(July 14, 2026) I had one overriding question when reading the biography that appeared on singer/songwriter’s Cherise Michelle’s website. How does she find the time to make music? Sista stays busy. Michelle, a Gary native (y’all knew I had to get that in there), is a doctoral student at the University of California, Berkeley, while touring and appearing on stages with the likes of Lucky Daye. Michelle also continues put out her original music like her new single “Heartbeat,” which is featured on this First Listen.
Michelle’s academic training as an ethnomusicologist means that she has an interest in the stories told in songs. And there is a story in the mid-tempo, jazz influenced “Heartbeat.” “Heartbeat” is a song about the process of separating from a situation that is not healthy because in losing that person she finds herself.
Michelle said that her mother listened all the greats growing up, and she has an old soul’s affinity for strong lyrics that elicit emotions and well-phrased vocals and range. Fans who like a woman who sings with her grown-up voice will dig Cherise Michelle. It’s always nice to see someone from the hometown make it happen. Check out Cherise Michelle’s “Heartbeat” here.
By Howard Dukes
