Hamilton R&B singer to write new album

Mar 18 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON singer who has opened for the likes of Akon and Jay-Z is currently putting together her first album.

R&B singer Michelle Elii, from Hillhouse, aims to have her debut effort completed by the end of the year.

The 24-year-old has already worked with a host of industry favourites, opening for singer Akon at Braehead Arena last year and performing at rap superstar Jay-Z’s aftershow party in Aberdeen.

Michelle explained this week that it was through her dedication that she started attracting attention.

She said: “I got friendly with a lot of promotional people and DJs in Glasgow and I started to sing in a lot of clubs there. They all realised how dedicated I was so I started landing supporting slots for bigger acts.

“I ended up supporting Akon in front of 2000 people at Braehead Arena and then I helped host Jay-Z’s aftershow party in Aberdeen.”

Michelle has since been rubbing shoulders with the likes of R&B favourites Lemar, Jay Sean and Taio Cruz.

The former Earnock High pupil said: “To play in front of so many people is breathtaking. It’s been my dream since I was younger but I never ever thought I could achieve something like that.

“I have had a lot of help from backing artists and support, and this has helped me get where I am today.

“When I performed at Akon’s gig, it was amazing, as everyone out there was in a great mood and they were more than happy to let me entertain them.”

At the moment, Michelle is busy working hard on her own material, and is planning to release a single with R&B artist Maxwell D.

She said: “Maxwell D and I got on after we played the same gigs. I sent him some of my stuff and it went from there.”

However, the 24-year-old told the Advertiser that she is contemplating a move to London to boost her chances of landing a record deal.

“I’m in two minds about moving down there,” she said. “I have a lot of contacts in London and it is so difficult to get people interested in urban and R&B music in Scotland.”

Last year, Michelle was among the final 10 contestants on Sky’s hit show Britain’s Next Urban Superstar.

She is now working hard on finishing her album.

She added: “It’s going to be out there this year. I have been very pernickety about it as I’ve been working on material for four or five years.”

For more info about Michelle, visit www.myspace.com/michelleelii.