Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michaele Postell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michaele, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Long story short, I learned to sing by mimicking my favorite artists. Short story long:

I didn’t take voice lessons until I was practically an adult. As a child, I learned to sing by listening. I listened to the radio. I listened to my mother and older sister sing hymns. I listened to Disney VHS tapes like Fun and Fancy Free until the player was warm to the touch. I learned a lot by listening.

I also learned a lot by doing. In grade school I sang in chorus, performed in musicals and talent shows, but I was 17 when I had my first voice lesson. It felt a bit late. At 18, I was accepted into Kennesaw State University, where I studied opera theatre. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance cum laude after four years. I even sang for my own graduation ceremony.

Post KSU, I performed a mix of opera and musical theatre in Atlanta, GA until 2018, when I moved to St. Louis. It was here that I discovered my love for jazz. The genre wasn’t new to me, in fact I used to quote The Office, “Just play the right notes!” whenever I heard modern jazz. I slowly came around by listening to straight ahead jazz. Big bands from the 30s and 40s. Records sung by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan.

But it wasn’t until I met Ryan Marquez in the fall of 2022 that my jazz education truly began. Ryan is a producer, songwriter, arranger, keyboardist and vocalist from Kansas City. Through his mentorship, I began to see a path for myself that led to a career in jazz. One of the most important things Ryan encouraged me to do was sit in at jazz jams. Even now, two years later, it amazes me to know that strangers can come together to perform random tunes in random configurations without ever rehearsing, and yet create beautiful music. I thought it was magical. But it’s not just magic. Like classical music, it takes an incredible amount of individual preparation, but unlike classical, you must be willing to expect the unexpected.

There were many challenges I faced (and continue to face) as a new jazz vocalist. There are no shortcuts. I’d say the most essential skills for a jazz musician are a good ear and determination. I had to unlearn a few things from my classical training, like using much less vibrato (early on, the local cats called me “Disney Princess”). Realizing that jazz musicians hardly ever play a song “just like the record” was another. Jazz form, harmony, and etiquette were things I slowly came to understand by listening more intently than I ever had before. I sat in weekly, sometimes multiple times a week, at jazz jam sessions all over St. Louis for two years and counting. I also began piano lessons with pianist, bandleader, and educator Maurice “Mo” Egeston in the spring of 2023. I hope to one day become a competent jazz pianist.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After my move to St. Louis, I unknowingly began a slow transition from opera theatre to jazz. My experience in the music scene of St. Louis has been a whirlwind. I’ve been fortunate to headline at several venues here, including a 2023 debut at Blue Strawberry in the Central West End and a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center as part of their 2023-2024 Strauss Black Box series. I am also very grateful to have a monthly residency at Alpha Brewing Company Distillery on the last Friday of every month.

Of course, there were several detours along the way, one of which was playing beginner clarinet with the Torture Chamber Orchestra (a Soulard based drinking band with a music problem). Another was becoming the lead singer of Übercool, a German rock band. I was all over the place musically for several years, but I’m confident that I’m on the right path currently.

I’m proud to say that I’ve been singing for over 20 years. What sets me apart from a lot of today’s vocalists is my unique background. I am still developing my signature sound, but I’m pleased with my progress and excited about the future. This past summer I was thrilled to teach at HEAL Center for the Arts for their 2024 jazz camp. In April of 2025 I will travel to Cape Girardeau to make my big band debut with Southeast Missouri State University. My first album will also be released in 2025. I hope it will accurately reflect my journey as a musician, paying homage to my classical roots while expressing my joy in the fluidity of jazz.

I’m very thankful to my family, friends, and the St. Louis community for helping me get to this stage in my journey. And thank you so much Canvas Rebel for allowing me a space to tell your readers about myself!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the joy I feel on stage. It’s a privilege to do what I do, to tell stories through song, to share the experience with my fellow musicians and a live audience. It’s an incredible feeling.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I pride myself on my resilience. I’ve had many setbacks, one of which was my very first jazz trio gig at a small Mexican restaurant in August 2022. I didn’t have a true understanding of jazz form, and fumbled many of my re-entries after my bandmates took their solos. That was a huge lesson for me – jazz standards aren’t performed “just like the record”! It’s crucial to maintain an awareness of where the band is in the form. I couldn’t do that, so the night was a total trainwreck.

But I didn’t let that deter me. I asked questions, listened carefully to the answers, and applied my new found knowledge at jam sessions, because practicing with backing tracks is no substitute for performing with a live band. Now, I rarely get lost in the sauce.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michaelepostell.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelesings/profilecard/?igsh=MTQydm5zN2pkOHJpMg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpostell?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelepostell
• Other: https://linktr.ee/michaelepostell

Image Credits

Garden Heart Productions
Robert Leighton Row