Music has made quite a metamorphosis over the years. Growing up an avid music fan, we’ve all been a witness to the many twists and turns of the industry that have pushed a lot of the best artists and musicians away. More recently, we’ve seem a number of artists from more than 10 and 20 years ago making their way back into the world of music.
Think back just over 20 years ago to 1989. Michel’le was one of the most popular artists of that day and time. Hits like “Something in My Heart”, “Nicety” (A humorous combo of Nice and Nasty), and the all-out smash “No More Lies” solidified her as a staple in R&B history. Even a year before, she was well on her way to becoming a household name due to the single “Turn Off The Lights” with World Class Wreckin’ Cru’.
Following her immediate success, she took some time away to live life, returning in 1998 with a new album. Following this release, se opted for a little more living away from music. Of course, she’s quite the family woman, so there’s so much more that she has to do. Since ’98, she’s not only spent her time raising her children, but there’s also a book in the works, and so many other things that she’s ready to share with the world.
The return of Michel’le is surely a good sign for music. It’s solid proof that things are taking a turn for the better. The standards of music have taken a nosedive over time, and Michel’le just may be one of the artists to bring some of those standards back. In our talks tonight, she is no less than thrilled to be talking, and doing what she loves. No matter how many artists you hear say “I Love Making Music”, many are lying. Truth is, they hate it and it’s just a check to them. With Michel’le, it’s quite the contrary. Check our exclusive below to see just what she has in store!
Urban Connectionz Online: Thank you so much for taking the time out to talk to me tonight.
Michel’le: Oh, I should be saying the same thing to you
Urban connectionz Online: It’s such an honor talking to you. I still listen to you with World Class Wreckin Cru on Turn Off The lights. What feeling does it give you to know that people know and love your classics?
Michel’le: Well, it’s something that I saw when I first started singing. Thinking back to when I was doing an interview when I was 17, I remember I said that I wanted to be remembered. I believe that I manifested that
Urban Connectionz Online: Well before we really get down to business, tell me about your holiday and what you did?
Michel’le: Well actually, I went to do a show in St. Louis, so I was working. Eating a little barbecue….
Urban Connectionz Online: I think a lot of people are wondering, why a new album after more than a decade since your last? Many artists who are gone for as long as you’ve been away typically stay away, or find another love I should say. What inspired you to come back to us?
Michel’le: Wow. I don’t know. Why go away from something you love. I desire this. I figured when I have something to say, I will do it. It’s not a career for me. I love to do this. I did it back then because I love it, and that’s why I have no competitive drive. Honestly, it doesn’t feel like I’ve missed a beat while I was away. To me, it’s all about being able to write a song. A six year old can write a hit. And also, there’s so many things that people do in their lives. I think it’s crazy to think someone would only be an artist. You can do so many other things
Urban Connectonz Online: What goes on in life when you’re absent from music for more than 10 years? That’s a whole lot of livin to do away from your fans, right?
Michel’le: Well, I have a family, and I’m single. I take voiceover classes, I’m writing a book, and I’m just enjoying life. I’m free now. I’ve been enjoying it. Just that freedom. It’s just like when you just get out of high school and you think, “What am I going to do?”. I know now. I’m ready to say what I have to say.
Urban Connectionz Online: How does it feel, coming back into the game, given how much things have changed since you have been away?
Michel’le: I think music is like a movie. When you come out with something that touches, they respond. When I first started, I sounded like nothing out there. It’s the same thing to me. If you have something they can relate to, they will. Music is just like movies, and actors putting out lots of different movies. They do so much, and then they do that one movie that everybody responds to.
Urban Connectionz Online: Do you feel the pressure to conform, or to fit in, almost like a new artist?
Michel’le: There is no pressure at all. I’m not a competitive person. If I became competitive, I would be cookie-cutter like so many other people.
Urban Connectionz Online: So I wanna hear about the new material that you’ve been putting together. Talk to me about the place of mind you’re in when you’re creating, and how it compares back to when you were making hits like “No More Lies”, “Nicety”, and “Something In My Heart”.
Michel’le: From those titles, I was a little angry and bitter. I think now I am writing from a different place. From wisdom, things I wanna manifest, instead of always having that anger. I think that now because I understand cause and effect in life, I write better. Back then, I was saying everything that I looked at in myself.. I view both sides better now. I’m doing singles. I’m three or four singles in. Everything sounds different.
Urban Connectionz Online: Now you’ve obviously been performing quite a bit over the past year or so. Back in December, you performed at Nokia Theater in LA with the likes of Robin Thicke, India Arie, Stevie Wonder, and so on. What was it like to be in the company of such greats, and to be back in that circle, so to speak?
Michel’le: And the Jonas Brothers. I’m such a sponge. I think getting and being in it, I can absorb the way I want. But I learn so much now, as opposed to then, that was a dream with Stevie though.
Urban Connectionz Online: How receptive have your peers been with you returning to music?
Michel’le: So far so good. Everyone is receptive. Even with those that aren’t, I have not met it yet. But I understand where they come from when someone does not know you or like you, you always have to look at yourself. I don’t take it personal. I never have. But I haven’t had that problem. 90% of the time, they don’t know what I’m about
Urban Connectionz Online: Are there any final comments for you? Anything you truly wanted to touch on?
Michel’le: Just that “Freedom to Love” is available on iTunes, and just, with my energy, I really wanna spread love. I’ve been on both sides of the tracks, and been underneath the train. Love is all there is. Visit me on Facebook, and at www.michel-le2010.com