This week’s spotlight is on songwriter and artist Demi Michelle. The Pittsburgh-based pop and country songwriter turns her life experiences into songs that touch the hearts of her listeners through captivating storytelling in her lyrics and memorable melodies. Demi’s debut chapter earned her two nominations at the 8th Annual Josie Music Awards, which she attended at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. She received nominations for Pop Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year for Dear Diary.

Hops & Spirits: What drew you to music?
Demi Michelle: I’ve loved music ever since I was very young. When I was ten, I started piano lessons, which lead to me becoming classically trained. Even though I sang in choir during middle and high school, piano was my focus, since I was involved with several competitions, evaluations, and recitals. Once college rolled around, it was an obvious decision to study music.

In college, I evolved so much as a musician, developing my piano, vocal, and theory skills further. I even learned guitar. Still, my program was focused on classical music, so I was still in that space, performing pieces by famous composers, two of my favorites being Debussy and Mozart.

When I was a junior, I added my creative writing major, and that’s when my music and writing passions collided and I discovered songwriting. I actually wrote my debut single, “Into Focus,” in a practice room when I was supposed to be playing my piano pieces. Oops!

When I started my musical journey at ten years old, I had no way of knowing where I’d be today. If someone would’ve told little Demi she’d win her first music award in 2023, she wouldn’t have believed them.

HS: What artists/music did you grow up on? Or made an impact on you?
DM: I grew up listening to pop music. I believe the 2000s and 2010s had some of the best pop music and still listen to my favorite throwbacks today. It’s no surprise I started writing pop songs first, since pop was my comfort zone. As I grew as a songwriter and developed an appreciation for other genres, especially country, I found myself branching out and exploring different sonic landscapes.

Many artists have inspired me over the years, but I always say my top three are Julia Michaels, Kelsea Ballerini, and Taylor Swift. Julia is the songwriter who inspired me to start writing. I loved Julia’s songwriting before she started releasing music as an artist herself. I’ve admired her work for years, and I got the wonderful opportunity to meet her before a show in Pittsburgh. Yes, I cried.

Kelsea Ballerini is my favorite country artist and the one who made me fall in love with the genre. In particular, her song, “Homecoming Queen,” touched my heart in a way no other country song has before, and I released my own rendition of it in 2022. I saw Kelsea on tour earlier this year and bawled my eyes out when she sang “Homecoming Queen.” Since I love raw authenticity and storytelling in songs, I’ve found writing country music is natural for me. So, though I started in the pop world and still write that genre, country music has become very special to me.

Taylor Swift is a massive inspiration of mine. She’s a multi-genre artist too, and seeing her success and unapologetic approach to her music and career has pushed me to embrace who I am as a songwriter. Taylor doesn’t put herself into genre boxes, and neither do I. It’s incredible to watch who I believe is the best songwriter of my generation continue to make an impact on the music industry, stand up for female artists, use her voice to push for respect for songwriters, and so much more. I’m lucky I got to see her Reputation Stadium Tour. It was one of the best concerts I’ve attended.

As I continue to evolve as a songwriter, I’m sure I’ll have many more influences. There is so much talent out there, both in the mainstream and independent spaces, and I’m always learning and growing.

HS: I know you’ve gotten more into songwriting recently. What’s the writing process like for you?
DM: All my songs are authentic and personal, so I typically start with a concept rooted in my emotions and/or a specific experience. Most of the time, I write the lyrics first, or at least have solid lyrical ideas before working on a melody. If I’m really inspired, I’ll write the lyrics, melody, and chord progression simultaneously, but my process usually starts with figuring out what I want to say in the song and how I want to say it. Still, I remain flexible and definitely deviate from my typical writing process from time to time. For example, my original Christmas single releasing this year, “Tinsel Heart,” started from a title and full melody idea. So, I love when my own songwriting process surprises me.

With both my music and creative writing backgrounds, I’m always finding ways of making the musical elements of a song compliment the lyrics, so the choices I make when it comes to the genre, production, and overall vibe are very intentional. I’m proud to be a multi-genre artist, since writing and recording various styles allows me to capture each piece of my story in the best way possible.

HS: What was it like to have another artist record one of your songs?
DM: It was so surreal. My first songwriting cut was with a song called “Never Add Up,” which I co-wrote with UK-based artist Lindsey Farrow. While Lindsey and I were writing the song, I made sure to really listen to her vision and help her craft a ballad she loved. I enjoyed every moment of the process and was over the moon when Lindsey decided to release it.

One of the most special parts of this experience was recording piano for Lindsey. After composing the accompaniment and making tweaks based on what Lindsey wanted, I recorded it at the studio during one of my sessions. Hearing the piano and the beautiful lyrics and melody Lindsey and I crafted together gives me chills every time I listen to “Never Add Up.” Lindsey’s voice suits the song perfectly, and she delivered such an emotional performance. I’m forever grateful I got to be part of this song.

HS: You’ve released an album and an EP, more new music coming?
DM: Yes, I’m working hard on my next album, coming in 2024. I’ve been writing and recording a ton of new music, and it’s been amazing to return to my pop roots for this project with other genre flavors sprinkled in, of course. My next release will be “Tinsel Heart” in time for the holidays. Over the next few months, I’m hoping to get more recorded for the album, too. I already picked singles, so my producer will begin mixing soon as well. One of my favorite things about being a songwriter is not knowing what I’ll write next. I can’t wait to keep sharing more music with the world.

HS: Encore: You also do a podcast too. How much fun is it for you to talk with fellow artists and songwriters?
DM: Oh, my gosh, I love my podcast. It’s called Write on Track: A Songwriting Podcast. I got the idea for the show during the pandemic. Back then, I thought the show would be just a fun side project. I never expected it to take off the way it did.

It’s a true honor getting to have such genuine conversations with talented people from all areas of the music industry, from songwriters and artists to radio presenters and so many other individuals in the business. A top priority of mine is to make the show as inclusive as possible. I’ve spoken to songwriters just starting out, and I’ve also had the honor of having Emmy winners on the show. Each episode is equally special, and I’m blessed I get to continue creating a space in the music industry for anyone who wants to share their story.

Also, I’m still stunned that the show received a nomination for Media Company of the Year at the Josie Music Awards this year, where I’m also nominated for Multi-Genre Artist of the Year and Musician of the Year for Piano. Write on Track has become something truly special, and I can’t wait to have more unforgettable conversations on the show.