Michele is one of music's hottest emerging acts, featuring one of today's most dynamic singers, Michele Maxwell, and her partner, Richard, an experienced performer and producer. Having worked successfully for years as a guitarist, drummer, and songwriter, Richard has combined his skills with Michele's unparalleled vocal and writing talents to create something totally fresh.
Though the songs are always based in acoustic textures, there also tends to be a welcome edge-a raw element-to many of the tracks. Cool guitar textures mix with hot drum and percussion grooves; all combining with crisp vocals, to create a sound that is immediately both familiar to the listener, and also feels new and exciting. The songs are a welcome diversion in a world of music sometimes in desperate need of a sound that bridges the gap between the traditional songwriter and modern rock.
Having met years ago and both been impressed with the other's skills, it took a while for the two to start collaborating, eventually evolving the partnership into the acclaimed and highly successful "Michele." At the time Richard was still rather guarded about his musical process, having just come through a complete overhaul of his approach to music; and Michele was still not fully aware of the significant appeal her skills would have to the current rock scene. "There was a bit of trial and error in the studio at first," says Richard, "and certainly it took some time to refine things, but still, it was pretty obvious right away that that there was something special happening." Indeed, the first full CD from the duo, "Fade," has been well worth the wait.
"She's amazing," says Richard. "I am continually blown away by her voice; by her sense of melody; by her stage presence. She sings with a kind of ease that is just incredible. There's no strain. Ever. Even when others would have to really push to make it work, she makes it seem so easy. She might be a little timid with people one-on-one, but, man, when she's performing, she lights up the place. You can always tell when she's in the room, even if she doesn't say a word."
"I don't always write to express myself, but to express what others might feel," says Michele. "Ultimately, I think we are really creating atmospheres," Richard continues. "That's why I usually think in terms of layers, rather than riffs. The songs sort of sweep you away on a ride. I don't know that we tell stories very often; it's more about recreating a specific moment. Many times it's recreating the feelings you might have in that instant of realization of something in your life: love, loss, whatever."
Live, the duo is truly extraordinary. Whether alone or with a band, the audience always gets more than expected. From Richard's weaving of a song's lines, to Michele's astounding voice and piano playing, their live show is not easily forgotten, always leaving the audience wanting more.
The duo firmly believes in the importance of music education in schools. Richard comments, "we've both been involved in music education in one form or another for a long time. People need to support the music programs in their local schools and validate the efforts of young musicians by giving them an audience." In one of many ways they are proving this commitment to music education, for every CD sold directly from the group's website (www.richardmaxwell.net) $3 will go to VH-1's "Save The Music" foundation. "In the end, we know it might not be much, but we feel it's important for us to do this. We believe in it-in the positive power music can have in a young person's life," comments Richard.
Michele's new CD for 2005 "Fade" features an incredible combination of Michele's vocals and Richard's instrumental work.
Acoustic-Rock has a new voice. . . Michele
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