An Interview With Songstress LAURA MICHELLE About Her Musical Knockout Single, “Chuck Norris” And More!

Earlier this summer, L.A. singer-songwriter, Laura Michelle (www.lauramichelle.com), premiered the video for her musical knockout, “Chuck Norris,” a whimsical pop anthem about unleashing the kung-fu master that lies within us all.

The video, directed by Kurt Zendzian, was filmed in Houston, TX and guest stars Chuck Norris, who was a deep source of inspiration and bonding for Laura and her father during what became their favorite pastime; watching Norris’ “Walker, Texas Ranger” television show.

At age 15, Laura tragically lost her father and found herself facing unsurmountable grief.  Over the next few years, the culmination of hard work and destiny lead to this iconic music video collaboration between Laura Michelle and Chuck Norris.

“The song is about embracing who you are, and who cares about what people think.  He (Norris) liked that message, and he liked that I seemed to be a goofball,” said Laura.

Co-written by Laura and writer-producer Jim McGorman, the single is the first off of Laura’s upcoming debut album, “Novel with No End,” and sends a bold message to her audience about self-empowerment and authenticity.

Laura collaborated on the new single and album with an all-star lineup in addition to McGorman.  Two-time Grammy winner Jarrett Zellea, multiple-Grammy-winner Rafa Sardina engineered and mixed, while a stellar group of musicians performed on the tracks, including drummer Mark Slutsky (Pink, Grace Potter, Kylie Minogue) and bassist Jon Button (Roger Daltrey, Sheryl Crow, Shakira).

Released on August 5th, “The record is pieces of my life over the past few years,” she says. “It’s based off real emotions, bad days, someone hurting me, someone making me happy.”

Overall, Laura’s mission with her debut album is one of reaching out to others—whether it’s her infectious humor, ability to be unvarnished, or simply her talent for writing a hook that gets people to sing along, connection is her desired result. “Growing up music was my best friend. It got me through some really tough times,” she says. “And if it can help somebody like that–if they laugh about it or get a better perspective about whatever is going on, or if they relate to a song in a certain way that helps them get through something. If it can help somebody in some way…that’s what I want.”

Learn more about Laura Michelle in the following All Access interview:

Growing up, did you always want to be an artist?

I can’t remember a time I didn’t want to pursue music as a career. It was always something I just knew.

Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

I remember being maybe 2 or 3 and handing my mom the tapes I wanted her to play in the car.

Let’s talk about your newly released single, “Chuck Norris.” Can you talk about how the song came to be and the role the memory of your father had in shaping it? 

One day I was thinking how I wish I wasn’t so awkward or clumsy. It got me thinking about all these silly things I wish I could do, but really the opposite happens. I thought, “what a great song that would be!” So, I began writing the ideas down. I then took them to Jim McGorman, who I often co-write with, and we started writing the song. We came up with the metaphor about being like Chuck Norris in our head. He is confident, badass, and an all around well-rounded individual. Also, those last few years my dad was alive, we started watching “Walker, Texas Ranger” together. It became our thing. So, the idea of having him be in the video was very exciting, but also very emotional for me.

What was it like getting Chuck Norris to be a part of the video? Was he instantly on board? 

I am still dumbfounded that he is in the video. I’ve watched it so many times and every time he appears I’m like, “NO WAY! That’s Chuck Norris! Oh my God!”

He seemed interested when my team reached out to his. He listened to the song, then asked for the lyrics. But I didn’t meet Chuck until we were both on set, so I don’t know his initial reaction to the song or idea of being in the video. However, from the conversations back and forth between our teams, he seemed very interested and excited to be a part of it.

When do you hope to release your debut album, “Novel with No End”?

My album comes out August 5th. I’m really excited!!!

How different or similar will the songs on it be to “Chuck Norris”?

The songs are different sonically. They aren’t as “pop”, for lack of a better word. There’s a variety and I’m really excited for people to see these other sides of me.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

I’m always finding new artists to listen to. I love all types of music. I don’t have a favorite, favorite. I can tell you I will always love Celine Dion because I grew up listening and singing along to her. Right now I can’t get enough of Alessia Cara’s record as well as Lukas Graham. I really love Sara Bareilles, Rascal Flatts, Maroon 5…the list goes on.

Who would you love to work with in the future?

I would LOVE to sing “Close Every Door” (a song from “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”) with Donny Osmond. I grew up obsessed with that whole musical with him playing Joseph. I never got to see it and it still bothers me! Several times I was so close to getting to see it with him playing the lead, but it just never happened. So I would love to do that particular song with him!

At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

Music was very healing and helpful to me growing up. My father was very ill and music was always there for me. If I can help someone the way so many artists songs helped me growing up, and even to this day, then I will be so happy. That is what I hope for!

On a lighter note, how’s your summer going so far?

My summer is going really well. I am in NY right now. I have never been to NY in the summer. I’ve only been in the winter, so it’s a completely new experience. My mom has a big birthday coming up and my cousin and I are planning it. That’s been a lot of work, but it will be a blast. I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time with my family. However, I’ve also really been busy with the launch of “Chuck Norris” and soon the record. So, all in all, it’s been a good summer so far and seems to only be getting better and better.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself and your music?

I shot a live show for XFINITY Sessions, which will air to all Comcast subscribers nationally. It will be on On Demand. That was a lot of fun to do and I’m excited for it to air! With the album coming out I plan to be doing a lot of shows and touring. I hope to see everyone out there on the road!