My City: K. Michelle Makes Memphis Sound So Damn Good (Exclusive Interview) Posted by Nathan S. on 06/02/10 | Filed under Top Stories, My City, K. Michelle

The streets of Memphis are soaked in the sound of gospel and the blues (and barbecue sauce), all elements that have made K. Michelle the distinctly soulful singer she is today. In the latest edition of our My City series, Michelle sits down to talk about how Memphis has influenced her musically, the effects of her international travels and explains that, yes, if you're looking for her in Memphis, chances are you'll find her at Tony's Bar and Grill enjoying the city's best hot wings

RefinedHype: You were born and raised in Memphis, a city with a rich musical history. How has the sound of Memphis influenced your sound today?

K. Michelle: The Memphis Sound runs all through my music! It is a sound of soul and pain and a honest sound of the blues. My sound is so rich thanks to the streets of Memphis,TN.

RefinedHype: You've also traveled the globe during your music career. Can we hear those travels in your music?

K. Michelle: I've done a lot of traveling and I've picked up a lot of different styles and sounds of music which can definitely be found when you listen to my music. When I went to China I realized how a lot of the beat patterns are a lot like American music. I think I walked away with a stronger appreciation for American music.

RefinedHype: What about your hometown inspires you?

K. Michelle: My hometown inspires me because just like NY if you can make it there you can make it anywhere! My city has made me a fighter, a stronger person. When I go on Beale street I’m super inspired to dig down and find the soul the real soul in my heart. When I get home I think back on STAX music!

RefinedHype: If I'm rolling through Memphis, where can I find you?

K. Michelle: When I’m in Memphis you can always catch me at Tony's Bar and Grill for the hot wings, Neely's for the bar-b-que,and Crock Pot for the soul food!

RefinedHype: Last words? Shout outs? Confessions?

K. Michelle: I LOVE my city everyday I put on for Memphis 10! Shouts out to the new Memphis Movement Yo Gotti, Drumma Boy, Billie Wes and many more! Be sure to follow me on Twitter @Kmichellemusic.

As an added bonus, check out this video of K. Michelle performing "Where They Do That At" live.