Welcome...

So far 2012 has been filled with many things to be grateful for. In looking at this past year it seems like a dream...meeting Judy Collins and Glen Hansard in NYC, getting advice on songwriting from Graham Nash at the M.U.S.E. concert in August with the great Bonnie Raitt, my annual fall trip in Paris, going to the 54th Grammy Awards and staying at The Chateau Marmont (which included hanging out at the historic Troubadour), as well as watching a few important people in my life face some heavy challenges.

The idea for my latest record Covering Life came to me as I was listening to some songwriters I admire and their poignant ideas about life's joys and heartaches. As I thought of my loved ones going through so much hardship, I was reminded of all the people I've seen walk courageously through the battles that life presents. I've seen miracles happen when the human spirit is engaged in love and faith...this is how Covering Life came to be. After all, "life's a state of mind". I called my friend and band mate Ricky Fataar and asked him to co-produce this record with me. Anyone who knows Ricky is aware of his musical genius. He is such a multi-talented musician and producer. Every song sounds better when Ricky is involved. My beloved friend and art director Molly Tuttle introduced me to Paul Tyler. She invited him to one of my shows and we became instant friends. It turns out we live in the same town and have a love for the same kind of music...and when we got together with some guitars, we found that our voices liked each other a lot too. It was a pleasure to have Paul play guitar and sing on this record. Marc Levine is a wonderful bass player and a consummate professional. His serious work ethic and amazing musical talent adds so much to my music...plus he's just an all-around great guy. Aaron Burnham came on board as studio manager and audio engineer last year and saved the day at HSR. He is the king of organization, which allowed us making the music to really focus while Aaron captured it all. Anton Patzner played absolutely beautiful violin on five of the tracks and Alicia Legget played her magical flute on two of my favorite songs of all time. They both added just the right touch.

This July, Ricky and I will be back in the studio co-producing my latest record. The band is crazy amazing. Ricky Fataar on drums, George Marinelli and Drew Zingg on guitars, George on mandolin, Frank Martin on piano and keyboards, and Marc Levine on bass. Aaron Burnham will be joined by our newest member of the team, Michael Gray, as an engineer. The Harrison Street Record team is also excited about our expansion to Sausalito. The idea of making music by the water in beautiful Marin County is something we are looking forward to. News to follow when we find the perfect location.

Click here to learn more about Michelle's talented band.

Lastly, I want the listeners to know that Covering Life was made with so much devotion to kindness. Life presents challenges every day and I believe that it is up to all of us to make these hardships mean something. I hope this record comes to mean something to you and that you will think of the people you love and the people you have lost and send some kindness out there. In the end, isn't that what it's all about anyway?

All my love,
Michelle Schmitt
San Francisco, March 2012

Purchase Michelle's new CD, Covering Life, via PayPal or the other options linked below...

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WOS Picks "These Little Pills" for New Radio Show

Women of Substance Radio has picked my song These Little Pills for their Music With A Conscience show to be aired starting March. This show is about bringing listeners music that is relevant and that speaks the truth about things that matter. Music has always had a great deal to say about important issues like war/peace, poverty, morality, abuse, the environment, and more. The Indies have a voice and it's being heard. I am so grateful to get this song out to anyone struggling with drug addiction...pass it on!

Listen to Music With A Conscience on Women of Substance Radio
Wed, Sat & Sun 12-4 PM Pacific, MARCH 7 - April 1

Harrison Street Records update...

Aaron Burnham is the new studio manager and audio engineer at Harrison Street Records and Pine Mountain Studio. Also on board is Paul Tyler, an audio engineer and producer who is busy making new music with bands he produces at HSR. Michelle and her team of engineers also work at her state of the art recording studio in Alexander Valley called Pine Mountain Studio. Located in Northern California, Michelle and her band enjoy the benefits of getting away from it all and focusing solely on the music. It's a recipe for more amazing music.

Michelle and the band have recorded 3 records in this studio already. Infact, Michelle & Ricky Fataar just finished co-producing "Covering Life" at Pine Mountain Studio and have plans for 2 projects in 2012. There is something about being in the beautiful California wine country that creates so much room for the magic to happen. Pine Mountain Studio is a throw back to the 70's with walls filled with Michelle's original albums from that time. "I have such a special place in my heart for the music that inspired me to play guitar and sing when I was a young girl. Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Arlo Guthrie, Buffy St. Marie, Carole King, Jesse Colin Young, and many others." All the feeling of that time is captured within the walls of this amazing studio nestled in the woods of Alexander Valley.

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