Michelle Schmitt

Michelle Schmitt is a singer/songwriter who was born in Detroit and started playing guitar and writing songs when she was 12 years old. She moved to San Francisco in 1977. Gifted with a soulful voice, the ability to express her feelings through her heartfelt songwriting and a talented band, Michelle delivers songs that stand the test of time. A modern 70's vibe best describes her sound… beautiful harmonies, soothing and intelligent melodies.

Growing up in Detroit, Michelle was exposed to great music and credits artists like Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Carole King, Eva Cassidy, Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon, Phoebe Snow, Sade, Stevie Nicks, Aimee Mann, Dido and Alanis Morissette for her inspiration. In 2005 Michelle was asked to contribute a song on a record featuring six Grammy winners and two Rock & Roll Hall of Famers (including Bonnie Raitt, Kenny Loggins, Bill Medley, Roseanne and Johnny Cash, Rodney Crowell, Beth Neilsen Chapman and Mike & the Mechanics).

Michelle worked with Robert Hayes (of Smash Mouth fame) at Sound Management in San Jose before opening Lilysong Records in Marin County. In 2006, Michelle opened the doors to her state of the art San Francisco studio, Harrison Street Records and opened Pine Mountain Studio in Alexander Valley in 2008.

Meals on Wheels, December 13th!

Announcing a special holiday benefit concert for Meals On Wheels SF, with Ricky Fataar, George Marinelli, Drew Zingg, Marc Levine, John R. Burr and Anton and Lewis Patzner.
Get your tickets now »

Music from Michelle Schmitt

New Album, LATE TONIGHT
Late Tonight is a huge departure from my past work, but all about where I come from musically. You will hear influences from Detroit rock & soul to California folk/rock to harmonic touches from my travels as well as lyrics that look at what and how I see the world.
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Covering Life
Covering Life, Michelle's 2011 release. "Life presents challenges every day and I believe that it is up to all of us to make these hardships mean something."
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Being Here
"Being Here" is a project near and dear to my heart. The 70's Americana vibe is deeply rooted in the music I grew up listening to in Detroit. The songs on "Being Here" came from my observations in my own life and those of people around me.
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Christmas on Pine Mountain
The idea for this Christmas record came to me as I was going through a box of old ornaments, remembering the happy Christmas memories of my childhood. For the listener, I hope the songs I've written and recorded bring you a bit of holiday cheer and some happiness in your heart.
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All proceeds from the sale of "Christmas On Pine Mountain" will go to Meals On Wheels San Francisco. Michelle Schmitt has been a long time supporter of Meals on Wheels SF, and will be performing in another annual benefit concert for the organization on December 13th.
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Another Winter
There's no hiding from the longing, the hope, the heartache and the truth expressed in Michelle's November 2008 release, "Another Winter." Michelle's songs tell stories that capture the hope and healing that we all experience in our quest for love and belonging.
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Included in Michelle's latest release is the track These Little Pills, an intimate song highlighting the pain and suffering of drug addiction. Read more »

Home
Home is a milestone release for Michelle Schmitt. Written and sung from the most personal recesses of her huge heart, this powerful and courageous album explores the pain of love and the exhilaration of meaningful friendship, with many surprising steps along the way.
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Record Label

Harrison Street Records is located in the heart of San Francisco's music scene and is led by Studio Manager and Audio Engineer, Michael Gray. HSR is a boutique recording studio offering an amazing space to record music as well as voice over projects, etc.
Visit the HSR website »

Band Members