he places tremendous value on family, meaningful relationships, and maintaining balance between his personal and professional life.
When he's not in the recording studio, developing new business ventures, or collaborating with artists, Micah enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, relaxing at the beach, and exploring his appreciation for great food—particularly seafood and sushi.
For Micah, success extends far beyond industry accolades or professional achievements. It's about creating meaningful work, building lasting relationships, supporting the people he believes in, and enjoying the life he's worked hard to create.
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