On Monday, November 23, 2015, Chrisette Michele graced the Cark Atlanta University Mass Media Arts department with her presence by hosting a listening session for her new album, Milestone which will be out this Spring.
With this new album, Chrisette Michele wants the world to know that she is not only an R&B singer/songwriter. Although she is a woman of God, Chrisette also enjoys “trap” music and turning up just as much as the next. She stated that her music is a reflection of her: fun, girly, and upbeat with a little bit of trap. Michele considers her newfound sound to be “Trap-Soul.” She describes this sound as being “frivolous yet fun” and spoke about how in one of her new songs she makes it known that her new sports car is fast and matches the bottom of her shoes.
Along with a newfound sound, Chrisette Michele has a newfound perspective on life and herself. She shared a story about when she first entered the music industry and how her story was similar to a scene in the animated series “South Park” when Cartman told Token that he knew how to play the bass simply because he was black. When she first entered the music industry the producers heard her voice and said that she could be the next Patti LaBelle or Aretha Franklin. Although it was a very flattering comment, Michele was in disbelief and responded to the compliment by stating, “That isn’t me, I don’t sound like that!” The producers then countered her statement with, “Yes, you do!”, then told her to write and record the hit R&B song, “If I Had My Way” that later would receive numerous awards.
Although it was a great song that received countless accolades, Chrisette Michele knew deep down in her heart that wasn’t her sound. Not being true to who she really was haunted her over the next decade. Finally, with a combination of self actualization, assurance from family members and loved ones, and a little nudge from her now future hubby, producer Doug Ellison (who btw placed a HUGE rock on her finger), Chrisette decided to do what she wanted to do. She concluded the story by stating, “The girl you know now is not afraid to be whatever color she wants to be!” and “I’m not looking for anyone to tell me who I am, I’m just being who I am.”
Chrisette Michele is a wonderful woman with a glowing, beautiful spirit and an angelic voice to match. Be on the look out for her and her new album, because as she stated at the listening session, she’s “ABOUT TO BLOW!”