In this interview, Michellar opens up about the raw acoustic remix of “LOVE PEACE WAR,” the Ukraine war’s influence, 1960s inspirations, Homegrown, and music’s enduring power to heal and unite.
1. LOVE PEACE WAR – acoustic remix carries a very raw emotional weight. What made you choose an acoustic, stripped-back approach to express such a heavy subject?
I wanted to express the message in a deeper way that will resonate with the audience. Stripping back the production lends that expression in a more impactful way.
2. The song was inspired by the early days of the Ukraine War. How did witnessing those events shape your songwriting and emotional mindset during the creation of this track?
Witnessing those early days of the Ukraine war made me pause and reflect on humanity’s abilities to cause so much pain just for greed. And that at the same time we have the abilities to make that pain heal through kindness and hope that love can bring.
Reflecting on the notion that we have the power to make the world a better place with Love and so many times … we fail because we hate and get greedy . Indifference also plays a big part in the way we show up in times of turmoil and distress. But with Hope within us… we find a way to cope and redeem ourselves. These polarities in humanity make our lives complicated just like in LOVE, PEACE and WAR.
3. You’ve cited Bob Dylan and the spirit of 1960s music as key influences. What draws you to that era, and how do you reinterpret its message for today’s world?
The 60’s was a time where changes in society were shaped by war. The resistance and movement then is similar to what we are experiencing in today’s worlds.
I wanted to remind people that we can do the same today … to reflect on the lives affected by such wars and learn to hope and heal from the turmoil if only we spread LOVE so that we can create Peace in ourselves and our lives.
4. This release serves as the opening chapter of your upcoming EP Homegrown. How does this song set the tone for the rest of the project?
The tone is raw and upfront in this release. The EP Homegrown will also be acoustically driven , raw in tone and will cary different messages about the world we live in.
5. Working closely with producer Robi Bean seems central to this recording. How did that in-studio collaboration influence the final vocal delivery and pacing of the song?
We both felt that the message of this song is central to the vocal delivery and pacing of this song. Although it is stripped back… finding the balance to sing the lyrics and melody in a way that the listeners can be engaged in a such a heavy subject , is what Robi expressed to me when I recorded the vocals. There was a lot of collaboration going on in the studio as to The way the song was sung. He had a vision and I followed every step of it .
6. Your music often explores the balance between love, peace, and conflict. As an artist, what role do you believe music can play in preserving hope during turbulent times?
As an artist, I hope to be someone who can
Write and express complex emotions and realities we face in today’s world. We have a lot happening that is hard to understand and I hope to bring some clarity to those thoughts and emotions through my songwriting.
Music unites people in ways more powerfully than any other art form. Music can heal and make us reflect on the ways we live our lives. I hope to be a conduit that carries those stories that need telling through music .. in hopes that people can remember how love and make peace is so important in our lives.
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