A Conversation With Chrisette Michele

05 Oct, 2012

Having never met her before, I could sense that the woman in front of me had grown. She wasn’t the girl we were introduced to 5 years ago with the release of her first studio album ‘I Am.’ This was a woman who’d listened. This was a woman who’d learned. She explored the world and found inspiration in its surroundings. The result would be a trio of mix tapes-her newest recordings set to be released prior to her 4^th album appropriately entitled ‘Better.’

She’d just returned from a trip to Europe a few days prior and was in Chicago for a concert. While overseas, she didn’t forget her fans.  Twitter served as the vessel where fans were invited to tag along with updated tweets detailing the journey that would inspire the first mix tape titled, “Audrey Hepburn : An Audiovisual Presentation.”

Michele channeled her love for design and artistry in what would become a dedication to Hepburn’s legacy as a film and fashion icon- Authenticating the project by walking in Hepburn’s’ footsteps.

In Amsterdam she visited the studio Hepburn studied ballet as a teenager.  While her US fans were enjoying Michele’s appearance on TV One’s Verses & Flow, she watched The Nun’s Story.  She laughed and allowed herself to get lost in time where according to a tweet, she “couldn’t contain her excitement” while interpreting “Audrey Hepburn’s hat game at London’s incredible “Opening Ceremony” store.”  She visited Hepburn’s childhood home while in Paris.

I felt calm as I sat next to her for the interview.  Her spirit was gentle.  I could almost feel her stare even through her black, tinted sunglasses completely hid her eyes.  But it wasn’t space that was her focus.  With each question I realized her awareness.  She took in what I asked and thought before she spoke. Yet she bubbled with enthusiasm.

In Europe she had an up close and personal experience with culture.  She spoke of the people she’d met and the music she’d discovered.  She was influenced and it showed in her cheeks.  I heard it in her voice.  I saw it in the smile that emerged when she talked about rhythm and beats. At the drop of a hat and the mention of a time and place she broke out in song.  Literally.

I suddenly understood the range of Chrisette Michele- Her talent spans genres, not artists. She navigated an industry with the confidence to display a range of looks from pop diva to soul sister, wearing each proudly and staying true to herself and her roots.

Michele didn’t shy away from speaking on her dad who’d battled Cancer or her mom who also went through health issues.  She saw the blessings in their trials and used the opportunity to rejoice in their recovery.

Hear the song that started it all in the interview posting soon.  In the meantime, here are some pictures.  Enjoy!

B. Spencer

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