9th IMA Submission Spotlight: Michelle Mondesir

ARTIST NAME: Michelle Mondesir

HOMETOWN/CURRENTLY BASED: Toronto, Ontario/ Caledon, Ontario

WEB SITE: www.reverbnation.com/michellemondesir

INFLUENCES: Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Maxwell, O’Jay’s, Erykah Badu, Musiq (to name a few)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
-Collaboratively won the Music Industry Arts songwriter award which was judged by Michael McCarty, president of EMI Pusblishing Canada.

-Nominated for best R&B artist at the 2008 TIMA’s, and was awarded best R&B soul female artist as well as best R&B song for her track “Don’t Stop” at the Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards.

I SUBMITTED TO THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS BECAUSE: I wanted to be able to expose the world to my music and hopefully touch a few souls along the way

9TH ANNUAL IMA JUDGE I’M MOST EXCITED ABOUT: I’d have to say each judge will have some great input but if I had to chose one I’d have to pick Anthony DeCurtis

I’M PROUD TO BE AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST BECAUSE: It allows me to be me to the fullest in the way I choose to present myself and express myself through the music. It also helps me to have the time to feel closer to my fans. Also, as an indie artist, the focus is more on the music than anything,..and I feel that’s how it’s supposed to be.

WHAT’S NEXT: Performing at the MPMF in Ohio, A number of performances in the Greater Toronto Area and working on some international performances as well. Hoping to release the first LP by the end of the year, early next at the lastest titled “Smooth Stylin’ Soulful Sista.”

SUCCESS = Well, I’d have to say getting through the challenges of each day is a success in itself, but I suppose other than the things I’ve mentioned I’d have to say being selected to perform at Toronto Pride both in 2008 and 2009, the numerous awards I was nominated for and awarded as a pianist when I was younger, and later as a singer/songwriter. And also the growth of my song/production catalog.

WHAT MAKES MY MUSIC STAND OUT: My tone, the emotionality in my musical expression, production style and my lyrical content is unique and I believe are the things that make me stand out as an artist.

WHERE I TOUR: Mostly within Ontario but I am open to performing anywhere in the world. Know anyone interested in having me? I’m moving into performing in the states and hope to be in the UK by mid next year as well.