Chrisette Michellle - "I Am"

Surrounded by music since she was a small child, twenty-three year old singer, songwriter and composer Chrisette Michele has been blessed with an old soul and this Long Island bred songwriter and 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 groovalistic 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 like neo-soul, 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 "L.A." 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."

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