Michelle Schmitt

Michelle Schmitt is a singer/songwriter who was born in Detroit and started playing guitar and writing songs when she was 12 years old. She moved to San Francisco in 1977. Gifted with a soulful voice, the ability to express her feelings through her heartfelt songwriting and a talented band, Michelle delivers songs that stand the test of time. A modern 70’s vibe best describes her sound… beautiful harmonies, soothing and intelligent melodies.

Growing up in Detroit, Michelle was exposed to great music and credits artists like Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Carole King, Eva Cassidy, Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon, Phoebe Snow, Sade, Stevie Nicks, Aimee Mann, Dido and Alanis Morissette for her inspiration. In 2005 Michelle was asked to contribute a song on a record featuring six Grammy winners and two Rock & Roll Hall of Famers (including Bonnie Raitt, Kenny Loggins, Bill Medley, Roseanne and Johnny Cash, Rodney Crowell, Beth Neilsen Chapman and Mike & the Mechanics).

Michelle worked with Robert Hayes (of Smash Mouth fame) at Sound Management in San Jose before opening Lilysong Records in Marin County. In 2006, Michelle opened the doors to her state of the art San Francisco studio, Harrison Street Records and opened Pine Mountain Studio in Alexander Valley in 2008.

Harrison Street Records is located in the heart of San Francisco's music scene and is led by Studio Manager and Audio Engineer, Aaron Burnham. HSR is a boutique recording studio offering an amazing space to record music as well as voice over projects, etc. To find out more please contact us.

Music:

Being Here
"Being Here" is a project near and dear to my heart. The 70’s Americana vibe is deeply rooted in the music I grew up listening to in Detroit. I am sure I spent everyday after school learning the songs of Joni Mitchell, CSN & Y, Buffy St. Marie, Carly Simon, Arlo Guthrie, Carole King, etc. The songs on “Being Here” came from my observations in my own life and those of people around me. Watching a friend go through an unimaginable loss, feeling the joy of a love so pure, saying goodbye to someone I loved deeply, saying hello to a new life, standing up for what’s right and saying goodbye to what’s wrong…being present in each and every day…and being grateful for all the blessings…these are the songs on “Being Here”. I would love to hear what these songs bring up for you.

Preview or buy "Being Here " tracks on CD Baby

Christmas on Pine Mountain
The idea for this Christmas record came to me as I was going through a box of old ornaments, remembering the happy Christmas memories of my childhood. I can still see my parents working hard to give their five children a magical Christmas. My Mom and Grandma started baking early in December and my Father began singing & playing Christmas songs on Thanksgiving Day and did not stop until New Years Day. My brothers, sister and I started to feel the excitement of Christmas by the smell of cookies baking in our house, the Christmas lights strung up all over and the music playing day and night. "Angels in Trees" is for my family. Christmas music makes me think of my Dad. I will always remember the songs we sang on those long Sunday drives in Michigan. "Christmas in Killarney" is for him especially. "Pine Mountain Lullaby" is for my husband and two sons who bring me constant lessons about the importance of family strength, love and commitment. For the listener, I hope the songs I've written and recorded bring you a bit of holiday cheer and some happiness in your heart. When I think of Christmas I always remember my Grandma who put enough love in my childhood to sustain a lifetime. Please remember that every CD purchased will help the people involved with Meals on Wheels in San Francisco. Spread the love...Merry Christmas.

Preview or buy "Christmas on Pine Mountain" tracks on iTunes
Preview or buy "Christmas on Pine Mountain" tracks on CD Baby

All proceeds from the sale of "Christmas On Pine Mountain" will go to Meals On Wheels San Francisco. MIchelle Schmitt has been a long time supporter of Meals on Wheels SF, and will be holding her 2nd annual benefit concert for the organization on December 2nd -- click here to purchase tickets.

Another Winter
There’s no hiding from the longing, the hope, the heartache and the truth expressed in Michelle’s November 2008 release, "Another Winter." Reflecting life's dramatic transitions, and inspired by her gift of using music to help discover the most important and hidden feelings many of us have in our hearts, Michelle's songs navigate through the emotions of life’s challenges in a poetic and honest way. This important musical tapestry finds Michelle’s heart and spirit soaring to new heights. At the same time, soothing, velvety, potent and heartfelt, this is a musical journey that is well worth sharing. Michelle's songs tell stories that capture the hope and healing that we all experience in our quest for love and belonging.

Included in Michelle's latest release is the track These Little Pills, an intimate song highlighting the pain and suffering of drug addiction. Read more »

Preview or buy "Another Winter" tracks on iTunes »

Home
Home is a milestone release for Michelle Schmitt. Written and sung from the most personal recesses of her huge heart, this powerful and courageous album explores the pain of love and the exhilaration of meaningful friendship, with many surprising steps along the way. Michelle’s is a musical journey that’s meant to be shared and which is designed to inspire all of us to find our own way home.

Preview or buy Home tracks on iTunes
Your personal review of Michelle’s album on iTunes is also warmly invited.