Michelle Blanchard
Music was always a part of Michelle’s life. After moving from California to Las Vegas at 10, her musical aspirations became an integral part of her life. Michelle’s dream began to take shape as she started playing bass in a cover band. Her skills improved and her natural talent for the guitar was evident. With the help and encouragement of her parents, she formed a band with some school friends where she switched from bass to lead guitar.
At the age of 16, after a few years of writing and performing with her friends, Michelle was certain she wanted a musical career and decided to take her talent to the next level. She committed to home schooling allowing her time to focus on writing and recording her music and to polish her natural musical abilities with guitar lessons and vocal instruction. Michelle is not only the lead guitarist, but is also the main songwriter and lead singer of her new band, The Michelle Blanchard Band. Michelle has more than 25 songs completed, with 6 appearing on her debut EP.
Michelle’s guitar and rock roots are never far from the surface and are clearly evident in the music she writes. She credits bands like Paramore and musicians such as Melissa Etheridge and Slash as major influences. Michelle was privileged to make a personal connection with Slash in 2007 at the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas. An avid guitar collector, Michelle has over 13 guitars and cites her custom purple Roman guitar designed by Ed Roman as her favorite.
Mature beyond her years, Michelle is an admirer of the organization, “To Write Love On Her Arms” and their contribution to communities across the country. TWLOHA (www.twloha.com) is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for those struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. This is a cause Michelle is committed to and will assist in spreading the word during her upcoming shows.
