Bio

Michelle Chandler shares an openness and honesty in her life, wisdom, and a refreshing point of view on everything musical. The content of her music stretches over the deepest of emotions to the most captivating sounds imaginable. She has a down to earth personality, and lives a creative life that is visible in everything she does; knowing what she wants in her music, Michelle works tirelessly with a freedom of expression that is rare to find.  She has been honing her craft as a musician for many years developing a well-earned reputation for writing authentically.

 

Influenced by songwriters like Van Morrison, Janis Ian, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, Michelle began playing professionally at fifteen in small cafés and restaurants and attended many of the folk and music festivals around Australia and was very quickly recognised as a talented artist.

 

Performing in a variety of line-ups and delighting audiences everywhere with her original music Michelle has become an accomplished, award winning songwriter and compelling performer. Having previously recorded six CD’s, she released her new album ‘Unravelling’ in 2017 to rave reviews.  Australia’s Free Press reported, "Michelle Chandler's ability in song composition and her velvety voice made for breath-taking entertainment. It is the best original music I have heard in a long time."

Music Photographer Jason Rosenware wrote, "Wow Michelle, what an incredible album, the songwriting, musicianship, production are all first class. I can see why you are so proud of this album. This has to be up there with my favourite releases. Congratulations on such an amazing piece of work to you and everyone involved in its production, just awesome."

 

She has performed around the world.  A contemporary artist and experienced musician working with a number of established performers including Janis Ian and Kristina Olsen and receiving high praise from both. Following a concert from her Australian Tour Janis Ian stated, "Thanks to Michelle Chandler for providing fabulous support - I cried, I laughed, and I reminisced." While Kristina Olsen said “You write the most beautiful songs." in a shared performance at Yackandandah Folk Festival.

 

Michelle’s last UK Tour was a huge success with high praise from venue owners & audiences alike. “BRILLIANT performance at Cinnamon in Bridgnorth, you really created a buzz!” & “What a great performance, we’re looking forward to your next visit to the UK.”  Together with Neesy Smith, she successfully undertook a cross-country tour of the US travelling from Boston and eventually finishing in Los Angeles with intentions to return to the UK and Europe on an extended tour.

 

Michelle has gathered a small and dedicated band of musicians to call on for a range of performances and is currently enjoying an all women line-up featuring Sue Carr Amico on piano accordion, multi-instrumentalist Fiona Steele and percussionist/vocalist, Neesy Smith, also songwriters with influences from jazz/blues, folk/pop, americana and alt-country music, these talented women play predominantly guitar based melodies combining well-considered lyrics, creating songs and arrangements that are strong, accessible and textured, with thoughtful use of instrumentation including guitars, piano accordion, bass, banjo, mandolin and backing vocals that bring their songs to life in a new and joyful way.

If you like the music of Suzanne Vega, Amos Lee, Shawn Colvin and KT Tunstall, you’re going to love the music of Michelle Chandler.