We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release. This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.
Stop what you’re doing and get ready for one last summer dance party. After a half-year hiatus, Michelle Treacy, the Canadian singer-songwriter who was launched to stardom on CTV’s The Launch, is rocking her way back onto our playlists with her aptly titled EP ‘High Heels in the Moshpit.’ It’s groovy, retro, and everything you could wish for in your next favourite record.
For this edition of Love at First Listen, go behind the scenes of Michelle’s experience releasing the EP as we chat about wacky musical universes, “Aha!” moments, and which artists’ concerts are worthy of wearing high heels in the moshpit.
How does it feel to have ‘High Heels in the Moshpit’ out in the world for everyone to hear (and play on repeat)?
This is the first time I’ve felt happy and sad about putting music out into the world. This is my baby and the first time I am in the exact place I want to be. I love this music and I love the person I have become. This is only just the beginning of this wacky universe. Get ready for more!
We last spoke just under a year ago. How has your sound and approach to music changed since then?
When we last spoke, I decided 2020 would be my year to feel sad and that 2021 would be the comeback year. I have spent my time during quarantine experimenting, crying, getting therapy, eating my feelings, and crying some more… until I finally had an “Aha!” moment where I knew exactly what I needed to do next. I just needed to be fully comfortable as myself and create music that had as big of a personality as I do — and here we are. I have a team of people around me who have believed in me even when I couldn’t see it for myself. I couldn’t have gotten here without them.
You wrote on Instagram that you’ve “never felt so passionate about a project before.” Why do you think that is? Were you able to touch on any subjects you’ve never written about before?
To be honest, my producer had been begging me to dive into this sound for five years. For the first time ever, I truly felt like myself while recording. I didn’t judge myself. I wrote what felt right. There was no agenda other than to have fun. The persona is me, as raw and fun as can be. The main theme is losing inhibitions and resisting the urge to self censor. If I thought a lyric would elicit the reaction “wait…did she really say that?” then we left it in!
You spent release night on a Zoom call with your fans. Why was it important to you to share that special moment with them?
My fans mean everything to me. They’re the reason for everything, which is why celebrating with my biggest supporters is the only way to release a record, even if it means doing it on Zoom. I am forever grateful to have such amazing and unconditional support.
Now that concerts are slowly coming back, who is the first person you hope to see live wearing your high heels in the moshpit?
I got to see the Arkells live and I CRIED. Being back at a show felt so good. The next concert I’m going to is Finneas and I can’t wait.
