Find Your Inner Confidence With Michi

Photo by: Haley Appell

Dealing with solitude, especially during a pandemic may feel dreary as we let the unpleasant feelings build us up into what seems like the end. The doubtfulness, regrets, insecurities all take control of our minds that the only thing that feels right is by hiding in our rooms, sinking in our beds as these thoughts circle around us. As much as we want to avoid these feelings we must feel them. These feelings come for a reason, and the reason being that we must feel unpleasant to feel pleasant. We must battle those thoughts to bloom within.

"Most of the time I record vocals or start a song is usually when I’m alone in my room late at night,” Los Angeles born and raised indie singer Michi details.

A few miles northeast of downtown LA lives Michelle Guerrero, who goes by the stage name, Michi. In her latest single + video “Escondida” Michi, talks about how she feels escondida during these lonely times. Her song slinks between verses in English and refrains in Spanish that takes us into her self-discovery journey of being emotionally and mentally alone. “Escondida” is what untangled Michi from her isolated thoughts and uncovered happiness within.

“While I’m a social butterfly at times, I try to cherish the times of solitude or loneliness that overcomes in waves even having a partner in my life. I think it’s really special to sit with yourself and connect with the different feelings or thoughts that come of it."

This bubbling warm sound of “Escondida” is medicine to the hears for most of us who are still social distancing and taking hits from this historic time. Along with her single, the illustrated video brings the song to life with brilliant ombre colors and the imagery of a girl in her bedroom sets a soothing relaxed feeling that mutes out this hectic world. Behind this illustration was no other than illustrator María Medem. Maria Medem has also done incredible projects with great artists like Jay Som.

“María took both mine and my creative director and producer Haley Appell’s visions for the video and really brought it to life with her signature style and talent for a dreamy atmospheric experience.”

Before Michi, Michelle Guerrero was a member of the band, Private Island - an LA-based alternative band with a hint of retro and funk. After five years as a keyboardist and backing vocalist, this experience helped prepare the vision she had for her solo career. Last year, Michi unveiled her solo project Michi by releasing her debut single "Catch A Feeling," an instant likable groovy alt-pop. Michi found partners with producer and engineer Jacob Munk, who has also done work with Lorde, Miike Snow, Liam Gallagher, and director and photographer Haley Appell which her work has been seen for Tyler The Creator, Taylor Swift, and LANY. Now having full creative control, Michi uncovers herself as Michi where she shows off her funky indie sound with a taste of her Spanish vocals.

After Michi reuniting with her birth father at the age of 22, she re-discovered her passion for music and the rest is history. However, the Latina artist took this confidence within herself to invest in her childhood interest in piano and guitar starting her music career. She wants the world to know she experiences sensitivity and emotions as she demonstrates in her music.

“It’s my gravitation towards wanting to share myself with the world. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve sometimes and I know that’s cheesy to say, but I’m a sensitive person and I guess it just finds its way into my art" Michi adds.

Having grown up in a Latino home, many of her influences lay within Latino music. She recalls memories such as, “helping my Abuelita make tamales for the holidays or coming home to my mom’s arroz con Leche as a surprise treat while my dad sings rancheras at the top of his lungs as the cherry on top," as the ultimate nostalgic moment and a nod to her upbringing. Michi does not fail to show off her Latino influences in her own music; including phrases in Spanish and dance moves when she performs. As she states, "Dance is my first love before music, and when I perform I end up moving my body in ways that come from my love and experience of styles like bachata, and salsa." She applies her Latino culture in every way she can express, which explains why she's viewed as an amazing artist.

Photo by: Haley Appell

Michi has inspired the Latinx community by incorporating Spanish into the genre of indie. Spotify believes so too as they added Michi as the playlist cover for “Latinx Indie Rising.” Her work has even been compared to other indie Latino artists like The Marías, as she dreams of one day working with Latino artists such as Omar Apollo. "Love his music and he’s got moves too" she details.

Her transformation of sounds between indie, R&B, groove + pop, makes it enjoyable to hear, but also her lyrics are spot on relatable. Michi takes her listeners into the journey of figuring out who one is. Take for instance her song, "Still Feel U" which touches on self-appreciation and knowing one's worth.

“I honestly just want them to identify with it and hopefully find a deeper place of confidence, sexuality, happiness, whatever it may be."

On another note, as a woman of color, Michi understands the importance of equality; as she uses her voice and platform to speak up about brutality and disrespect towards Black people. Michi has protested and continues to shares information on her social media pages - using her voice as a means to bring equality. Walking without fear, she puts forth a sincere gesture that other artists feel uncomfortable to speak upon.

"Educating oneself along with being aware of the destructive norms we’ve been exposed to is very important. Donating, having uncomfortable conversations with friends, family, or even yourself as well as realizing just exactly how much privilege you have is important too" Michi advises.

An indie artist who is part of the Latinx community and isn't afraid to use her voice to bring equality - can somebody say "Chingona” (bad ass woman).

It’s obvious that Michi pours her heart into her work - her catchy indie music uncovers her charming personality and as she evolves as an artist, she evolves as a person too. It's fascinating as a fan to watch her process grow. Michi mentions, " I am growing in becoming a better ally myself and always love to learn ways I can improve."

When asked shall we expect more songs like "Escondida" in your upcoming EP Sugarbaby, she simply responded with "Tal Vez :)" For now, the urge continues as we wait for her upcoming EP out October 16th!

Photo by: Haley Appell