Britain born, Brooklyn raised, Michelle Jane braves the music trail combining a reverence for early soul, folk, with a contemporary pop flare. "Soul Folk" would sum up the unique approach of her music using classic folk instruments with her silky smooth soulful vocals.
Music has always been a major part of her life, beginning in her days as a flute player in the New York City Orchestra and Band, an active member in New York community choirs, school choirs and being the songstress in her dad's local church. She was exposed to so many genres of music that it was hard for her to pick a favorite. Her musical influences include The Beatles, Commissioned, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Kim Burrell, Fred Hammond, Cece Winans, Yolanda Adams, Israel Houghton, Brandy, India Arie, Sheryl Crow and John Mayer.
Her vocal distinction was still apparent despite her favorite artists. She often deflected numerous comments about her musical gifts with an answer of disbelief of not being able to measure up with the abundant talent already in the industry.
Being passionate about music and ministry but being fearful about the industry halted her dreams. However, through personal prayer about her musical career, God began to give her songs. She never promoted herself to be a songwriter but in her consecration and intimate time with God and through pain and emotional hardships, lyrics became her remedy to survive.
Her debut album, Butterfly, compares the journey of a butterfly to the life of a believer in God. It creatively expresses the process of pain to beauty; loss to redemption; fear to faith; brokenness to wholeness-- the kind of anxiety, uncertain and even fearful process before finding the sublime truth and beauty. This album gives the listener hope in whatever season or stage they may be in. It will also you to be confident in knowing that God is in the midst of every situation.
"Butterfly" is available NOW on iTunes, Amazon and other online retailers. Her single, "You still want me", has left many hearts open and many tears shed, as it speaks to our lives that may be full of many mistakes. In spite of our bruised knees and scars , God still wants us.
Michelle has performed with recording artists such as William Murphy, Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Paul Morton, Pastor Judy Jacobs, Candy West, Nancey Jackson-Johnson, Jaiden and other local artists. She has recorded with "The DW Project" and Cheraky Toussaint and VOI, where she also was featured as a co-writer.
