Don't let Mieka Pauley's diminutive figure, long, silky dark hair and stunning eyes fool you. She's beautiful yes, but this independent and talented woman gets by on much more than her exotic looks and pretty smile. The classically trained pianist and self taught guitarist with a degree in Biological Anthropology from Harvard University showcased at the 2005 Atlantis Music Conference and Festival giving the big bad rocker boys at the 10 High, an Atlanta venue typically known for showcasing deafening hard hitting rock bands, a run for their money. With acoustic guitar in hand, Mieka hit the stage solo: no thumpin' bassist, no fuzz drenched guitar effects or drummer to add a crashing cymbal at the end of a good or bad joke.

The otherwise edgy rock crowd listened intently while Mieka showcased her skilled guitar playing and intriguing vocal style distinguished by her unpredictable riffs, pronounced trills and seamless transition between registers. At first glance, she could be mistaken as a folky, singer/songwriter but when you hear her soulful embellishments and raw throaty cries there's no denying she has an array of influences (R&B, soul and rock) which breaks away from conventional singer/songwriter nuances.

Mieka's raw, emotional fervor and powerful vocal display on "Run" entranced the room full of stiff faced music critics and anxious performers. As the song ended, a thick, electrifying silence hovered over the small venue before an eruption of approving applause. Within that stillness, Mieka's magnetic energy engulfed the space which made it evident that the Boston native did exactly what performers are supposed to do at the AFC Conference: blow the crowd away!

From time to time Mieka engaged the crowd with funny anecdotes or jokes. A long time fan requested "Blunted" a clever, humorous tune about the perils of carrying around a blunt object, her expensive guitar, and exercising self-restraint when provoking circumstances arise.

Mieka closed strong with the appropriately titled "Stronger" leaving an indelible exclamation point at the end of her showcase.

I come back stronger/I come back stronger/
That is all you see/It's all the same to me/
I stand here stronger/I face you stronger/
That is all you see/The strong side of me

Currently Mieka is in the studio working on a four song EP. Acoustic versions of her songs are available for your listening pleasure at http://www.mieka.com/. Having shared the bill with the likes of Eric Clapton, Wyclef and Citizen Cope, Mieka is indeed a star on the rise-with brains, beauty and funny jokes to boot.

After the show, I had a chance to sit down and speak with Mieka about her music. It wasn't by chance that I decided to check out Mieka's showcase at the 2005 Atlantis Music Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. A 15-year-old hellion I used to look after halfheartedly gave me Mieka's CD after her mother twisted her arm and reminded her that Christmas presents were exchanged the week before.

As much as I disliked the hellion's (a.k.a Ms. Thang) irrational, pubescent outbursts, she had an ear for music. So when she grudgingly handed me Mieka's CD (unwrapped), I knew it would be worth listening to. I took one listen and knew that Mieka had a special gift. When I saw her listed as a performer at the Atlantis Music Conference, I immediately contacted Mieka for an interview. Our chit-chat after her show at 10 High felt more like a friendly conversation between two Boston performers, than a formal interview. The intimacy and tone with which she captivates audiences on stage are just as remarkable off stage. Mieka's got an Alicia Keys type vibe and flavor, which prompted me to ask about her ethnicity. "A mutt" she answered. I should have known. They always have the most intriguing features.

Patty Griffin, Ella Fitzgerald and Ben Harper are among her influences, but like most musicians Mieka enjoys a variety of bands and artists. Currently Alternate Roots is at the top of her play list along with the audio books that she often listens to.

She humbly spoke about her stint at Harvard confessing that her decision to go to Harvard was based in part on the musical vibe in and around Harvard Square. Mieka is spending upcoming months in the studio working on cuts for her EP, however she does have performances through out the rest of August.

Amazingly, Mieka was just as interested in my professional music endeavors as I was in hers. She offered heartfelt advice and insight about my next steps in the music game and really wanted to hear some of my tracks.

We parted ways with intentions of meeting again in the future. I feel certain we will. I thought about calling the hellion to tell her how things played out, but now that I think of it, her mom probably gave her the CD to give to me anyway.