»I love seeing a story amidst the backdrop of a different time or culture«

Interview with singer-songwriter Michelle Tumes about her comeback

(Deutsche Übersetzung hier...)

After a hiatus for some years, Australian native singer-songwriter Michelle Tumes has returned into the spotlight. CCM-Rezis asked her to tell more about this long-awaited comeback, about her new record "Michelle Tumes", and her multifold musical and literary influences. She also revealed her special love for Europe ...

Monica Seidler: You sing, play the piano, write and arrange songs, even conduct the orchestra on your new record. What does music mean in your life?

Michelle Tumes: Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I can't really imagine life without it. Emotionally it helps me and spiritually, I feel God's presence when I sing and play.

Monica: Can you tell us a bit about these past years out of the spotlight? Has your attitude towards music, performing and recording changed?

Michelle: These past few years have been like a double-edged sword! While it has been great to take some time out, I have been seriously considering what the next step should be. It took me a very long time to write and record about 50–100 songs and out of this, only 11 made it. Also, I have been studying which has helped me refine the writing process. Ancient history and stories have really inspired me. – My attitude now is the same as when I began. I'm so thankful to make music and I'm excited and frightened at the same time. Frightened because I sometimes get concerned about what people will think. I will be working on this for a long time!

Monica: Your sound and the way you sing are very unique. What are your influences?

Michelle: My influences are really my musical background such as singing in vocal ensembles at school, choruses and hymns at church and classical music. I love modern music also and artists such as Sting, Enya, U2 and Amy Grant.

Monica: Your songs are worshipful and yet so different from the usual CCM. Your lyrics are full of narration and pictures. You really lead listeners through a soulscape full of adventurous sceneries. Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Michelle: I feel that I relate to situations in life if I know I am not alone. That is, if I find an ancient story or text that speaks to a situation I am going through, I find solace in that idea that other people have been through it also. I love seeing a story amidst the backdrop of a different time or culture. This gives me a new perspective on life's journey. In Ecclesiastes it states there is "nothing new under the sun" which gives me hope that we are all in this together!

Monica: Would you mind delving deeper into this in relation to your new songs?

Michelle: For instance, I came across a lovely book called the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, which focusses on the quest of a shepherd boy. This boy tries to find treasure, only to realize that it lies in the humble and tranquil environment of where he keeps his flock of sheep. This really inspired "Gypsy Heart" and explores how one tries to travel outside the peace of God to 'greener pastures' only to find that being content in Him within our hearts is authentic contentment. "Domine" is basically an amalgamation of some of the Psalms where it feels as though we are far from God and we are crying out for Him to rescue us. He is powerful and yet compassionate to save. "Break Through" is essentially inspired by stories set in an ancient time where a person in distress is locked inside the tower of their own heart. I just imagined an army much like King Arthur's, led by a banner of hope to save an individual in a castle far away. To me this parallels Christ's power to conquer our past that has perhaps caused us to become hardened emotionally.

The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni is a book that has impacted me also. It is a story set in 19th Century Italy, where a band of criminals exert their influence. The leader of this criminal organisation gave his heart to the Lord in such a dramatic way, I began to cry while reading it. I was engrossed in the historical surroundings of the story and when this conversion occurred, it was so relevant to my faith. Ultimately the Bible, with its historical content and spiritual wonder helps me to connect faith with people God has used and this relates to my life, such as the faith of Abraham.

Monica: Which one is your favourite new song, and why?

Michelle: That is difficult, because I feel I am too close to the album. However the story behind "Gypsy Heart" is probably my favourite. It is, as mentioned above, about a person who travels beyond their home on a quest for exotic places that are better than home, only to find that true peace comes from the love of God inside his or her heart. The journey leads back to Christ.

Monica: What do you wish listeners to experience with your music?

Michelle: I would be so honoured if people could connect the songs to their own faith and journey through this life, I cannot tell you how happy it makes me when someone expresses part of their life story and how a song has helped them, or how it has brought them comfort and hope in some way.

Monica: Your favourite bible verse?

Michelle: Nehemiah 8:10: "... for the joy of the Lord is your strength." When I feel tired and burdened, this really helps me and gives me a strength that cannot be found in my natural being.

Monica: Do you have a special message for your European friends?

Michelle: Hello and greetings! Europe is honestly one of my favourite places on earth! I really mean this. The people I have met there have been so real, honest and down to earth whilst possessing an elegance that is unmatched. I hope I can savour life like you and you are a true example of living. I would love to visit again soon!

Monica: Michelle Tumes, thank you very much for this interview!

For more information about Michelle Tumes please visit www.michelletumes.com