Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Rose.
Hi Michelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was five, I decided to compete in a pageant. I wanted to dance for the talent portion of the competition, but my family realized that I was actually a horrible dancer! However, they heard me singing along to Sarah Brightman CD’s in the backseat of their car and could hear that I had some natural talent and potential for success with singing. They encouraged me to switch from dance lessons to singing lessons, so I could still do the talent competition at pageants. Once I took my first voice lesson, I fell in love with singing and never looked back. I’ve always been fascinated by singing and the uniqueness of everyone’s voices, and when I was little, I thought that the choirs singing in church were real angels. When I was 11, I began writing and recording songs with producers and doing music videos. Now, I direct all of my music videos and have won some local and international awards at film festivals. I love doing dramatic, over-the-top, bold videos. My music videos have included a Halloween horror music video, a Garden of Eden music video, a 1950’s-themed video, and a glow-in-the-dark music video. My creative ideas go in many directions. I studied Vocal Performance, Music Production and Songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston. I graduated Summa Cum Laude, in three years, in September of 2021. I’m currently working on a full album with Dr. Fink, from Prince’s band,The Revolution.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been some bumps along the way. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been bullied for being “different”. People have said things like, “You look so stupid performing on that stage”, “Her music sucks”, “She can’t sing”. One of my ‘close friends’ told everyone at school to call me “Michelle the Ugly Model” behind my back. Now, as an adult, I STILL deal with negative people trying to belittle me and my career goals. I’ve heard people say, “What are you going to actually DO with a music degree? Music isn’t a real career. You’re not pretty or talented enough to become a singer, so get a REAL job. No one makes it in music. Passions don’t pay the bills.” While I completely understand where they’re coming from and I agree that it IS a very abnormal career path, I don’t understand why people feel the need to be negative. Ever since we’re born, society pushes the narrative that we are capable of doing anything we set our minds to, and that we should go after our wildest dreams. They say that all the time, but in practice, I’ve realized that pretty much no one actually believes it. They think everyone should be “normal” and stick to the status quo–the safe route. They think that, since they don’t personally know any musicians who became successful, it must be impossible. But all of the successful musicians in the world started out at the bottom. I don’t believe in any limitations for myself. I’ve been a musician all my life, so I’ve had plenty of time to think about all the risks that come with being a professional musician, and I’m still going for it. All of my music teachers have only ever made money in music, and nothing else. A career solely in music IS possible, and it matters – just as all career paths matter. Another bump along the way has been dealing with everyone trying to put me into a box that they have in mind for me. I’m constantly told, “You should be doing a different genre, like Country or EDM”, “You shouldn’t be experimenting with so many different genres. Just stick to one”, “You cover up too much. You need to be sexier”, and “You’re too sexy. You need to tone it down”. It can be exhausting, feeling pulled in so many different directions as you’re trying to maintain your own self identity, self respect, and individuality. I think it’s time we stop putting people down.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Pop/Alternative singer, songwriter and producer. I also sing Opera for fun, and I love traveling, modeling, acting, volunteering, public speaking/emceeing, and competing in pageants. I would say that I’m known for my bold/vibrant music videos, my four/five octave range (including whistle tone), and having a wide range of songs released – from emotional ballads, to edgy dance tracks. I like to try a variety of themes/genres in my music and I like to surprise people by always trying something different. I hate doing only one kind of song or video over and over again. I want to do lots of different kinds of song in my career. I’m most proud of working with Dr. Fink. What sets me apart from some other artists is that I love to use my art/music to help in my community. I’ve organized and hosted many talent show fundraisers where I was performing and sharing my music to raise money for causes that I care about.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I feel like my entire life has been a huge risk because I chose a career path that is so risky. I think it’s important for all people to take risks and to venture outside their comfort zone if they want to see the full potential that their life has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Email: michellerose@michellerose.com
- Website: michellerose.com
- Instagram: @michellerose_music
- Facebook: @michellerose.33
- Twitter: @Michell29339944
- Youtube: Michelle Rose music
- SoundCloud: user-207923095
- Spotify: Michelle Rose | https://open.spotify.com/artist/7gWs6SrY51WIZRhqbQvlSD?si=ygis7U8kTn2apz7KCoMlZw
Image Credits
Stephen West
Amanda Ferguson
Paula Preston
