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Q&A - Michelle was kind enough to find some time in her hectic schedule (as evidenced by the brevity of the replies sometimes) to answer some emailed questions for us, selected by the UK fans. Thanks again to Michelle for finding the time for an unofficial site, and her manager Jeff for the support and updates.[- Del 16/1/04] 1. The fans on the UK/US messageboards like a lot of the tracks that never appeared on any of the 3 albums, such as Standing on the Edge, Lay Me Down, Fall, Hold My Heart etc. Any plans to release these as studio tracks, b-sides etc?  "the songs did not make it on any albums for a reason. they were either not appropriate for the record or I did not want anyone to hear them yet."2. Any plans to re-record tracks such as I'll Always be Right There or Washing Machine (I love that song)? Have you ever started writing a song that you didnt finish, either because it wasnt working or was too personal? : "No plans to record any old songs. I would rather write new songs. Yes, I have started to write songs that I found were too personal to share or not going in the right direction so I stopped writing them."3. Why is your dad so helpful and accessible (its a rare thing). How much of a say does he have on deciding on new mechandise items? How successful is Broken Bracelet as an independent album (over the years)? : "I am semi embarrased so many people have heard it. "4. Consensus on the messageboards is that performing your tracks live is a totally different experience. Any plans to release a live album? : "No I don't think my forte is live performances. My live shows are not where I they need to be yet."5. Which tracks do you think perform better live? : "the acoustic tracks"6. What was the official line for dropping the DVD? Any future plans for it? Will Nick Spanos's backstage footage be on it? : "will be out this year. do not know about the backstage footage."7. You've shown an interest in A&R and supporting other developing talent. Would you like to develop that side of your career? What names should we look out for in the future? : "absolutely. its really exciting to watch someone else in the creative process. There has not been any new music that I have loved in a long time."8. How much do the opinions of the messageboard posters influence industry decisions (ie release dates, single choices, tour locations etc)? How often do you, management, family etc visit the boards? : "I glance at it from time to time. only when something appears to be a huge problem does it capture my attention. Example-the Maxim Shoot...everyone get over it!"9. A lot of singer/songwriters (Dar Williams, Chantal, Lisa Loeb etc) tend to have small, loyal followings but rarely have chart success. How fortunate do you feel to get such a huge following so early, and how do you think it will affect your development? Is there ever any pressure to make something commercial rather than the way you wrote it? : "If you think back, Lisa Loeb had huge commercial success when she first started. I can't tell what makes an artist have success but got to be thankful no matter what."10. Where do you see yourself professionally, in say 5 or 10 years. Singer? Songwriter (for other people)? A&R scout? Any aspirations for producing? (maybe a photographer ;) ? : "all of the above."11. As a celebrity, you attract a fanbase, who support your work. How do you feel when a track doesnt go down as well as you hoped? Also, as well as the supporters, fame attracts anti-fans (or fans of other artists, who feel the need to be competitive). You must read criticism, as well as praise, on the messageboards. Do you expect it, and how does it affect you? : "does not affect me. I can't be responsible for other peoples opinions."12. With fame goes a public profile, and debate/curiosity on the messageboards. At which point do you say 'enough is enough, please give me some privacy'. : "I knew what I was getting into when I started this. Most people know when they are pushing the limits.
"14. You are known amongst the UK fans (and obviously the other countries) as an approachable artist with time for fans. Whats the most memorable thing that a fan has ever given you? When touring, or doing promotional visits, how much pressure is there to 'make the next appointment' or take time out for yourself? : "I recieved a custom made guitar from a fan in Japan. It is beautiful and I love it.
Time for myself? What is that?"15. What advice would you give to aspiring singer/songwriters who'd like to get where you are? : "It is harder than you would think. You have to love it more than anything or you will lose your mind."[16. cheeky bonus question: When touring, how much do you get to see of the cities and countries that you visit? Do you get noticed on the streets abroad, as much as you do in the US? Which countries would you like to spend more time in? How do fans differ from country to country? ] : "Not enough. In Japan I get noticed the most. I love Australia, and anywhere that has good shopping. Fans are pretty much the same from country to country, except the ones where they have no idea who I am."[end q&a] Again, I'd like to thank Michelle for taking the time to answer these questions, and Jeff for making sure they didnt get lost in the internet somewhere! For editorial accuracy, these replies are as received, I haven't edited the wording. It doesnt look like there are any immediate plans for Michelle to visit the UK, but we can still wish her the best for 2004, and keep supporting her. If you'd like to discuss any of the questions or Michelle's answers, please use the UK forums at www.michellebranch.co.uk/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi. [ contact webmaster] |
