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Thursday, January 7, 2010

FEATURES:Chrisette Michelle in her own words


Chrisette Michelle Payne has broken into the mainstream music world jazz world as a talented female vocalist with a honey-coated voice. Her beautiful sound is similar to jazz legends such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald and yet she also appeals to a young R&B audience.

Chrisette comes from a humble and religious household in Patchogue, New York. Her mom, the church choir director and her father, the church deacon, have always supported her. This spiritual environment led Chrisette to sing in a gospel choir in high school. She later graduated from Dix Hills College with a degree in Vocal Performance.

In addition to singing hooks for Hip Hop heavyweights such as Jay Z, The Roots and the Game, and touring to promote her first CD, the songstress still found time to create her own sophomore CD “Epiphany”. The inspiration for her new album came from a revelation following a recent break up. “I realized it’s ok to break up. People are in love and sometimes it doesn’t work out and that’s ok”.


Although her debut CD failed to break record sale earmarks, it did produce a solid hit, “If I Had My Way”. In addition, the new CD debuted at number one on Billboard Album charts. “I’m Leaving” the new single, is currently at the top of play lists across the country and has her name on the tips of our tongues. Although radio already knew her name, it seems that media is now following suit.

On the new album, Chrisette sought out the help of proven hit maker Ne-Yo. The singer describes the experience as, “incredible.” “I was nervous...I’m a huge fan of his. It’s all about the music and the art.” Although she says she was honored to have worked with him, and that they had a great connection, she is unsure of future callabos “I lose interest really quick. I’m already on to the next thing” she says.

The vocalist says that she has had a lot of personal growth since her last CD. Chrisette Michelle has adopted a new edgy look—losing 15 pounds and shedding the long hair, now rocking a short new hairdo. She muses, “I want people to see the real me.” Her father, her church’s deacon, is ok with seeing his “little girl” all grown up and sexy she says. But with that new look comes criticism. “I’m not scared”, she said. “I’m more open now. Everyone has opinions and not all of them are bad. It’s a lot of love too”.

Another example of her growth came through relationships. She says with that break up, she learned it’s hard being in the industry and maintaining a relationship. Luckily, she has moved past the experience and is dating again. She meets a lot of guys while on tour, but says it’s difficult trying to figure out which ones are sincere. Chrisette describes the guy who catches her eye as confident with a nice smile. The guy who keeps her attention must be emotionally and financially stable, have something he is passionate about, and be at peace with himself. She went on to confess her current celebrity crush is DC-based rapper Wale, whom she met while recording with The Roots.

Chrisette has been busy promoting the new album. She says she never tires of touring. That’s good news considering she has a bright and long career in front of her. She has also had some new experiences while on tour. One of her career highlights includes a show with Patti Labelle. She wanted to dress similarly to honor the R & B legend. Patti took a look at the young singer and told the crowd, “She is a diva” and handed her a pair of six-inch stilettos. Chrisette likens it to the passing of a baton. “I got to walk in her shoes for a moment. I love her.”

Chrisette says she loves all types of music. There are tracks on her iPod from Soulja Boy, Phyllis Hyman, Anita Baker, Ciara, Madonna and Maroon 5. She discovered a number of these artists when she worked at Abercrombie & Fitch. “Because someone is making music that you don’t like, doesn’t mean I can’t like it “she says.

For more info on Chrisette you may find her on www.iamchrisettemichele.com. You can follow her on twitter.com/epiphanygirl as well as chat with her on Myspace and Facebook. She says that she is the actual person posting, approving friend request, and replying to messages.

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