Tell us about yourself.
Hi, I’m Michelle Bond—a songwriter, performer, and abstract expressionist, born and raised in the Philippines and now based in San Francisco. Music has been part of my life since childhood—I grew up in a family of ten siblings where guitars, pianos, and singing filled the house. At 15, I wrote my first songs for competitions and even placed second! After stepping away from songwriting for many years, my passion came back to life in 2023. Since then, I’ve written over 100 songs in just 18 months, released 28 singles, and my very first EP, My Alma Latina. These songs are pieces of my story, my heritage, and my heart. These days, you’ll often find me performing at open mics around San Francisco, where I connect with people through music. Alongside songwriting, I also create abstract expressionist paintings—another way I let emotion and creativity flow. Above all, I feel most at home when I’m writing songs, because songwriting truly is my home.
Can you tell us a little about where your musical journey began?
I came from a musically inclined family. My father and mother loved music and played it all the time. As kids, we all studied piano and guitar, and participated in church choirs and community performances.
Who were your earliest influences, and how do they still shape your music today?
My early influences were Peter Paul and Mary, Xavier Cugat, Tom Jones, The Carpenters, and Neil Diamond. These were artists that my parents listened to all the time.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?
My sound is a mix of folk with Latin and Rock influences, fueled by storytelling.
How do you balance experimentation with staying true to your musical identity?
Experimenting moves me from one genre to another, and I love doing this because I can take my stories into different scenarios and plots that I twist and turn around for better storytelling. I balance them with my authenticity and vulnerability in lyric writing.
How does your creative process typically unfold from idea to finished track?
My creative process is often triggered by an emotion felt during a heartfelt experience. These emotions fuel the ideas and scenarios that run through my mind and are delivered into the verses and choruses I write.
Do you see songwriting as more personal therapy, storytelling, or both?
I see songwriting as both personal therapy and storytelling. There are instances where I write a story which I didn’t experience but was told to me by another. With their vivid descriptions, I write them down as if they were my own. I also have my therapy sessions in songwriting, where I divulge my inner core and spill out all of those emotions I feel about those experiences.
What inspired your single September?
“September” was inspired by the feeling of the changes in the season. I was a little melancholy but hopeful in accepting the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall. The shortness of the days and the light atmosphere made me a bit sentimental about vacations, stargazing, warm breezy walks, and playing outdoors in the middle of the night.
Can you walk us through the recording process — any challenges or surprises?
The recording process began in San Francisco, with demos. I sent it to Toby Wilson, my producer in Staffordshire, UK, who created a wonderful instrumental that captured the exact sound I was looking for. We both decided to have Helen Walford sing the track for us because she has that wonderful light and airy, homey kinda sound that is very inviting. We mastered and mixed in the UK to be released on August 29. The entire process was seamless since we have all been working together for 11 months and have collaborated on many songs I wrote.
What do you hope listeners will take away from this release?
I would like listeners to take away the concept of changes in one’s life… That they can be full of hope in the journeys we take. And with those journeys, we can reflect upon the past that fills our hearts with joyful memories.
Who have been some key collaborators in your career, and how have they influenced your work?
My producers are key collaborators in my career. Without Tobias Wilson of Tobias Wilson Music Ltd..… I wouldn’t have a sound I can call my own. He has been a great influence on my work. Another producer that I closely work with is Lloyd Miller of Spirit Song Studios in Austin, Texas. I listen and follow their guidance.
Are there any “happy accidents” in the studio that made it onto your tracks?
There have been some happy accidents in the studio where I come up with certain chord progressions that I had never thought about using, but have worked for me in developing some of my songs. Another happy accident was coming upon a story in a book I was reading that helped me develop a story in one of my songs.
What’s been the biggest challenge in your journey as an artist so far?
The biggest challenge for me is finding the balance between my routines and songwriting. Songwriting has completely changed my life in the last 2 years, and I am adjusting to my schedules, making sure that there is enough time for myself, my family, my art and writing. Another challenge is balancing all of the ins and outs of music promotion. That is an entire job all on its own. I still run my business on top of all of this new venture.
How do you deal with creative blocks or self-doubt?
Creative blocks and self-doubt are probably the most destructive and negative sides for any artist. I deal with it all the time, and I usually will reach into another medium to unblock those urges. When I can’t write … I paint or draw, bake a pie or cake, visit a friend, call a relative, garden and grow things… simplicity keeps me grounded and I try and keep it that way so the complications wouldn’t block my initiative and motivations.
How does your personal life seep into your art, if at all?
My entire life is in my art. My Life is My Art. I found this out when I restarted my paintings in 2010 after a 25-year hiatus. I realise I can not live without Art in some form or another. Songwriting came just a few years later, and I feel like I’ve come full circle and have found peace within myself.
For more information, follow Michellar:
Website – Soundcloud – Bandcamp – Instagram
