There is something quite generational about their work; they have spent most of the pandemic crafting this album, taking time enough to learn from each other and make the best of dark times. That is true DIY. But Michelle is more than a band. They are a collective, and it seems only right to shape themselves like one, as it truly represents the way they work and relate to each other, and how this translates into their music.
“I think that I may be the voice of my generation. Or at least a voice. Of a generation,” is the infamous line said by Hannah Horvath, played by Lena Dunham, in the TV show Girls back in 2012 that became a landmark on how to articulate the discourse of post-boomer generations that often find themselves trying to find an identity as to fit the system’s norm. Michelle is a diverse collective in which representation is important, and it is inherent to the essence of the band and their members, but as they rightly point out in this interview it’s just a piece of them, there’s more to this collective.
And there is quite a lot; their album does not only have a gorgeous title; it is a collection of songs that get better with every listen, uncovering new layers. The production of their music hits the mark and leaves enough room for the significance of their lyrics, always sung with amazing (and untouched) vocals. The hallmarks of Michelle's music — layered harmonies, analogue synthesisers, vibrant percussion and smouldering hooks — dominate the sonic landscape of their upcoming album, with the four female vocalists pushing the boundaries of their considerable singing talents while Charlie and Julian fine-tune the production.
It’s a great week for them; ahead of the incoming release of the record, they’re touring this month with none-other-than Mitski! But they're also embarking on their headlining tour in the United States and Europe in the following months. We got to find some time in their busy schedule and sit down to talk about the process of making funky R&B as well as bedroom slow jams, their influences, the origin of the name Michelle and their great New York spirit.