Beginning with the acoustic based self-released Broken Bracelet in 2000, Michelle Branch has always been a young woman in a big hurry. The release of Michelle Branch’s major label debut The Spirit Room in 2001 ushered in an entirely new movement in pop music, busting open the door for the new crop of females who write and play their own songs, after all--there was no other female artist on the charts who wrote and performed all the songs on her record, and her music was distinctively driven by guitars and lyrics as opposed to loops and dance oriented videos. And the results spoke for themselves: over 2.5 million records sold, a Grammy Award, an MTV Viewer’s Choice Award on the basis of 4 top 10 hits and sold out tours with Sheryl Crow, a smash duet with Carlos Santana and an invitation from the Dixie Chicks to tour arenas this summer. Amazed by her abilities, the press used phrases like “old soul” and “wise beyond her years” to explain her skills. “I never wanted to be the ‘young female’ artist- I always looked at myself simply as a ‘female’ artist.” Other artists saw what she saw. “When I worked with Sheryl Crow and Carlos Santana, both said something to me that I will never forget—‘You’re the real deal.’ And when artists of that caliber say things like that, it helps me to remain focused on the songs and not my age.”
Branch’s new record release on June 24 entitled Hotel Paper will undoubtedly create new opinions and deeper appreciation for her artistry from both critics and fans alike. “I never asked for comparisons to other artists nor did I expect outstanding reviews. I did, however, demand a fair and honest critique of my work and that simply never happened. Hotel Paper guarantees that my growth as an artist will overshadow non-related questions that followed me last time around. Don’t ask: I’m 20 years old now!”
Owning the longest running Billboard Top 100 record of the last 18 months (82 weeks) with The Spirit Room, Branch segued from her own record to a Grammy Award winning collaboration with Carlos Santana prior to beginning work on her latest release. “I spent the last 2 years of my life traveling so when it was time to begin work on a new record, I realized that the record had already been written in hotel rooms around the world, hence the name Hotel Paper.” And those 2 years on the road brought maturity, experience, and confidence to a songwriter who already owned a sense of melody that generated several top 10 hits.
The first single, “Are You Happy Now?” is an aggressive statement about a personal relationship that took a surprising turn. Branch painfully comments, “Anyone who has been stomped on can relate.” What is equally apparent is that the single sonically represents the strength of emotion that speaks directly to the man who is the source of her pain. And radio agrees; the track has connected with audiences nationwide. Other tracks on the record with longtime producer John Shanks yielded deeper and more complex outcomes, including “Empty Handed,” which called upon famed string arranger David Campbell (Beck’s father) to deliver the 22-piece orchestra into the mix. Other strong tracks with Shanks include possible singles “Breathe” and “Find Your Way Back,” as well as the rootsy duet with Sheryl Crow entitled “Love Me Like That.” “It sounds too good to be true, but John and I had the song and felt that it needed another voice. We picked up the phone, called Sheryl, and she came down an hour later.”
Branch felt compelled to explore her acoustic beginnings with Grammy Award winner Jon Levinthal (Shawn Colvin, Roseanne Cash) to create the title track “Hotel Paper,” and risked the safe road by working with massive rock producer Josh Abraham (Staind, Korn) on a ballad no less-- that tested both of them. “We didn’t set out to create a ballad but part of being creative includes being open to running with new ideas when they hit. This was one of those moments.”
The record is full of those moments; timeless and bold music which makes the listener appreciate a body of work in lieu of labeling Branch’s accomplishments and talent by pages of a calendar. And her persona has lent itself to that: Her history and success is celebrated for achieving popularity without succumbing to prefabricated pop. But the challenge continues.
“Comparisons are always going to be made, and no one can change that. But just because other young females release records after mine does not create a movement. I’m happy to be included in a movement. Just start with Stevie Nicks, throw in Sheryl Crow, and put me somewhere at the bottom of that.”
we are an exciting new band from liverpool uk we believe we are writing spcial songs and would love you all to come and hear them for yourselfs you wont be sorry you did and who knows you might just fall in love.
best wishes to all
mournin sky
P.S WE HAVE JUST ADDED 3 ACOUSTIC TRACKS AS A THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT WE,VE BEEN GETTING,IT SHOULD KEEP YOU BUSY UNTILL WE BRING OUT THE BIG GUNS
out now a new ep from JUNKDNA "free your mind" go and get it in beatport
out now on cd only a new track by JUNKDNA in annual tel aviv dancefloor 2009 luke tolosan - leiden - junkdna & goblin rmx , incl tracks by: guy j, audio junkeis and many more
and also new in beatport JUNKDNA & GOBLIN - LIKE LIFE EP
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
we are an exciting new band from liverpool uk we believe we are writing special songs and would love you all to hear them for your yourselfs and who knows you might just fall in love
best wishes to all
mournin sky
P.S WE HAVE JUST ADDED 3 ACOUSTIC TRACKS TO OUR PAGE AS A THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR ALL THE SUPPORT AND KIND WORDS SHOULD KEEP YOU ALL BUSY UNTILL WE BRING OUT THE BIG GUNS !!!!
hey, please go have a listen to my song "Stupid For You" and let me know what you think. Also, follow me on twitter if you'd like. twitter.com/vanessamartinas