Elysium $2.42

About Elysium

Michele McLaughlin was born in 1974 and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was drawn to piano music from early childhood and would play her favorite songs by ear for friends and family. Michele took piano lessons for a very short period of time, but quit when the lessons took the fun out of playing. Shortly afterwards, when she was 8 years old, she was introduced to the music of George Winston and was instantly moved and inspired by his remarkable talent and style. She would listen to his music, and then play his songs by ear. It was during this time that she began composing and recording her own songs.

In the winter of 2000, Michele released her first album, Beginnings, which included 18 of her favorite compositions she had written over the years. The response she received from friends and family after the release of Beginnings was an overwhelming eye-opener for Michele. She was so moved by the positive feedback and response that she was inspired to work on her second album, Elysium. 

This album was a critical turning point on Michele's musical path. It was due to the encouragement and support she received from friends and family that she made it her goal to try to release an album once a year around Christmastime. She has since produced a total of eight albums (Beginnings, Elysium, The Journey, A Change of Color, The Beginning of Forever, After The Storm, Reflections 2000-2005 ~ The Best of Michele McLaughlin, and Christmas ~ Plain & Simple) and is currently working on her ninth, which is due for release in December 2007.

Michele’s music can be heard on several online radio stations, including Whisperings Solo Piano Radio (http://www.whisperings.com) with artists such as David Nevue, Jace Vek, David Lanz, Suzanne Ciani, Wayne Gratz and many others as well as Sky.FM – Solo Piano Radio (http://www.sky.fm) In addition, she can also be heard on Music Choice Soundscapes, the digital music station via local digital cable and satellite providers. She someday hopes to be heard on local and national radio stations as well.

Michele's musical influences include George Winston, Jim Brickman, Paul Cardall, David Nevue, Silvard, George Skaroulis, Jon Schmidt, Kevin Kern, Suzanne Cianni and Lori Line. She has been particularly inspired and moved by the music of George Winston. 

In March 2005, Michele performed her first piano concert in a small venue. She now performs at the Grand America Hotel in their Lobby Lounge, and recently performed with pianist/composer Gary Girouard. Her upcoming performances include a concert on November 24, 2007 at Baldassin Pianos in Salt Lake City, UT with her friend and musical colleague, composer/pianist Jennifer Thomas as well as a concert with her Whisperings colleagues in Fall 2008. It is Michele's dream to someday play in a large concert hall.