Cherise Michelle
Los Angeles–based singer-songwriter Cherise Michelle invites listeners into an intimate space with her new single Flatline. Rooted in the warmth of 90s-inspired sonorities, the track transforms personal reflections into a universal reminder: to slow down, to notice, and to honor the quiet moments that give depth to our connections — whether romantic, platonic, or with ourselves.
Featuring Jian J, “Flatline” is out now on all major streaming platforms.
Photo credit: Michael Majors
Hi Cherise, how are you? What's your story?
I’m doing well today actually. I feel like I’ve been grinding nonstop the past few weeks for Flatline, but I’ve been enjoying this process. I feel like I’ve learned so much about myself these days. There’s new things popping up everyday like me returning to the simple things. I’ve been on a cartoon binge for a minute now.
Hmm, a little bit more about myself? I’m an artist and scholar who wears way too many hats. I just finished up a year of PhD work at UC Berkeley in the Ethnomusicology program. I’m excited to focus my energy into this project now.
What did you grow up listening to?
Funny enough, my family has a pretty eclectic taste in music. My mom heavily influenced my ear for different kinds of music because she wasn’t afraid to rock out to anything. I remember her playing “I’m the Only One” by Melissa Etheridge a lot. Of course she played the classics too like Stevie Wonder. My grandpa had a thing for Sade, so I heard a lot of that growing up. My mom also played lots of gospel. We used to be in the crib jamming to Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence, and some others as well. I wouldn’t say there were specific artists, but I do remember very distinct songs my mom genuinely loves to play. Back then, nobody wanted to listen to the music she wanted to listen to. Rock and alternative music. I feel her music tastes showed me from an early age that you don’t have to be bound by a genre. You can listen to anything and everything.
When did you know you could sing?
This question is so funny. I think it was around second or third grade. I started singing in the youth choir at my church with my favorite director, Ms. Rachel. I also starred in “Charlie and the Chocolate” factory as Charlie during that time too, and I remember realizing I actually enjoy performing.
Growing up, what were your favorite songs to sing along to?
Another banger question, wow! Okay there’s so many to choose from, but I would start off with either songs from a Kirk Franklin album or I AM Sasha Fierce. I remember we got the CD for the Beyoncé album from a guy selling them at the laundromat, I believe. I practiced dancing and singing in my mother’s six inch boots everyday after school. I loved “Sweet Dreams” and “Diva”. I loved “Imma Be” by the Black Eyed Peas too, haha. My grandpa really loved that song! At church, I loved it every time we sang “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood. I went to a COGIC church in Gary Indiana, and that song was the benediction at the end of the service. I haven’t thought about those memories in so long, wow.
When did you know it was time for you to be an artist and release your original music?
You know, I have to laugh every time I think about this moment. I had just turned 18, and I was all set to audition for a TV show I won’t name here. I drove all the way out to Chicago with my youth pastor, and I just knew that I was going to win this tv series. Easy money right? I have done so many shows. I literally played Christine in Phantom of the Opera. Winning this was going to be a breeze, so I thought.
I was humbled so quickly! I remember singing a Demi Lovato song, and the executives kindly letting me know something I genuinely still carry with me to this day. It was something to the effect of “we know that you can sing this very well, but we don’t hear your voice”. At the time, I was so heartbroken and confused. I’m so glad that I did not get a chance to compete on the show. I ended up spending time getting to know my voice, and I feel like I finally have an understanding of my sound.
"Flatline" is your new single - what's the inspiration/story behind this song?
So, one of the reasons why I love Flatline so much is because you can really apply the lyrics to different kinds of situations. I initially began writing the lyrics after a break up, but I really use the lyrics to help me think about all the communities I have around me. My goal for the song was to note all the little ways love can show up throughout the day. I’m so proud of my lyricism on this song because this is actually not my usual writing style. I was listening to a lot of Anderson .Paak and Lauryn Hill at the time, and I can definitely hear their influence on my cadence in Flatline. The song is mainly about preparing dinner after a long day of fighting the world. I really enjoy taking mental pictures of these little things around me throughout the day.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process behind this song? Who helped you create it? When did you start working on it?
You know, I started writing the words for Flatline almost three years ago. It’s so crazy to see its evolution now. I had an idea of the kind of song I wanted to write, and I literally started imagining what a perfect but realistic day would like when you’re with a partner you actually like. The structure is kind of like a lot of my journal entries actually. I usually note the small moments and use those to shape my stories.
I had the honor of working with my long-time collaborator and friend, Charles Nutrivore. Charles and I met during our days in undergrad at Pomona, and we’ve remained close since freshman year. It is so hard for me to allow other people into my creative vision, but Charles is usually the missing piece for almost everything I write. I remember going to him with bare bones, and telling him that I have this sound in my head for the end of the chorus and the bridge. I sang that swing melody that happens, and he knew exactly what to pair it with underneath. I also worked with my dear friend Molly on the vocal production. As an engineer and producer, her skills were unmatched. Again, it’s so hard for me to trust anyone besides myself when it comes to writing, but both of them were vital to making the song what it is today.
I also got to finally get my feature with my amazing friend, Jian J. I knew that I wanted my first feature to be something meaningful, and I have been following Jian’s musical career for a while now. We met during a show at Peace of Mind in Compton, and since then we’ve kept in touch. I’ve been wanting to collab with him for a really long time now because I really appreciate his lyricism. Like a lot of my songs, I feel like he’s great at speaking on multiple frequencies. I like working with Jian because it really feels like his iron sharpens my iron when it comes to creativity.
What did you feel when recording this song?
Recording this song was actually difficult for me because I am mainly a live musician. I grew up listening mostly to songs that were recorded in one take, so going into the studio to record take after take was so tedious. Also, doing all the background vocals and layering was so difficult for me.
What's your favorite lyric on "Flatline"?
Honestly, I think the chorus is really powerful. It feels like a rally cry, or something you can shout when you feel alone. I’ve been using it to make myself feel better a lot these days. If I had to choose a single lyric, I would probably say that part where Jian says “let me catch a dove for you”. This part makes me want to cry every time because right after this he references a Maya Angelou book called I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This line is just so gorgeous to me because it really sums up the goal of Flatline for me. To capture those small and intangible things to show your love for someone.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this song?
When people hear Flatline, I want them to remember that it’s good to pause that busy schedule sometimes to stop and smell the roses. I hope that they mainly get the chorus into their spirit. Under the times we are living in at the moment, the chorus is a good reminder to find your community and hold on to them very tight. Of course, you can also sing these words to your partner too!
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
Interesting question – I don’t know if I have too many thoughts on the music industry. I will say that there are some artists who do not get the credits they deserve when it comes to their influence on other artists. I would also say that it’s good to choose quality over quantity. I’ve been enjoying my process so much because I’m not rushing anything.
Quality wins every time.
If I could change one thing about the industry, I would probably eliminate the need for artists to get on TikTok or social media to promote their music.
What biggest lessons have you learned since the beginning of your career?
Finding my voice was a huge lesson I learned right when I turned 18. Besides that, I would probably again say that taking your time is always worth it in the end. In an age of instant gratification and cheap thrills, I’ve really been enjoying walking step by step and learning to appreciate every single aspect of the process. I was at each stage of the song making every single decision, and that can be extremely draining. However, when I look back now, I am so proud that I was there for it all. I didn’t take any easy shortcuts at all.
What does singing make you feel?
Aw, I love this question. When I’m singing, I honestly become a vessel or portal. It’s hard to describe, but when I sing it feels like it isn’t me singing. It’s something else that takes over. I call it the Spirit, but some people might call it other things.
In your opinion, what would make the world a BETTER place?
For me, what would make the world a better place is tearing down this world and imagining a new future for ourselves.
What can we expect to hear/see next?
The lyric visuals for Flatline drop Monday, September 15th, and I could not be more excited. I worked closely with Berry Black Studios in LA, and it came out so vintage and warm! Also, I have another single in the canon to prepare for my EP in 2026. It should be a super fun year of learning about the heart.
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