Limerick's Michelle empowers women with debut EP release
“I'M A GIRL'S girl until I die, I love female empowerment and I love that we can lift each other up. That's what I hope my music will do”.
This was the response given by Limerick's own Michelle Grimes as she discussed her debut solo EP release.
A Coonagh native, Michelle grew up knowing she wanted to perform.
Having been a dab hand on the stage, she took over Ireland's Got Talent, when it aired in 2015, and even went on to perform as part of UK-based girlband, Office Girls a year later.
Now, she is about to take on a sold-out show in Limerick's King John's Castle, supporting Irish folk-rock band, Hermitage Green.
“It is kind of unheard of that I get to launch my EP at one of the most iconic venues in Limerick,” she gushed. Having just completed a dance rehearsal for the event she enthused, “I am so excited.”
Having only just released her self-titled EP, Michelle said the tracks are all about “becoming in control,” and “stepping into my power”.
Misogyny in the music industry is “rife” according to the pop singer.
Her song Princess, released as part of the collection, discusses her “dark time” in the music industry.
The now 27 year-old discussed the “toxic” nature of the industry. “That was a wild ol' time in my life,”she said, jokingly.
“As women, I think we sometimes forget who we are and we will allow someone to talk down to us - but no more,” she stated.
Explaining that she was discouraged from the music scene for a time, she admits that she is “now in a new chapter” and “blessed” with how things have turned out.
Currently teaching singing and piano lessons to children at Music Generation in Limerick city, Michelle also teaches vocal techniques in UL, but agreed that her goal is “to tour, to perform and sell out arenas.”
In relation to advice to any woman going forward who wants to pursue their dream, Michelle shared the importance of “loving yourself and knowing your worth.”