Surrounded by music since she was a small child, singer, songwriter and composer Chrisette Michele has been blessed with an old soul and this Long Island bred vocalist has a deep appreciation for the harmonic foundations that includes gospel and jazz. “I did my first solo when I was four years old,” Chrisette remembers.
Currently putting the finishing touches on her soulful debut album, an artistic exploration that fuses Chrisette’s diverse musical interest into a wonderland, the young artist couldn’t be more pleased. “I realize that I’m new to the music world, but I’ve been preparing for this moment for long time.”
Even before signing on the dotted line of her Def Jam contract last year, the multitalented soul sister had toured with more established artists like Kem and India Arie. “India saw me singing at the Village Underground in New York City. She came backstage that first night and graciously offered me a gig as her opening act.”
Working hard in the studio writing songs and recording demos, Chrisette finished an album worth of material before even trying to get signed. “I’ve been creating songs since I was twelve, so I knew I needed the right musical blend in order to stand-out from the many other performers trying to get a deal.”
While not hung-up on genre labels, Chrisette Michele says, “I’m excited about finding my place amongst young composers like Alicia Keys and Jill Scott. My goal from the moment I was signed by Antonio “LA” Reid, Chairman and CEO, Island Def Jam Music Group, was to create a seamless album that mixes soul and pop in a way that will have people coming back to again and again.” Favorite contemporary artists that are in high rotation include, Beyonce, Kanye West and NAS.
Days after giving LA “goose bumps” during the audition, the young singer found herself in a California studio called Brandon’s Way having a creative conversation with Babyface.
Over the course of a few days, the duo recorded seven tracks, four of which will be heard on her upcoming release. “Babyface and I got into a conversation about the love he has for his children,” she says. “So, the first song I penned was called ‘My Joy.’ It’s a song about a child speaking to his or her father, and I think it’s quite special. Observing the artistry that Babyface possesses has hopefully made me a better performer as well.”
Having grown-up in the suburbs of Long Island, Chrisette didn’t spend much time planted in front of the television. “My parents had me in girl scouts, tap class and piano lessons,” Chrisette says. “It wasn’t like I was cut off from the world, but there just wasn’t a lot of media influence in my life during those early years.”
Chrisette Michele has always been true to herself. “I don’t feel as though I was the typical deacon’s kid, because I was taught early on to speak my mind and not be afraid to think,” she says. “To me, that is one of things that helped keep me focused as an artist who is trying to do something different in music.”
A self-described “girly girl” Chrisette says, “I have definite older child syndrome. I helped my mom raise my brothers like they were my own children, but I also had the pleasure of being daddy’s little princess.”
In addition to her own relatives, Chrisette was blessed with an extended family that included the many folks that her mother allowed to room in their house. “If my mother saw a homeless pregnant woman on the street, chances are they would soon be staying with us,” Chrisette laughs. “I learned so much about the world listening to these folk’s stories, and to this day their experiences can be heard in my material.”
Though already a fan of gospel and classical, it wasn’t until Chrisette Michele was seventeen that she also developed a passion for jazz. “When I was still in high school a teacher introduced me to jazz singer Astrud Gilberto, and afterwards my life was all about jazz,” she remembers.
Majoring in music at 5 Towns College in Long Island, Chrisette cites the nurturing sway of her teachers for where she is today. “Although I did have talent, often that is not enough,” she says. “My professors taught me how to be a professional and to be serious about my music. They taught me how to put the music that I dream about at night on paper in the morning.”
With the release of her debut album, Chrisette Michele will soon be sharing those musical dreams with the rest of the world.
Art
Chrisette Michele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you're talking to me, you're talking to art
You're talking to Sting, you're talking to Ozzie, you're talking to Pharell and Frank
When you're talking to me you're talking to art
I'm aware of the mess I made y'all
Yeah yeah yeah
I'm aware of the ego
I ain't stressed by the time I take y'all
No no no
It's all apart of the show
Show
So don't you worry about a thing man
Don't you worry about a thing man
'Cause I'm good in the hood
No the fame ain't the aim
I'm cool in the streets
Kill the news
Drop the beat
Oh Oh
Some days I wish I was Ye or Drake yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
Truth is I got a bit of both
Both both
'Cause I wasn't born with a funk to fake
Fuck fan fare for the folks
'Cause I ain't worried 'bout a thing man
No I ain't worried about a thing man
'Cause I'm good in the hood
No the fame ain't the aim
I'm cool in the streets
Kill the news
Drop the beat
Oh Oh
The fame, the fame
The fame, the fame
The fame, the fame
The fame, the fame
The fame, the fame
The fame, the fame
The fame, the fame
The fame, the fame
The art, the art
The art, the art
The art, the art
The art, the art
The art, the art
The art, the art
The art, the art
The art, the art
Oh Oh
'Cause I ain't worried 'bout a thing man
No I ain't worried about a thing man
'Cause I'm good in the hood
No the fame ain't the aim
I'm cool in the streets
Kill the news
Drop the beat
You're talking to Prince, you're talking to Beyonce, you're talking to Janelle Monae
When you're talking to me you're talking to art
You're talking to Sting, you're talking to Ozzie, you're talking to Pharell and Frank
When you're talking to me you're talking to art
I'm cool in the streets
I'm good in the hood
No the fame ain't the aim
Yeah
The lyrics to Chrisette Michele's song, "Art", convey a message of self-awareness and pride in oneself as an individual artist. As Michele mentions various well-known artists like Prince, Beyonce, Janelle Monae, Sting, Ozzie, Pharell, and Frank, she emphasizes that when people talk to her, they are talking to art. She is essentially saying that she is just as important and significant as these other artists, and that her uniqueness and creativity make her an artistic force to be reckoned with.
In the second verse, Michele acknowledges that she has made mistakes and has let her ego get in the way at times. However, she is not worried about the past and is focused on the present, where she knows she is "good in the hood" and "cool in the streets." She is not seeking fame or attention, but instead is focused on her art, which is what truly matters to her. By the end of the song, Michele reiterates her message that she embodies art and is just as talented and important as any other artist out there.
Overall, the song "Art" is a powerful and uplifting anthem that encourages others to embrace their own unique artistic talents and to be proud of who they are as individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
You're talking to Prince, you're talking to Beyonce, you're talking to Janelle Monae
When you talk to me, it's like talking to music icons Prince, Beyonce, and Janelle Monae because they are all forms of art, and so am I.
When you're talking to me, you're talking to art
As an artist, I consider myself a form of art. So, when someone communicates with me, they're indirectly communicating with art itself.
You're talking to Sting, you're talking to Ozzie, you're talking to Pharell and Frank
Just like talking to me is the same as talking to art, it's also like talking to acclaimed musicians like Sting, Ozzie Osbourne, Pharell, and Frank because, like them, I'm an artist.
I'm aware of the mess I made y'all
I am fully aware of the chaos I caused and the problems I created for others around me.
I'm aware of the ego
I understand that my ego plays a significant role in how I present myself and how I am perceived by others.
I ain't stressed by the time I take y'all
I'm not in a hurry or feeling pressured by anyone else's time frame or schedule.
It's all apart of the show
All the drama and issues that arise in my life and career are just a part of the entertainment or performance aspect of being an artist.
So don't you worry about a thing man
There's no need to stress or be concerned because I have everything under control.
'Cause I'm good in the hood
My skills and abilities as an artist are highly respected, and I'm well-received by my community.
No the fame ain't the aim
My main goal isn't to be famous or well known, but to create and share my art with the world.
I'm cool in the streets
I'm highly respected and well-liked in my community or the streets.
Kill the news
I don't care about the tabloids or media trying to report on my personal life or create drama for the sake of clickbait.
Drop the beat
It's time to focus on the music and let the rhythm take over.
Some days I wish I was Ye or Drake yeah
At times, I might envy the success or attention of fellow artists like Kanye West or Drake.
Truth is I got a bit of both
Even though I sometimes wish I was like other successful artists, I know I have my own unique qualities that make me who I am.
'Cause I wasn't born with a funk to fake
I can't pretend to be something or someone I'm not because I'm genuine and authentic to who I am as an artist.
Fuck fan fare for the folks
I don't care about impressing the masses or creating a large fan base. I'm here to make art and express myself.
The fame, the fame
The repeated use of 'the fame' represents the overwhelming desire many have to achieve fame in the entertainment industry.
The art, the art
The repeated use of 'the art' is a reminder that creating beautiful music that moves people is the real reason for making music.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: KENDELL SMITH, THOMAS GERARD LOWRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind