CHRISETTE MICHELE -- A NAME YOU'LL REMEMBER.Byline: SEMHAR DEBESSAI >LA.COM (1) (Computer Output Microfilm) Creating microfilm or microfiche from the computer. A COM machine receives print-image output from the computer either online or via tape or disk and creates a film image of each page. She's collaborated with hip-hop greats Jay-Z and Nas, and has a distinct sound that's been compared to Billie Holiday Billie Holiday (April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959), born Eleanora Fagan and later nicknamed Lady Day (see "Jazz royalty" regarding similar nicknames), was an American jazz singer, a seminal influence on jazz and pop singers, and generally regarded as one of the and Ella Fitzgerald Noun 1. Ella Fitzgerald - United States scat singer (1917-1996) Fitzgerald . But by listening to her recently released debut album, "I Am" (Def Jam), you wouldn't guess that Chrisette Michele, a classically trained singer/songwriter, was only 24 years old. Called the American equivalent of Brit songstress song·stress n. 1. A woman who performs songs, especially ballads or popular songs. 2. A woman who writes songs. See Usage Note at -ess. Amy Winehouse -- whose album "Back to Black" she names as a must-own -- Michele is highly influenced by jazz's past but has a modern sound and rebellious attitude of a young woman who knows hurt, and yet is still hopeful for love. After gracing an L.A. stage for the first time as a solo artist earlier this summer ("It was so much fun, I was so amazed with the response I got from L.A."), Michele is back, opening for r&b/soul star Musiq Soulchild. With her popularity soaring, and her singles climbing the charts, she says she's just trying to enjoy each day as it comes, citing "Whatever I'm doing right now" as the highlight of her melodious journey. How did the songwriting deal come about? People kind of heard about me through the grapevine. (EMI (ElectroMagnetic Interference) An electrical disturbance in a system due to natural phenomena, low-frequency waves from electromechanical devices or high-frequency waves (RFI) from chips and other electronic devices. Allowable limits are governed by the FCC. executive) Big Jon (Platt) is a great supporter of me, and he was shopping around for other artists. Around the same time, I signed with Def Jam (as a solo artist). How long have you been playing keyboards? I've been playing since the age of 4. I taught myself how to play the keyboard. My family kinda owned a church, and (after services) I would play with the instruments -- drums, keys, whatever -- but my brother is much better at playing them. What is your method for coming up with songs? I usually pull from people around me. I wrote everything on the album, and I would ask people about what they thought (in regards to certain relationship topics). "Love Is You" came from a conversation me and a gentleman were having ... I'd talk to my mom about things like what makes a man a good man. How much freedom did you have in making "I Am"? We didn't have any boundaries in the studio, so I wasn't afraid to try things. Everything I asked for, (Island Def Jam Here is a list of artists signed to The Island Def Jam Music Group. 0-9
Have you written for any notable artists lately? I'm scared to say because I don't want to jinx jinx n. 1. A person or thing that is believed to bring bad luck. 2. A condition or period of bad luck that appears to have been caused by a specific person or thing. tr.v. it but ... just wrote some stuff for Michael Jackson and Jennifer Hudson. Who would you like to work with? I'd love to work with John Mayer. What music have you been drawn to lately? Beyonce, Ciara ... my ringtone The audible sound made by a telephone to announce that a call is coming in. The traditional ringtone was in the 440-480 Hz range, but as cellphone usage grew, it became obvious that ringtone differentiation would become important. is this new T.I. joint. I'm just feelin' everything! So music today isn't doomed? No, and I'm so sick I'm So Sick is the first single by Flyleaf. It is also their second music video, and it has been shown on many mainstream television networks, getting recognition for a Christian band in the mainstream market. of hearing that. ... It's just a fun time in music right now. Semhar Debessai, (818) 713-3665 semhar.debessai@dailynews.com MUSIQ SOULCHILD WITH GUEST CHRISETTE MICHELE >Where: Wilshire Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills. >When: 8 p.m. Saturday. >How much: $40 to $55. (323) 655-0111. www.ticketmaster.com. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Chrisette Michelle is the whole package: She sings, plays keyboards and writes songs for herself and other artists, including some really, really big names. |
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