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.
My Heart
Chrisette Michele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know it's just I've been hurt so bad.
I can understand that, but I'm not that dude.
I'm into you, I just
Listen, can you hear that?
Yeah
You know what that is?
Yes, your heartbeat
In Chrisette Michele's song My Heart, the singer expresses her longing to be there for her lover through the lyrics. She acknowledges the fact that she has been hurt in the past, but assures her lover that she is not the kind of person to do the same to him. She confesses her love for him and tells him that he is her heartbeat. She sings, "I just wanna be here for you. I know it's just I've been hurt so bad. I can understand that, but I'm not that dude. I'm into you, I just Listen, can you hear that? Yeah You know what that is? Yes, your heartbeat That's you beating. You're my heartbeat."
It is evident that the singer has been through some rough romantic experiences that have made her hold back her feelings. However, she has found someone who has captured her heart and is worth fighting for. To prove her loyalty and dedication, she listens to his heartbeat and identifies it as her own. This signifies the deep connection she has with him and how he has become a significant part of her life.
In conclusion, Chrisette Michele's My Heart is a beautiful love song that perfectly captures the feeling of being in love and wanting to be there for your partner unconditionally. The lyrics are heartfelt, and the music is soothing, making it the perfect song to listen to with your loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
I just wanna be here for you.
I want to be by your side, to support you and care for you.
I know it's just I've been hurt so bad.
I understand why you might be cautious because I too have experienced pain in the past.
I can understand that, but I'm not that dude.
Although I might seem like someone who would hurt you, I am different from the others. I'm not that type of person.
I'm into you, I just
I have strong feelings for you, but I am struggling to express them.
Listen, can you hear that?
Take a moment to really listen to what's happening around us.
Yeah
I acknowledge and agree with what you're saying.
You know what that is?
Do you understand the significance of what we are hearing right now?
Yes, your heartbeat
That sound you hear is the rhythm of your own heart beating - a symbol of how important you are to me.
That's you beating. You're my heartbeat
Just as your heart beats, you are the driving force behind my own existence and emotions. You are essential to my well-being and happiness.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRISETTE PAYNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
BrandNewStudios
I like this one his voice fits so well
DIAMOND SEAKATSIE
Please add to spotify
Dat Voice
Omg she fire so the truth
bubbie bub
THIS SHIT HOT
Steven Clemons
wish he didn't wait til the last 20 seconds to show that he can sing well. he's actually good. that song just doesn't work at all.
SIMONE CHALICE
um this sounds annoying