MICHELLE WELCHONS
COMPOSER / ARRANGER
MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST
LEADER OF NEW ORLEANS-BASED INSTRUMENTAL BAND ORCHIDEA.
https://www.facebook.com/orchideamusic/
NEWS
‘FLICKERING LIGHTS’ EP RELEASE
FEATURING ORCHESTRAL COMPOSITION “THE BALLAD OF FREYA”
January 2023 – With the 4-track release of Flickering Lights comes a contemplative, soaring chamber piece dedicated to the Norse Goddess, Freyja, as well as a dear friend of Michelle’s, Fanny. “The Ballad of Freya” combines delicate chamber arrangements with the tasteful upright bass playing of Wilbur Thompson, and features an intriguing and compassionate piano solo by Oscar Rossignoli. The song’s engaging storyline comes to an epic head, leading the listener on a journey back in time and into the dimensions of a goddess, as well as into the dimensions of oneself.
“The Ballad of Freya” is part of the “Flickering Lights” EP, available on all streaming services.
Video footage from @cottonbro
SINGLE OUT – “FLICKERING LIGHTS”
June 2021 – Releasing “Flickering Lights,” Michelle Welchons unveils her most compelling statement to date. The New Orleans-based artist presents a shimmering audio-visual narrative revealing her dimension as a composer, arranger, instrumentalist and lyricist. “I want people to know I’m here,” says Welchons, who issues the project as a standalone work, combining elements of creative influence to score a narrative for the moment.
Within a growing body of integrative work, “Flickering Lights” serves as a creative meetinghouse for dancer, poet, musician and visual artist. Core collaborators include Gabrielle Cavassa on vocals, Sam Dickey on guitar, Oscar Rossignoli on piano, Martin Masakowski on bass, and Welchons on percussion. Jennie Brent and Gabrielle Fischler layer the song’s developing arrangement on cello and violin/viola, respectively.
The project features choreography, grace and fire from Andrea Ward, whom Welchons met during a West African dance class. “I’m so captivated by her,” says Welchons. “She’s so brilliant at capturing the emotion and the musicality of everything. She’s a bleeding artist.”
“Flickering Lights” is out on Michelle’s Bandcamp and all streaming platforms.
Michelle Welchons 