Michellar: “As songs arrive…I always find myself in that place where I feel most vulnerable and authentic…true to the inner core of my expression”
Michelle Bond is a San Francisco-based singer/songwriter who performs under the moniker Michellar. A genre explorer who's unafraid to go where the music takes her, I recently stumbled upon her ethereal and utterly exquisite single, California Fields. As one of her earliest releases, it was the perfect introduction to what Michelle is all about as a musician, and I then found myself digging deeper into her discography.
Loving what I was hearing, I was keen to learn more about Michelle and her artistry. Thankfully, she was keen to share. Chatting with us about her brand new single, Conquer All with Love, how she navigates the balance between staying true to her artistic vision and adapting to changing trends, and what she'd like to see changed in the music industry, please welcome our friend Michelle Bond, AKA Michellar!
Hi Michelle! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! It's awesome to have you here!
Now, for those unfortunate souls who have yet to discover your sound, what would you say they’re missing out on? How would you describe your music?
My music is a mix of different genres. I like to jump from one to another…so…I have songs in Pop, Psychedelia, Rock, EDM, Country, Folk and Latin. I write songs about love, heartbreak, climate change, family, work, and fantasy.
My introduction to your sound came in the form of California Fields, a tune I proudly described as "one of the most sensitive and thought-provoking pieces of music" I'd heard.
As one of your earliest releases, and given that you’ve released so much more music since, how does that early piece sit with you? Does it still feel like “you,” or has your relationship with it changed?
California Fields sits with me like a warm blanket…I always reach for it when I feel nostalgic and homesick. That melodic story carries me through the other songs I have composed. As songs arrive…I always find myself in that place where I feel most vulnerable and authentic…true to the inner core of my expression.
Whether that expression is through visual or sonic art, I do not hold back anymore like I used to. California Fields brought that out of me. The possibilities became endless.
Your brand new single, Conquer All with Love, is another track I've really been loving of late. It features two highly talented vocalists from London in Harrison Black and Christina Rntd.
How did this collaboration come about, and how does that spirit of co-creation compare to the more solitary experience of creating alone?
I met Harrison through my producer, Tobias. They have worked on a couple of projects. We both felt that Harrison would add that extra emotional texture to the track.
I met Christina through Fiverr and have found her deliveries so well executed that I wanted to experience that sound once more in this track. They both delivered so well together. It is a perfect match.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? Who did you grow up listening to? And would you say that your tastes have changed over the years?
Carole King and Andrew Lloyd Webber are my biggest influences in songwriting. I know all the lyrics to their songs from listening to them throughout my childhood years.
My tastes have changed a little with the introduction of Rap and Hip-Hop to the mix. But I tend to go back to those beautiful songs I used to listen to in my childhood.
When you’re not creating music, what keeps you busy and happy? Walk us through a non-music day in the life of Michelle Bond.
Gardening and painting keep me busy when I'm not creating music. Getting oxygen in my lungs and playing with colours opens up my mind and curiosity towards everything I do.
A perfect day would be a short song in the morning, a few hours putzing around the garden, lunch, then a painting session in the studio in the afternoon, followed by a music session at night. All with either lemonade or tea at hand.
How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and adapting to changing trends in the music industry?
Navigating the balance is tricky. There are projects that I have a complete vision of…and that I always hope the producers may capture in my delivery. Most of the time, they grasp the vision and execute well. So I keep the projects humble and flexible because there is always room for improvement and someone in the team may always have a better vision than mine that I did not expect . So I keep my options open and adapt to the ever changing trends in the music industry.
What are your thoughts regarding the music industry of today? And, if you were able to, what changes would you make to it?
My thoughts regarding the music industry are vast…just like the number of releases that drop every day and every year. There is so much to do, prepare, execute and program.
If I were to change anything, it would be to cultivate a music industry that gives indie artists more opportunities to get heard throughout radio, terrestrial and internet, so that the work can be recognized and heard by everyone.
I believe radio is still the best way to get heard. I think mainstream artists get most of the plays because they carry labels that support them, but with indie artists…we work doubly hard just so we can get to a place of getting heard and recognized.
Thanks so much again for chatting with us Michelle! It's been a pleasure getting to know you better! Before we say farewell for now, what comes next for you musically?
I'm working on a Latin EP release - 4 songs with California Fields, due out in July. I am also working with some San Francisco bands for a possible show late this year. I am also planning on having an art exhibit in the fall…combining art and music in one venue - my cover art and music releases on display.
