Hi Ms. M|CHL, tell us about yourself?
Hiya fam! My name is Ms. M|CHL. I am singer and writer from Los Angeles, California by way of Oklahoma. I consider myself a multi-genre artist with my eclectic influences showing up in all sorts of ways in my work. Our lives are everchanging, and as an artist, so shall my expression. Whether it is Soul, Grunge, or Pop sentiments, we have all been there.
What is your songwriting process?
My songwriting process usually begins with me writing the overall story I want to share. If I am lucky, the vocal melody comes to me at the same time! Either way, the next step is to take what I have to my writing partner, David Moriarty. He then works out the guitar part and vocal harmonies. From there, we build the bangerz!
Tell us about your latest release?
My debut album, ‘Anaxiphilia’, just dropped June 3rd, 2020, and I am so very excited to share these stories that come from the deepest parts of my heart and soul. Most everyone has loved and lost, why not sing about it together?
What message do you think your music conveys to your fans?
That is a spectacular question!! Ha, ha! Admittedly, this album is about heartbreak, which can be quite grim. But I am hoping people connect with the journey as a whole and ultimately see the triumph that is possible. As a black woman, I am expected to be strong and unbreakable; I am, 100!!! But to that point, I think it comes as a surprise when people hear the honest and vulnerable side of me in my songs. Again, I truly hope everyone will feel that and relate.
Who are your musical influences?
They run the gamut starting with my Number 1 since Day 1: Prince! I’d say Nirvana is most def at Number 2 and from there Nine Inch Nails, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Tame Impala, Odesza, Active Child, and Robyn have all been major inspirations to me.
Who are your non-musical influences?
I have always connected with the works of Charles Bukowski, James Baldwin, Bruce Lee, and Jean-Michele Basquiat. However, in recent years, Tarana Burke, Ava Duvernay, and the founders of the Black Lives Matter Movement: Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, & Opal Tormeti have been my guiding lights to finding the warrior within.
What’s the best gig that you have ever played?
To date, the biggest gig I have ever played was when I was a backup singer for a blues band. We had this great Memorial Day show at The House of Blues Las Vegas. It was so much fun! There was a huge crowd of course, and they were extremely electric! I remember clearly, as soon as the curtain rose, I whispered to myself, “You will be singing your songs on this stage someday.” I can’t wait.
What is your funniest gig moment?
I’m not sure there is a stand-out funniest moment because we always have such an amazing time with the audience! Whether I am pulling a hair pick out of my back pocket to fluff my afro or making sad but hilarious jokes about by exes, everyone is laughing and giving me the most beautiful energy! It is the best feeling in the world.
What do you think are the biggest obstacles for bands/artists today?
Navigating this everchanging digital world, where everyone is an artist, is challenging in new ways every day. While we have more resources available to us, so does everyone else. I feel with all the music of the world at our fingertips; it is difficult to find our audience. You must be diligent and consistent and keep searching for your fans. But don’t give up! They are out there, and whether they know it or not, they are searching for you too.
What advice would you give to other bands/artists starting out?
As cliché as it sounds, you must stay true to yourself! EVERYONE will have an opinion on how, ‘you should do’ this, or ‘you should change’ that. Don’t let anyone distract you or cause you to doubt yourself. Trust and believe, I speak from experience! It is so much harder to repair the damage done by listening to ‘friendly advice’ than it is to just ignore it in the first place.
What are your hopes for the next two years?
I am hoping and praying with all my might that the Pandemic is very quickly and safely handled. I can’t wait to get back on stage! I would love to be touring and playing festivals all over the world as soon as possible. And I am already writing the next album! I am certain the next two years will be the best yet. 🤘🏽💜💋
FV Music Blog July 2020
https://www.instagram.com/ms.michl.music/
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