Her fans call her “The Dyke Diva” for her ability to command any venue, electrifying stage presence, and singing and dancing talents that truly make Lori Michaels the complete-package entertainer. Cherrygrrl.com recently had the chance to learn more about this quickly rising star in the lesbian music scene and discussed her style of music, various types of performances, and coming out process – both personally and professionally.
Cherrygrrl.com (CG): How did you first get started with music and performing?
Lori Michaels (LM): I have been on stages since I was a kid – performing at my dance recitals. I started piano lessons when I was really young too and then started singing in church. I have always loved music and performing.
CG: How would you describe your musical style?
LM: I appreciate all kinds of music and I have been fortunate enough to have great teachers and amazing people who have shared their talents with me. I think I bring a few different elements to my songs – depending on the song, depending on the project, and even just what I am “feeling” at the time. I have written a bunch of my own songs, so I can’t help it when the songs become a little bit of a “diary” of my life (or someone I know). My new CD “Living My Life Out Loud” is pop/dance, with a few love songs (and dance remixes available as well). “Meet Me At The Partay” dance remixes put me in the dance genre – and since I love to dance – it’s a great place for me to be… at times.
CG: Where did you grow up and how does that affect the music that you create?
LM: I grew up in the small town known as Fairview, NJ. When I was about 10 years old my mom started taking me to NYC for professional dance classes and that quickly turned into me spending a lot of time in NYC – having the opportunity to be a part of a lifestyle that was very different than my friends at school. I was involved in different types of shows and performances, but never fully engaged in the entertainment/music business. My high school years were spent in Oradell, NJ – quite a different vibe than Fairview – and then I attended NYU for college. I don’t really know how this has all affected my music, but what I do know is that when I travel, people seem to know I am from the New York area (especially when the “Tony Soprano” comes out in me!).
CG: What was your “Coming Out” party at the House of Blues’ Club Worship in Atlantic City in 2006 all about and how has that impacted your career?
LM: It was a significant moment for me and for the people who are involved with where I am today in the music business. I came out that night with the official introduction of my own company, Lori Michaels Productions (although many people attributed that night to me “coming out”). The night was a celebration of all good things to come – especially in the GLBT community – for me & the girls (and my music). I guess you could say it sort of started the bigger buzz around me and my shows OUT there.
CG: Can you describe your “Me & The Girls” song and dance?
LM: Me & The Girls started with me and Jamisin Lee (my original show “girl”) writing down on a yellow pad an idea for a club show (called Me & The Girls – taken from an original song of mine of the same title). We wanted to do something sexy and different OUT there. We wanted to take lesbian entertainment to another level, be able to have fun at various events/venues, and be able to do something good for our community. It’s an interactive show – filled with pop/dance grooves and moves and sexiness- and one heck of a good time!
CG: What can someone expect from a Lori Michaels show?
LM: It depends what kind of Lori Michaels show you are talking about here. If you come to hear me solo on keys…bring the tissues and I’ll apologize now in advance if you come to a show of mine like that and someone you love just broke up with you (‘cause you probably won’t make it through the first or second song). Seriously, once you get me on the piano, the love songs just don’t stop. If you want the upbeat pop/dance type show, you gotta check out Me & The Girls. But, if you are ready to rock it out – totally LIVE – stay tuned for Me & The Band.
CG: What are your fans like?
LM: Awesome. I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love and love what I do and I am so inspired by the people I meet at my shows. I appreciate the kindness, the support, and the love. Always. It’s nice to know that I have fans out there.
CG: What can you tell your fans about your personal life? Are you single?
LM: I will just say “YES” (and I totally will not start crying -AGAIN- about how my girlfriend broke up with me).
CG: Who are your musical influences?
LM: I love so many musicians, producers, djs, songwriters, singers, performers…It’s so hard to make a list of them all.
CG: What is it that you hope your fans get from your latest album, Living My Life Out Loud?
LM: I just hope that they enjoy it – if even only one song.
CG: Your style of music isn’t stereotypically that of lesbian artists – did you ever have any fears that your songs wouldn’t be as popular in the lesbian community as it turns out they have been?
LM: I don’t think I was ever really afraid of that, but for sure I realize that there are a few songs of mine that lesbians tend to like (or dislike) more than others.
CG: You are the founder and president of the non-profit organization, Reach Out, Inc. – what is that organization about?
LM: I love to talk about this organization and I would love it even more if after reading this, people want to find out more about it! We are celebrating 20 years of reaching out in 2009 (I started the organization when I was in high school) and we will be celebrating life, celebrating diversity, celebrating youth, and more. We have various programs and projects helping communities and families everywhere. We have not only entertained and raised awareness, but we have raised funds for various causes that affect people’s lives on a daily basis. Please go to www.reachoutinc.com for more information.
CG: What are your goals for the future of your career?
LM: My biggest goal is to live my life and to be happy – to help people and to be able to do whatever else there is out there for me to do in this crazy entertainment business (that I actually really just might want to consider being crazy enough to try to do!)
CG: What would your advice be to a young lesbian musician trying to make it in the industry?
LM: If you love music, love music…Music (and truly loving it) and the music industry are very different. Although there are ways to get what you want and do what you love, things usually don’t happen the way you’d like them to (or overnight, for that matter). Don’t expect anyone to do ANYTHING for you. Practice and work hard and put yourself out there. Find people who are doing the things that you’d like to be doing and try to work with them and surround yourself with a solid team of people. And, have a good time (unless of course you find yourself with a box of Kleenex – singing all of your love songs).
For more information about Lori Michaels and her upcoming performances and shows visit http://www.lorimichaelsproductions.com and http://www.myspace.com/lorimichaels.
Photos/Stylist: Karen Filos
