From the heart of San Francisco's creative energy, singer-songwriter Michellar may be an audacious voice for truth, unity, and resilience, but her latest single, "Truth Over Lies" featuring Frankie El, is not simply a protest song. It is a profoundly human statement, born from frustration, hope, and an unshakable belief in the strength of collective action. This compelling track is an amalgamation of intense feelings, global collaboration, and a desire to have music speak truth to power.
"Truth Over Lies" was conceived in a mountain village in Idyllwild, California, a long-standing refuge for artists and dreamers. It was in Idyllwild that Michelle Bond (Michellar) collaborated with Michael Levine and Matthias Schmidt, pooling their creative energy together to write a song that reflects the profound sense of unease many Americans share about the current political climate. "We all felt the time had come to use music as a vehicle to demand action," Michellar recalls. "People hurt, people are frustrated, and we thought it was important to give those people a voice."
Inspired by iconic bands such as U2 and Coldplay, the song's soundscape is equal parts anthemic and reflective. It builds with cinematic guitars, ethereal production, and melodies that pull on the heartstrings while embodying the notion of revolt and healing. The lyrics are unapologetic; they call for accountability and remind us that honesty must always prevail over lies. Michellar's singing is passionate yet controlled, fully exuding strength, as well as vulnerability, while Frankie El's soul-stirring vocals, recorded in South Africa, bring a worldwide complexity in sound that amplifies the song's message.
The actual process of recording was as spontaneous as organic. The first demo was written at the retreat and performed live three hours after the timing of writing. After that, the project took on its life across continents. The first vocals were sent by Michellar to Frankie El for the final version, and the final tracks were mixed and mastered in Hollywood, California, by producer Miles, bringing the project together and amplifying the intimacy of the project on an international project.
However, there is a profound story behind Michellar's return to music. Starting at age 15, she wrote songs for an impressive 40-year break from creating any, until she was invited to the de Young Museum Open Call Exhibition, which re-ignited her creative process in 2023, helping her reclaim her artist identity. Since then, Michellar has had a wildly prolific output, releasing 22 singles within only nine months. Each track is a deep exploration of the intersections of humanity, truth, and transformation.
Michellar's message is clear: "Songwriting doesn't have to be isolated work." "Collaboration adds so much depth to the work for everyone involved. When everyone brings their different perspectives together and collisions happen, the song is enlarged greater than any one person's vision." That is a reflection of "Truth Over Lies," a call to action song combining poetry and protest, and frustration and faith.
"Truth Over Lies" offers simplicity and sincerity. It's not an intended or performative political statement or marketing campaign; it's the voice of an entire nation's emotional state presented through melody and conviction. Michellar and her co-writers do more than just call for change; they do it through art and will not be silenced.
Michellar looks forward to more collaborations and new material but one thing that remains the same is her dedication to music as a vehicle of empathy and action. In a time when too often the noise drowns out the subtlety, Michellar's voice cuts through with precision and a caring heart, reminding us that truth, although quieter, always travels farther than lies.
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