“The front man is a girl.” An innocent statement from a fan at a show excitedly conveying to Michele Ari that she was “just like” those cool punk bands from the 70′s–only she was a woman. The show that night was by no means her first. Michele brought out her band, waking up the audience through a mix of welcome jolts and a bit of “who does she think she is?”
Prior to her critically acclaimed debut release 85th and Nowhere, Michele arrived in Tampa, Florida (via NY and LA) with songs brewing in her soul. Those songs had taken a back burner to other artistic endeavors until the time was finally right. In short order Michele was writing songs, playing live, appearing on radio, in the papers as a “Critics Choice” and “Best Bet” alongside Tampa Bay’s cream of the crop and at some of the most sought after venues and shows in the area. She recorded her first record, joined MySpace and garnered an international fan base. Mere months after her first release, Michele was invited to play a festival alongside Patti Smith and other luminaries at London’s Royal Albert Hall (which was, sadly, canceled).
She met the press, where in revered publications by trusted music critics came overwhelming praise for her debut effort:
From Seattle: Ari is not cut from the same cloth as most of today’s female rockers… Keep an eye out for this lady! She’s going places. (The Wig Fits All Heads, Seattle)
From London: Her album has a full and infiltrating richness so overwhelming and formidable nothing could ever possibly distract from this! (Subba-Cultcha, London)
Again from London: Ari has a bittersweet vocal style that is at once enigmatic and revealing…heartbreaking and astonishing. (Whisperin and Hollerin, London)
In Sweden Michele was referred to as gifted, (Collected Sounds) and in the Philippines, she was described as probably one of the most important artists you have not heard yet. (The Manila Standard)
Fans were quick to give rave reviews as well.
Following a series of zigs and zags, Michele arrived in Nashville, having taken a long and purposeless journey via an airport, three US cities and one foreign country in between (insert extra long story). But, even during her darkest hours she continued to attract the attention of fans and press receiving air play on Radio One in London with host Opal Bonfante and winning 100 percent of listener votes for her song My Sleeping Beauty on Moray Firth Radio, the UK’s farthest reaching broadcast station. It was only the second time in the show’s history an artist had done so. When the dust settled, mere moments after returning to live shows in Nashville she was nominated by Deli Magazine (Nashville, SF, Chicago, NY, LA) as “Artist of the Month,” which she won by a landslide over many of Nashville’s more prominent bands. Juggling a new city and set of circumstances, Michele re-ignited her touring career, visiting New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Cincinnati, to name a few, while making the circuit at some of Nashville's premiere venues. She also made radio appearances in Nashville (WRVU) and Chicago (Fearless Radio). Michele finally released her follow up EP aptly titled “mal a’ propos” meaning "out of place". Positive reviews from around the world resumed and requests for interviews both locally and abroad (Rock and Reel UK) were fulfilled.
In January 2012 her new single Uncharted Territory, from the soon-to be released EP of the same name, was released. It was recorded in Nashville in 2011 but outside delays held up the release. A quick survey of where things were headed inspired Michele to move out of the south to NYC. As is true with anyone on "the road less travelled" it is paved with both triumph and tragedy along the way. In fact, four days prior to the intended release date of January 1st, Michele walked into the trap of a con artist leaving her homeless and scrambling to solve the problem. A testament to her dedication to her craft, Michele is very proud to announce the release of Uncharted Territory which can be purchased now along with advanced copies of the EP by the same name.
