We also mentioned her as a possible solution to the Stacie Orrico-shaped hole in the Christian music scene. With Orrico's soon return we give her a word of warning: Michelle Bonilla is one to watch!
Suite: Michelle, I know you’re the first R&B singer with the Cross Movement label. How does your soul style work with theirs, generally more hip-hop oriented?
Michelle: Honestly, we gel pretty nicely. I’m currently an artist signed to RockSoul Entertainment, where my husband Lee Jerkins is the CEO. He has been working with CM for years producing music for them so it just seemed natural for RockSoul and Cross Movement to work together. I respect the Cross Movement’s artistry and appreciate their determination for serving Christ with excellence; we have the same work ethic and passion for the lost. I’m excited to be welcomed into CM’s camp and prayerfully we’ll continue to make beautiful music together, to God be the glory.
Suite: On “Phenomenal” (Read Suite review here) you cover a lot of ground, co-writing many tracks, singing comfortably in both English and Spanish. Is there a particular creative groove that you enjoy most?
Michelle: That’s always a tough question for me, especially since I enjoy a variety of music. I’ll always love Praise & Worship. My earliest memories are of leading worship with my father when I was six years old. I feel like stylistically I’m gravitating towards a more edgy Pop R&B vibe though. I think that comes from being a New Yorker. New York is such a melting pot it’s hard to just tune out all the beautiful music you hear from one city block to the next. I love singing in Spanish because I can relate to folks who don’t speak English, it is also my first language and I want to be true to that side of me too. This album was the first I’ve ever written anything in Spanish or any song for that matter. I have a great Husband/producer who believed in me and was willing to give me a shot.
Suite: I know you’re working hard to create, tour, and represent God well as your ministry opportunities amp up. What do you do to stay focused?
Michelle: A few things really help keep me on point: My relationship with God, I pray as often as I can and bring all my heartfelt issues to him. Without communication with God all my plans are in vain. I stay in the word, it is super important to read God’s word because that’s where our instructions for daily living can be found. A Christian who doesn’t read the word will be deceived by the world and will be swept away by the world’s ideologies. I also work out at least three times/wk to relax, meditate, and stay in shape for my shows. I have so much more endurance after a good work out. I have a wonderful husband who helps keep me grounded. He supports me and he’s my number one fan.
Suite: What artist would you most like to meet?
Michelle: Well I haven’t met Israel Houghton, and Cee Cee Winans yet, I’d love work with them some day.
Suite: What book is on your nightstand right now?
Michelle: I just finished re-reading “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” a narrative by Harriet Jacobs. I’m an English major at Temple University so I’ve been reading a lot of early American Literature. I also keep the Bible on my night stand, especially when I really need to be encouraged.
For more information on the sizzling soul of Michelle Bonilla, visit her Myspace.
