Introducing The Multi Hyphenate Talent… Mychelle

When it comes to emerging singer-songwriters, Mychelle is an artist that needs to be on your radar. Born and raised in Hackney, the UK-based talent first fell in love with music during her time at university. However, it wasn’t until she took a post-uni trip to France that her dreams of a thriving music career became a reality. Since then, the young talent has captivated music listeners with her lyrical prowess, ethereal vocals and showstopping guitar-playing skills. Over the last two and half years, Mychelle has continued to carve her unique lane in the music sphere by releasing three incredible EPs – including her most recent project, ‘IT’S not YOU , it’s me.’ Across the five-track release, the rising talent dives further into her R&B and neo-soul roots while also incorporating infectious sounds from the indie, folk and acoustic pop genres. We were able to chat with Mychelle about her new EP, her music beginnings and her busy year ahead. Read our full interview below.

Hi Mychelle, Thanks for taking time out to chat with us. How’s the start of March treating you?

March is going really well thank you! I’ve been getting ready for the next project which is always an exciting time!

Congratulations on your EP “IT’S not YOU, it’s me” EP. It’s absolutely amazing! How does it feel to have out in the world finally?

Thank you so much! It feels really good to have it out. I’m always happy to be able to put out more music in the world!

Can you take us through the creative process for the record? What themes or topics did you want to explore?

With this project I wanted to still share moments of vulnerability but also communicate the necessity of knowing your self-worth. They all co-exist when going through a breakup or the ending of a friendship. It’s hard letting go sometimes but it’s often for the best.

Each track on the record has a great and rich production featuring Folk, R&B, Soul and Pop elements. How would you personally describe the sound of the “IT’S not YOU, it’s me” EP. What was your goal or inspiration for the project sonically?

With this EP I wanted to lean in to vibes that were more indie and folk-based as those are genres I like to listen as well. I love having the guitar very present in my music. I still feel like it includes the soul & R&B core I like and it ties it all together.

We can’t get enough of ‘Magical’ and ‘Moving On,’ absolutely incredible tracks. Which song on the EP was the most difficult to create? And which came the easiest for you?

I’m glad you like ‘Magical’! That song took some time to come together actually. It was supposed to be on my previous EP ‘Someone Who Knows’ but it wasn’t quite coming ready. The producer of the track Eddie Allen, actually starting producing around it for fun, to see what he would come up with. It then started to feel like it was coming together so we went in for sessions and finished the song off.

One of the songs that came more easily would be ‘Hurts’. This song came together in my first session with Hugo M. Hardy who produced it. I left really pleased with the song and with the fact that it was a bit different from my previous work.

How have you changed and evolved as an artist between the release of your “IT’S not YOU, it’s me” EP and your 2022 project “Someone Who Knows”?

One thing I noticed my previous EP is that a lot of the tracks started with just me and my guitar. Whereas with this project, I worked more closely with the producers and involving them in the song-writing process. I don’t know if I would say that’s how I’ve evolved but it’s just different. I do intend to still create music with just vocals and guitar though.

I want to take it back a bit. When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue music? What was your “ah ha” moment?

I would say maybe at the age of 16. I used to play basketball but I decided that wasn’t the career path I wanted to go down and then I took up music in college. After university I felt a bit deflated when it came to music (usually the case when you study it) so I went to France on a one way ticket. I did some gigs out there and something about that experience sparked a moment where I was like “Yes, I made the right choice! Music IS what I want to do.”

Is there an album or an artist that you continually look towards for inspiration or guidance?

Not an album or artist but I’ve curated a playlist of songs that have moved me. It has the likes of Prince, Haim, Amy Winehouse, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Marley and a bunch of others.

Over the last couple of years, you have been busy touring, appearing at festivals and supporting other musical talents like Jorja Smith and George Ezra. What are some of your favourite aspects of performing live? How would you describe a Mychelle concert?

I really enjoy the actual act of singing! In a way I feel like every performance is a challenge. I tell myself “Go on stage and be vulnerable whilst doing that thing with your voice that some people may like…just go sing”. I try to just do that in the most authentic and best way I can.

Aside from your “IT’S not YOU, it’s me” EP, what else can fans expect from Mychelle for the rest of 2023?

Lots of shows! I’m also planning on doing a strictly acoustic album.

Make sure to listen to Mychelle’s incredible new EP ‘IT’S not YOU ,it’s me’ here or below.