Spotlight on Michelle Branch

Girls' Life, Dec, 2001 by Alicia Clott

AGE: 18.

HOMETOWN: Sedona, Ariz.

WHY YOU MIGHT KNOW HER: Her song "Everywhere" is on major radio play and is featured on the American Pie 2 soundtrack. "It's a love song about when you first like someone and you see them everywhere--so everything reminds you of them."

SHE SOUNDS LIKE: A mix of Alanis Morissette and Sheryl Crow.

HER DEBUT ALBUM THE SPIRIT ROOM IS: A combo of pop rock and folk. "It has personal lyrics and some acoustical moments. People my age can bring it home, and their parents can listen to it."

FAVORITE BAND: The Beatles.

JUST GOT OFF TOUR WITH: Lifehouse and The Calling. "I was so excited because I'm a huge Lifehouse fan. To have them invite me was very cool."

HER LIFE-CHANGING EVENT: Michelle knew she wanted to be a musician after winning New Kids on the Block tickets. "I used to want to be a pop star, being in commercials and everything. When you're dreaming about something, you dream for the most unattainable things. Now I've found out who I am as an artist, and songwriting is what makes me happy."

HER WORST SUBJECT: She wrote "Sweet Misery" in math class. "I was really bored to I wrote songs instead of doing my work."

HER BIG BREAK: "Around my 14th birthday, I asked for a guitar. Then I started writing songs constantly and had already been taking voice lesson for a while. It came to a point where I wanted to play in front of people. My parents kept an eye out for places I could play. My voice teacher and guitar teacher helped me record a demo, and I started getting others."

ON BEING FAMOUS: "I haven't changed, but my surroundings have. Instead of being home and waking up at 10 on the weekends, I wake up and hang out with Lifehouse."

ON MADONNA: Michelle is signed on the Material Girl's Maverick Records. She met her on Madonna's tour in New York. "She was like, "Hey, Michelle good luck.' I was speechless. I wouldn't mind following in her footsteps and signing bands like she is doing."

ON GUYS: "I'm very shy and write about guys I could never go up to. I was hoping they would listen to the songs and get it. They didn't."

HER WORST HEARTBREAK: "Luckily, I've never had heartbreak very badly. I hope in a year or so I can say the same thing."

HER FASHION SENSE: Totally a jeans and T-shirt girl who digs vintage.

HER FAVORITE THING ABOUT CHRISTMAS: Spending time with her dad's family. "We drive to Phoenix and hang out with our humongous family."

HER NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION: To drink more water. "I'm a caffeine addict. I love to drink coffee and soda."