STANDBY: "While your reading the interview, also check out her music on the UrbanRebirth.com M.Player."

Firstly I thought it'd be great if you could introduce yourself to fans @ UrbanRebirth.com.

CM: Cool, I'm Carmen Michelle, an Urban/Gospel/Singer/Songwriter……wow, that's a lot of slashes!

I thought it would be great to bring some attention to the work your doing for the Award Winning Urban Playwright David E Talbert who wrote "The Fabric of a Man". How did this all begin?

CM: Well, it was pretty simple! A friend of a friend was helping David E. Talbert get together some music for his new movie, and he suggested to David that he take a listen to my music. David really liked "Without You" and asked for it!

Your also a featured artist on the movie "Restraining Order" starring Robin Givens. How did you land this?

CM: That actually came as a surpriseJ I was just doing the demo of the song and someone else was supposed to actually sing it on the final cut. Next thing I knew, they decided to keep my voice on and the song was chosen as the title track!

You've obviously been grabbing the attention of alot of people in the entertainment industry. Whats the interest been like from Record labels?

CM: It's been great! I have the label attention, I just want to have my project finished before I sign to any label. I want to prove myself to the labels so that they look at me as investment instead of a risk.

What are you looking for in a Record Label?

CM: Basically, I'm looking for a label that not only believes in my project, but has the capacity to promote and distribute my music to the masses.

Alot of your tracks are about the pain that you've been through. What do you hope the listeners will get from tracks like "Rock & Hard Place","Why","Broken", & "Without You"?

CM: My goal is to have my listeners relate to what I'm singing about. God gave me the gift of song and with that gift I release my pain, express my gratitude, confront my past, and promote God's hand through it all. When people hear my music I want them to do the same.

The song Rock & Hard Place has got some tight production. What is the song about? Did you do the production work on it?

CM: That particular song is about my struggle in the industry to stay focused on God and not compromise my morals just for a record deal. But the meaning is very general……It's about admitting your tempted, admitting your scared and asking for God to give you the strength to stay on the right track. This song is an earnest prayer and God's Word says that the prayers of the righteous availeth much.

Which artist right now is having the biggest influence on your music? CM: That's hard to say. I'm inspired by different music for different reasons. I inspired by Kim Burrell's music because of her supernatural vocal capabilities. I'm motivated by Mary J Blige because of the heart she puts into her performances. And last but definitely no where near least, I'm definitely influenced by Fred Hammond's unbelievable writing! He literally writes from his soul and you can feel it every time he sings.

When is your project going to be finished and what are you planning for it? People online have been given a taste of 4 songs on your myspace, you going to be releasing some more soon?

CM: Well, I was anxious to get something out to the streets, which is why we recently released a 5 song EP called 'Destiny' available exclusively on myspace. But the actual full-length album should be out early to mid 2007! I'm soooooo excited about itJ There is so much God has given me to say through my music and I just can't wait until it gets out to the masses!

If you could work with any artist who would it be and why?

CM: Wow….it's crazy because I have the type of faith where I feel like it can actually happen if I speak it, so let me go ahead and speak it……it would definitely be CeCe Winans. I would love to write for her…..I'd absolutely love to!

QUICK QUESTIONS

Favourite Food? Mostaccoli with sweet and hot Italian sausage….YUMMO!
TV show? 'Flip that House'
Movie? 'Holes' (The dopest Disney flick EVER!)
Restaurant? P.F. Chang's
Song? 'Breath into Me, Oh Lord' Fred Hammond
What would you never do again? Hmmmmmm, hopefully I'll never eat like I just did on Thanksgiving~
How would you spend your last $5? That seriously depends on the situation! Thanks Carmen. We're really excited for you. There are alot of Christian Hip Hop artists on the Urban Scene now, its epic to see rising RnB stars because the movement needs ya! Big shout out to Trinitee 5:7, Out of Eden & Mary Mary for leading the way for kats like Carmen Michelle.

LINKS
Carmen Michelle's Myspace