Joyce Skala (a.k.a. Joyce Behind the Mic) is a Texas-based writer, artist, and musician whose work explores lived experience, memory, and the spaces where meaning resists easy resolution. She is the creator and host of Joyce Behind the Mic, a podcast centered around life, living, and live music, and she is the founder of Cypress Music Scene, a community-based platform supporting independent artists.
Her writing has appeared in print and digital publications, and her work spans memoir, cultural commentary, and long-form narrative. In addition to her work as a writer, her career history includes performing with her band, Hurry Sundown, on Texas Stages as well as organizing and producing live music events that foreground authenticity and community.
There’s No Such Thing As Bad is her memoir.
Meet the Author | Joyce Skala
Joyce Skala’s Awards & Recognition
July 2024 | PinPointe Magazine | Cover Feature
May 2024 | Cypress Lifestyle Magazine | 2024 “Woman of Influence” Cover Feature
Jan 2024 | Houston Chronicle Newspaper
Oct 2022 | Wharton Journal Spectator Newspaper
June 2020 | Fairfield Gazette Magazine | Cover Feature
Becky
“Such an inspiration! God definitely put you in my life for a reason!”
— Community Member
Colleen
“OMG you’ve really been through hell and back BUT you still smile and are always there to pull others up out of their deep dark holes (me being one of those people). Your inspirational words that you may think nobody’s reading? We read them!!
I’m sure you hear this a lot but you’re going to hear it again... you are an amazing person whose inner beauty shines through and touches those of us who need and appreciates it. Its people like you who keeps hope alive in a world that looks so damn bleak.
Thank you for being you!!!
You’re such an upbeat beautiful soul with a smile that could light up any room. I’m truly grateful to have you in my corner even though we have never met, yet I feel a connection with you that feels familiar, a safe place. Maybe we knew each other in a past life? It’s ok if you think I’ve lost my mind.
I never open up to even my closest friends or family but you’re different, not sure why that is, but I’ll take it.”
— Community Member
Jessee
“Hi Joyce, l don't think we've ever met, but after reading your story l felt the need to reach out.”
— Community Member
Tracy
“You are very brave, Joyce, and you are to be commended. I think I met you only two or three times, and from the first impression I said to myself, “that’s one special lady” and you certainly are! Thank you for sharing your words. I’m pretty sure they hit home in the hearts of many.”
— Community Member
DISCLAIMER
This coverage reflects the author’s work and career prior to the publication of There’s No Such Thing As Bad