News..

New CD: Covering Life

The idea of "Covering Life" came to me as I was listening to some songwriters I admire and their poignant ideas about life's joys & heartaches. I called my friend and band mate Ricky Fataar and asked him to co-produce this record with me. The band consisted of Ricky on drums, piano, percussion & guitar, Paul Tyler on vocals, electric & acoustic guitar, Marc Levine played violin and Alicia Legget was our flute player. Aaron Burnham recorded and mixed the record.

If there is one thing I want the listener to know about this record it is that it was made with so much devotion to kindness. Life presents challenges every day and I believe that it is up to all of us to make these hardships mean something. I hope this record comes to mean something to you and that you will think of the people you love and the people you have lost and send some kindness out there.

View the song list and credits

Preview or buy "Covering Life" tracks on iTunes
Preview or buy "Covering Life" tracks on CD Baby
Preview or buy "Covering Life" tracks on Amazon

Christmas on Pine Mountain

"Christmas on Pine Mountain" is a benefit CD for Meals on Wheels-San Francisco. 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. I hopes that the songs will bring a bit of holiday cheer and some happiness for the listener. When thinking of Christmas I always remembers my family and especially my Grandmother who put enough love in my childhood to sustain a lifetime. Please remember that every CD purchased will help the people involved with Meals on Wheels in San Francisco. Spread the love...Click to the news page to read a review of this record.

Great holiday gifts for a great cause!

Preview or buy "Christmas on Pine Mountain" tracks on iTunes
Preview or buy "Christmas on Pine Mountain" tracks on CD Baby
Preview or buy "Christmas on Pine Mountain" tracks on Amazon

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 in the Bay Area.

Click here for a list of Michelle's other records.

Women of Substance Radio

Check out my holiday songs on Women of Susbstance Radio by tuning in at www.WOSRadio.com, at LIve365 at www.live365.com/stations/breenoble, or on iTunes Radio under the Adult Contemporary Category. My songs have been picked for every show...So grateful...

• Mondays, (2-5 PM ET, 11 AM-2 PM PT)
• Tuesdays, (2-4 PM ET, 11 AM-1 PM PT)
• Thursdays, (2-5 PM ET, 11 AM-2 PM PT)
• Fridays: (2-5 PM ET, 11 AM-2 PM PT)
• Wed, Sat & Sun: Holiday Mix (3-7 PM ET, 12 -4 PM PT)

Mom Finds Second Life Singing

For many moms, once their kids head off to college it’s time to pick up a hobby and start a new life. For San Anselmo mom Michelle Schmitt, that went a step further than book clubs or knitting circles.

Schmitt, who has been involved in music since she was 12, has found a second life as a singer, with a wealth of CDs of what she calls “chick music” and her own studios in both San Francisco and Alexander Valley in Sonoma.

“My whole musical life just came alive again,” said Schmitt.

Read the entire article at www.marinscope.com »

Music: Do you hear what I hear?

Remembrances of the childhood sounds and smells of the holiday season--Grandma baking cookies and Dad singing his favorite Christmas songs--inspired Bay Area singer and songwriter Michelle Schmitt to record Christmas on Pine Mountain, a heartfelt mix of originals and country-inflected classic carols.

But there's nothing sugary about these songs.

Read the entire article at www.fwix.com »

Harrison Street Records update...

Aaron Burnham is the new studio manager and audio engineer at Harrison Street Records and Pine Mountain Studio. Also on board is Paul Tyler, an audio engineer and producer who is busy making new music with bands he produces at HSR. Michelle and her team of engineers also work at her state of the art recording studio in Alexander Valley called Pine Mountain Studio. Located in Northern California, Michelle and her band enjoy the benefits of getting away from it all and focusing solely on the music. It's a recipe for more amazing music.

Michelle and her band have recorded 3 records in this studio already…in fact Michelle & Ricky Fataar just finished co-producing a record called "Covering Life" at Pine Mountain Studio and have plans for 2 projects in 2012. There is something about being in the beautiful California wine country that creates so much room for the magic to happen. Pine Mountain Studio is a throw back to the 70's with walls filled with Michelle's original albums from that time. "I have such a special place in my heart for the music that inspired me to play guitar and sing when I was a young girl. Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Arlo Guthrie, Buffy St. Marie, Carole King, Jesse Colin Young, and many others." All the feeling of that time is captured within the walls of this amazing studio nestled in the woods of Alexander Valley.

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