Interview: Dawn Michele
Lead singer for Grammy and Dove Award-nominated Fireflight, Dawn Michele readies her first, full-length solo album, Surrender, and LTTM caught up with her to find out more.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I started singing when I was a little girl, in school talent shows and for friends and family, then eventually at church while in high-school. As I was graduating high school, I sang at a graduation service which is where the rest of our band, Fireflight, heard me sing for the first time and afterwards approached me to inquire about joining the band.
Tell us about your new album?
My new album is an opportunity for me to try and help people bridge the gap between themselves and God that is often created by the stress of daily life, and feelings of separation due to shame and low self-worth. The moments we connect with God in worship are some of the most powerful times we can experience, and they bring forth so much healing and wholeness. I hope to help people have more of these moments and have a greater experience of the Glory of God and His Great love for them.
What is your favourite song on the album?
My favourite song on the album is “I Surrender All” featuring my friend Tim Timmons. I co-wrote the song with Tim and my dear friend and producer, Rusty Varenkamp.
Did you find that working with PledgeMusic was good way to connect with your fans and to help fund the creation of the Surrender album?
PledgeMusic is an awesome vessel to carry forth your dreams and help to make them a reality! Because I am releasing this album independently, in order to finish the album and release it, I need funding. PledgeMusic gives me the opportunity to empower my listeners to connect with me personally while supporting my mission simultaneously!
[For more details on Dawn’s PledgeMusic campaign, visit www.pledgemusic.com/projects/dawnmichelemusic]
Did you find making the album as a Solo artist different?
There are similarities and differences for sure. It definitely is totally different making every choice on your own instead of by committee. But the rest of the band has been so supportive and helpful that it has still felt like we are in this together, which is a priceless gift.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I would love to work with many people, but if I had to choose one, I would say Jon Foreman. I’m a big fan of the way he and his band have communicated love and life through every fiber of their songs.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I think my style of music is intensely emotional while still simple enough for many different hearts and ears to connect with.
How would you define success in your career?
For me I define success as having a meaningful impact on the lives of people who listen to the music. That’s the kind of thing that doesn’t fade over time like fame and fortune always do.
What is your favourite album of all time?
I abhor choosing because I love so many songs from so many different artists. But if I had to choose one album I would choose Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay, because that album came to me as a gift in the mail on one of the most difficult days in my life and listening to it helped me a great deal to fight to win my strength of spirit back.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
I figure I better get pumped up to face the elements, so I’m gonna go with “The middle” by Jimmy Eat World.
What does the next year hold for Dawn Michele?
This coming year I’ll be working to bring Glory to God and to encourage others through music wherever I travel.
