Michele Lundeen
Often compared to Janis Joplin meets Bonnie Raitt, singer/songwriter, Michele Lundeen, dubbed "The Queen of Steam" by a local DJ for her stirring vocals and electrifying stage presence, commands attention on stage. However, this powerful, soulful vocalist a style all her own. She performs rockin’ boogie, classic, R&B, funky soul, roadhouse blues and even some sultry swing. Before relocating to San Diego in 1997, she rocked the No. Nevada/No. California area for over 15 years sharing stages with national acts ranging from John Lee Hooker to Elvin Bishop. Since her move to the So. Cal area she has gained a reputation as a force to be reckoned with! Lundeen and her award winning band have continued to share the spotlight with prominent recording artists and entertain music fans throughout the area.
Growing up in Oakland, CA Lundeen admired artists like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Tina Turner and Little Richard and was always moved by that 'commanding', Gospel sound. Music in general has been the staff of life for Lundeen “I remembered my mom’s varied collection of albums such as Harry Belfonte, The Righteous Brothers, Mahalia Jackson and African drum music! The first time I heard Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner...man, I was so taken! I felt like that white girl in the movie, Hairspray! I dug it. My sister and I were always harmonizing and learning and writing songs. Then I heard Janis Joplin and identified with her expression!”
For Michele, music is also about attitude and confidence...but especially honesty. "I'm honestly moved by my experiences enough to shout them from the rooftops," says Lundeen. "Singing is a release. I'm telling/singing my story from my heart...my soul...I feel it and I believe it, and I know that the people can relate...I hand over my honest emotions to the audience.” Her body language is a big part of the performance helping to tell the story. Sassy and sweet with a humorous look at the trials and tribulations of life through music.
Eventually Lundeen began a singing career while balancing duties of a young, working mother. Her love for music and life not only exudes on stage but she has also been the Editor/Publisher of two Blues Societies for 10+ years helping promote local and national talent and sharing insights to the music and is also the Editor of the Blues Fesitval Guide magazine. She’s involved in local San Diego “Blues In The Schools” workshop programs, a musical and historical view into the blues as an American art form and appeared in a documentary segment on San Diego Insider aired on CH 4 TV.
Formed in 1998, Michele Lundeen and her San Diego based band Blues Streak have quickly become one of the most popular and respected Blues bands in Southern California, playing special events showcases and also establishing regular shows at venues like renowned blues joint, Patrick’s II, in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp District, Dreamcatcher Showroom at Viejas Casino and Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge in Shelter Island. MICHELE LUNDEEN & BLUES STREAK were Nominated for “BEST BLUES” in the SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARDS 2000 & 2001. These seasoned professionals went on to win the coveted title of SAN DIEGO BLUES CHALLENGE WINNERS 2000 and performed in the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, in 2001. The band features exceptional vocals with harmonies, Charles Burton on guitar, Tim Cash on bass/vocals, Paul Bell piano/organ, Aristotle Georgio on harmonica/vocals and Ric Lee on drums/percussion.
Michele released her debut, full-length CD, SONG INSIDE ME Nov 24, 2004 featuring 9 originals penned by Michele. The CD was co-produced by seminal California Bay Area guitarist/arrange/producer Johnny “V” Vernazza who recieved a Gold Record with the Elvin Bishop Band and currently performs with Norton Buffalo & The Knockouts. Her music has received airplay on triple station, KTHX 102.7 FM, in No. NV and KPRI 100.1 FM and 88.3 FM KSDS in San Diego. Her lyrics are poignant, sometimes tongue 'n cheek and her arrangements are straight ahead yet catchy. See "News" page link for details on artists, etc.
:: Discography ::
2004 - Song Inside Me -
:: Contact ::
Website: http://www.michelelundeen.com/
Email: luckymljj@msn.com