Rising star, Michelle Lambert, brings a world of experience when she steps up to the microphone. This Pop singer/songwriter has toured from coast to coast making waves all over the country from the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco to the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Michelle’s 2021 single, Come to Me, has caught the attention of the press and reached # 1 on Indie Radio for 4 consecutive weeks! Hailing from the Bay Area, Lambert began learning violin at age 2 and has continued making music ever since including graduating from Berklee College of Music. A pop, folk and hip-hop artist whose career has taken her across the U.S. and abroad, she is influenced by her studies in Celtic music. Female empowerment is a recurring theme in her music. Michelle Lambert is a genre-defying 21st century talent with a lot on her mind!
Please take a moment and give us some background info about yourself as an artist?
In short, I am a pop singer/songwriter and musician. The long version of this answer is… I grew up in Mendocino County, California, in a small town that was blessed with a world class violin teacher. I picked up the violin at the age of 2, playing the piano and singing by 5, playing drums and the guitar by 12. I was working playing gigs and started writing my own songs by the age of 14, and after a few years I landed in Boston, at the Berklee College of Music with a full ride. After graduating from College, I moved to Nashville and worked for a few years as a touring violinist. Through all those years, I kept writing, and the desire to be a singer of my own songs grew bigger and bigger. After some time, I finally decided to stop working as a hired gun and launch myself as a singer songwriter. “I’m Just a Girl” was the first single I released, back in 2015, and since then I have been focused exclusively on my career. I am currently touring out of the West Coast based in San Francisco, California.
How would you describe your music in three words?
California Roots Pop
Is there a moment or memory in your life as a musician that you always want to hold onto?
I was performing a couple of years ago at an awesome music venue in Northern California called the Elephant in the Room and Dave Matthews showed up and hung out for my show! After the show was over, he came to me and complimented my voice, writing and violin tone. It’s the kind of memory that I go back every time I need a confidence boost!
Or a moment that has taught you a lot?
A moment that taught me a lot was performing at the NCAA Women’s Final 4 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. I was performing solo in the middle of 18,000 sports fans and remember telling myself “You’re going to have to win them over, they’re not here to see you”. I put so much heart and passion into it, that by the end of the performance I had them cheering on their feet. It was such a surreal moment!
Tell us a bit about your musical direction.
For me, the most important thing is to be able to tell my story and connect with people through the words of my songs. I believe that pop music is the perfect channel for that. I try to keep it simple and honest, focused on the message.
What was the Nashville music scene like for you?
Nashville is a city that makes or breaks you. In my case, the experiences I lived through the 5 years I spent there – from playing for tips in the beginning to performing at the Grand Ole Opry – helped to shape me. I rode into town a naïve young girl with a dream. I left Nashville fearless and ready to take on the World. Nashville is a bootcamp for any aspiring artist.
How have you been keeping creative during the Pandemic and has it changed your approach to music.
I tried to use my time the best I could. I have been writing, producing, recording, filming music videos… anything you can do at home, I’ve done it! And yes, it changed a bit my approach to music. The time off generated a lot of soul searching and introspection… That is gold for a songwriter.
What is the biggest struggle for you as a musician at the moment?
Finding the right balance between creation – songwriting, recording, producing – and live performances is the biggest challenge I face daily as an artist.
We just watched the AfterGlow video. What was the inspiration behind the song.
I wish I could take credit for this song, but this is an Ed Sheeran song. Usually I only record my own songs, but “Afterglow” made such a big impact on me that from the moment Ed dropped it, in the middle of the pandemic, I knew I wanted to create my own version of it. Ed Sheeran is my biggest influence by far. It was very cool to pay this homage to him…
What does the rest of 2021 have in store for you?
I have an album in the works, I hope to release it at the end of the 2021. I’m so happy to be performing again. My tour dates are rolling in and it’s looking like it will be a busy year!
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in particular?
Ed Sheeran for the songwriting. Amy Winehouse (I know this would be hard) for the raw and soulful quality of her vocals and Damien Rice as a producer.
When you kick back who are some of the artists you listen to?
It depends on the moment. Amy Winehouse and Jess Glynne will always be around – girl power music. I love Damian Rice for chilling, Macklemore for the long trips and Ed Sheeran to take me home.
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
Growing up in a tiny town, music was my best friend. Listening to music made me travel through the experiences of the people who wrote it. I always wanted to be able to do the same. To take people on a journey through my emotions and experiences using my music. I think that is what makes me passionate about songwriting. The ability to share a moment, an emotion, a feeling.
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
Favorite part – Connecting with people. Least favorite part – I will tell you when I find out.
What are some venues that you would love to play in the future?
I would love to play the Rockwood Music Hall in NYC. SXSW in Austin is one that I’m so ready to perform at, The Voodoo Festival in New Orleans. I’m also dying for a UK and European Tour!
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I love to work out and exercise. This is something I got really into during the lockdown. I went to the park almost every day to do bodyweight workouts. I also love to hike, California has so many amazing trails.
Final comments or shout-outs?
I’d like to shoutout to all my fans that are so supportive and really make this journey so worth it! I would love to share my social handles for new followers to see (Instagram, TikTok and Facebook are all @michellelambertmusic – I have an active YouTube Channel as well: https://www.youtube.com/c/michellelambert Thank you so much for the interview, I’m really excited to be in Amplify Music Mag!!!
