There’s a certain quiet defiance in Michellar’s debut album, “Reverie… From Then Till Now”.
It’s not the loud, fist-pumping rebellion of a punk rock anthem, but the steady, unwavering resistance of a river carving its path through stone. It’s the sound of a voice that was almost lost, a story that was almost untold.
Michellar, the musical pseudonym of San Francisco’s Michelle Bond, has crafted an album that feels like a collection of a collection of memories, each one a memory, a feeling, a moment captured in time.
The album, a collaboration with producer and songwriter Tobias Wilson, is a gentle telling of a life, a story of self-exploration and acceptance.
Michellar’s musical story began in October 2024, a date that feels both recent and a lifetime ago. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t follow a timeline, that it can lie dormant for years, waiting for the right moment to bloom.
Michellar’s story is one of a dream deferred, a passion for music that was put on hold for a career in landscape architecture.
It’s a story that many of us can relate to, the practicalities of life often pushing our creative impulses to the back burner.
But the creative spirit is a persistent thing. For Michellar, it was a song that came to her in July 2023, a sudden and unexpected return to a childhood dream.
That song, “Warrior,” became the catalyst for the album, a project that would see her writing and recording 11 songs with Wilson.
The result is an album that is both personal and universal, a collection of songs that speak to the quiet struggles and triumphs of everyday life.
The music itself is a mix of folk, pop, and Latin influences, a reflection of Bond’s diverse musical upbringing.
She cites artists like Peter, Paul and Mary, James Taylor, and Carole King as influences, and you can hear their echoes in the gentle melodies and heartfelt lyrics of her songs.
But there’s also a hint of something else, a touch of the unexpected. Michellar mentions her love of musicals and the soundtracks of Xavier Cugat and Jose Feliciano.
It’s these eclectic influences that give the album its distinctive flavor, a sense of warmth and familiarity that is both comforting and intriguing.
The album’s title, Reverie… From Then Till Now” is a perfect encapsulation of its themes. It’s a look back at the past, a reflection on the story that has led to this moment.
But it’s also a celebration of the present, a recognition of the fact that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. The songs are filled with a sense of peace and acceptance, a feeling of coming home to oneself.
One of the most striking things about the album is its honesty. Michellar doesn’t shy away from the difficult moments, the times of self-doubt and uncertainty.
She speaks of being the “shiest one of all in the family,” of not always being allowed to “speak long enough to be heard.”
It’s a vulnerability that is both brave and relatable, a reminder that even the quietest among us have a story to tell.
The collaboration with Tobias Wilson is a key element of the album’s success. Michellar credits him with having the “patience and the understanding of my vision” to help her shape the album.
It’s a partnership that has clearly borne fruit, resulting in a collection of songs that are both well-crafted and deeply personal.
Reverie… From Then Till Now” is not an album that shouts for your attention. It’s a quiet and contemplative work, one that rewards careful listening.
It’s an album for a rainy afternoon, a long drive, a quiet moment of reflection. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most profound statements are the ones that are delivered with a quiet intensity.
Michellar’s debut album is a welcome respite. It’s a reminder of the power of quiet perseverance, of the beauty of a dream that refuses to die.
It’s a a confirmation to the fact that it’s never too late to find your voice, to tell your story, to create something beautiful.
And in the end, isn’t that what music is all about?
