Los Angeles singer-songwriter Laura Michelle just released her musical knockout blow, Chuck Norris, a whimsical pop anthem about unleashing the kung-fu master that lies within us all, exclusively with Star Magazine.
The video stars Chuck Norris, who was a deep source of inspiration and bonding for Laura and her father, as their favorite past time was watching Norris’ Walker, Texas Ranger. At age 15, Laura tragically lost her father and found herself dealing with more grief than a kid that age could handle. Over the next few years a culmination of hard work and destiny lead to this iconic music video collaboration between Laura Michelle and Chuck Norris.
StarMagazine.com had the chance to catch up with Laura to discuss the inspiration behind her music, her experience working with Chuck Norris, and her favorite artist!
Star: What inspired you to write Chuck Norris?
LM: The inspiration for writing Chuck Norris came from my own life. I’m quirky and feel awkward in my body a lot of the time. I’m pretty clumsy. I caught myself thinking something along the lines of “I wish I was more like…” and I thought, “No, you are who you are. It’s never going to change, so you need to embrace it!” And then I realized it would make such a great song!
Star: What message do you want to get across to your listeners?
LM: All my songs are really different. In my new single Chuck Norris, it’s about empowerment and embracing who you are, and finding your inner Chuck Norris. Then some of my other songs are about me being heartbroken. I try to just be real and be myself because everyone really goes through the same things, and hopefully they identify with that.
Star: What do you like most about writing music?
LM: I’ve realized writing music is getting things off my chest. It’s a therapy session. If something’s bothering you, you write about it. So when something’s bothering me in the moment, I write about it. I have several notebooks spread out all over my house with all my writings.
Star: Do you prefer writing your own songs or co-writing?
LM: I really like co-writing because another person can think of something that takes me in a totally different direction than I would have thought and it makes the song better. I really enjoy that back and forth as opposed to just writing it on my own.
Star: How was your experience working with Chuck Norris?
LM: Working with Chuck Norris was awesome. He was the nicest and happiest guy. My dad was very ill and the last few years before he past, him and I watched Walker, Texas Ranger together so there was a sentimentality of actually getting to meet him. When I first saw him I was like “OMG it’s Walker! Oh wait no, it’s Chuck.” I got really nervous and thought “I don’t know if I can do this!” But he was so cool and easy to work with. It was behind my expectations.
Radar: Who is your favorite artist?
LM: I’m inspired by so many artist’s work but I’d have to say always as a kid, it was always Celine Dion. I would not have a good day if I didn’t rock out to Celine on my way to school. But now it changes. I’m really inspired by Megan Trainor, Alessia Cara, Katy Perry, and Lukas Graham.
Star: Are you working on any upcoming projects?
LM: I already started writing a couple of songs for my next record and I’m really loving how they’re coming out. I keep listening to the one I am working on now, and I keep saying ‘Wow I’m really anxious to go write some more with Jim McGorman.’ He and I write really well together. He’s a fantastic songwriter.
