Title: Exiled
Release Date: October 2011
Recorded: December 2010 - August 2011
Genre: Indie pop, electropop, folk pop
Label: Chaos Records
Producer: Ryan Ross Hernandez, Red X, Gia Rose

Tracklisting
1. Exiled (3:57)
2. No Fear, No Shame (3:59)
3. Dance With Danger (3:42)
4. Sold My Soul (5:02)
5. Only When I'm Smiling (4:27)
6. You Drive Me Crazy (4:21)
7. You Just Lost Your Lover (Ft. Ryan Ross Hernandez) (3:18)
8. They Build Us Up, To Watch Us Fall (Ft. Katie Coyle) (4:47)
9. Nightlife (3:31)
10. Push Me So Far (4:21)
11. Soldier (4:01)
12. As The Angels Carry Me Home (3:52)

DELUXE EDITION TRACKS

13. Lullaby (3:16)
14. You Just Lost Your Lover Part II (Ft. Serenity White) (3:27)
15. Guilty As Charged (3:44)
16. Back To Black (5:35)

Introduction
"Exiled" is the second studio album from 16 year old English Indie pop singer-songwriter, Michelle Green. Set for release on August 21, 2011 by Chaos Records. Produced by Ryan Ross Hernandez, Red X and Gia Rose, the album has gained a lot of interest in the past few weeks in the run up to the album’s release date, as an earlier recorded version of You Just Lost Your Lover was released as a promo single, the song however failed to chart which has put the album under some intense scrutiny, questioning whether Michelle Green is just a one hit wonder.
So as the second half of the year is upon on us and several albums have already defined the music year so far with the likes of Alicia Lena, Katie Coyle, Glamazon, Victoria Black, Buzz and Hype, Riot In The Boulevard, Cherise and many more dominating the music industry it seems like the pressure is on the 16 year old indie pop songstress to prove that she is here for the long term, as everyone knows, the second album is the one that defines the artist, it’s where we find out what the artist is made of and whether they really have the ability to make it in the industry, so this is the most important stage of Michelle Green’s career so far, will the result by glorious success or catastrophic failure, it looks like only time will tell.

Background
In 2010 a fifteen year old singer-songwriter from Camden, London shot onto the music scene with her debut album The Voice Of Me, it became an instant success selling over four and a half million copies worldwide and peaking at number #1 on the Chart Heat album charts, it also spawned 3 huge Top20 singles, the number two hit Fifteen and Dark Days and Red Symphony, both peaking at number 1 on the Top20 Airplay Charts, so far she has sold over 7,250,000 records worldwide since her debut just over a year ago.
Michelle began working on the new songs for the album since the beginning of this year, You Just Lost Your Lover was born in January, seemingly written about her break-up from Matty but she confirmed in a recent interview that it wasn’t specifically about the young rapper, “Maybe subconsciously it appeared in the song but that wasn’t my intention when I was writing it nor was it the inspiration. However, people will interpret things in their own way and if that’s how It’s interpreted then I’m completely fine with that.”
She took a break from touring in March and spent time in London with her family and friends during this time she created the majority of the songs from the album and they were almost all completely composed on the piano, She stated in another recent interview that she was most proud of the songs on this album and claims that she feels that she’s grown up a lot since her debut album almost exactly one year ago. Songs like As The Angels Carry Me Home and They Build Us Up, To Watch Us Fall show a slight change in musical direction as Michelle decided to put more emphasis on the electropop sound that she debuted only briefly on The Voice Of Me.
She began recording promo versions of the songs at her home studio that she recently had built in her house in Camden and the promo version of You Just Lost Your Lover was released as a way to test out the new material and see how it works out, the result however, was considered somewhat of a disappointment as the song failed to chart, however the full studio version is expected to be released as the lead single from the album, it’s evident that she believes in these new songs and she seems intent on making her own decisions and trusting her own heart and instincts, will it pay off?.

Recording
Michelle began recording the album at The Hit Factory in New York between June and August 2011, she enlisted the help of producers, Ryan Ross Hernandez, Red X and Gia Rose, all of which brought their own skills to the table, Hernandez focussing on the purity of the instrumentals, Red X was primarily overseeing the Electronica instruments and Gia Rose helped push the Electropop sound to the forefront of the album and of course voice her opinions on the album, good and bad.
The recording process was somewhat inconsistent, as sessions would go on for two weeks then break for a period before the recording process continued, Michelle claims that it was very “stop and start.” Which she maintains has benefitted the album as she said in a recent interview, “I think it was better to have a break between recording sessions, I don’t think we could have made the album as well as it turned out had we have all spent a fixed period of time together in the studio, so I definitely think that the breaks helped the album a lot more, it also gave me a lot more creative freedom, where I could go away and re-work some songs that I felt weren’t working so well, so all in all I think the recording process benefitted the album immensely.”

Songwriters Analysis
“This album is probably the most important thing I’ve ever had to work on, Those who have followed me since my debut last year will no doubt be aware that the chance to become a musician is something I’ve wanted since I can remember so for me this had to be the best record I’ll ever make, I’ve put so much thought into this record and although the songs didn’t form until earlier this year, this second album was already in my thoughts since the day I released The Voice Of Me, I think we’re all aware of how important the second record is, it’s been spoken about so often about how the second album makes or breaks people’s careers, it’s the diving line, it separates the good from the great and it’s where you form the foundations for your future and it’s beyond any kind of pressure I’ve ever had to deal with, the fact that the rest of my career could be decided with this record is terrifying.
However I think I’ve achieved my golden moment with this album, it encompasses my debut by far and if I never make another record in my life I’ll know that I’ve gone out in style because I honestly think that I’ve created a really good record, something I can look at and be proud of, if my life doesn’t turn out the way I planned, I’ll still be able to look on this album and say, that’s what I achieved and the fact that I wrote the whole album, where on my debut I had some help from outside songwriters just makes it so much better, I can be proud of what I’ve created whether it has success or not, I honestly believe that this is my golden moment, maybe it’s not who knows but without being negative about myself, I honestly don’t know if I could outdo this album, but I’ll surely try, providing I get to continue to live my dream and have a long future in the music industry, I certainly feel well equipped for it.
The sound is slightly different from that of my debut album, The Voice Of Me was heavily influenced by a more grand sound, I performed some of the songs from that record with a freaking orchestra, at fifteen years old, how insane is that?, But I think this album will show the growth, I think maybe If I have one negative about my debut album is that I tried too hard to attempt to stay away from the mainstream pop sound, I used the orchestra which is something I’ve always wanted to do, but I think I just tried to move away from mainstream pop a little too much, with this record, I think it shows more of me, who I am, the kind of music that inspired it, it feels more modern, I think The Voice Of Me was kinda like, Woaaah this fifteen year old girl is doing these kinda old fashioned sounding songs, but now it’s sort of like, Ok, music is moving forward and I’m gonna create something that feels more right for me, a modern sound with the lyrics and music to match.
As you can tell I’m extremely excited about the record, so all there is to do now is sit back and listen, I hope you all enjoy what I’ve done, I love you all.”
- Michelle Green xx

Personnel
Michelle Green – Vocals, Piano, Keyboards, Synthesizers
Aaron Pritchard – Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals
David Russell – Drums, Percussion
Mariamma Swaray – Cello (tracks 5 and 8)
Katie Coyle – Acoustic Guitar, Vocals (track 8)
Ryan Ross Hernandez – Producer, Engineer, Mixing, Guitar (track 7)
Serenity White - Vocals (track 14 [Deluxe Edition])
Red X – Producer
Gia Rose – Producer, Mastering
Cherry Blossom – Artwork Design, Photography

After a few turbulent months of label switching, pushed back album dates and a flop single, Michelle Green returns to the Top 5 in the singles chart once again. "Exiled" which is the new lead single from the album of the same name went straight to No.4 in the charts today, making it her first Top 5 hit since "Red Symphony". The song also stands at No.21 in the Digital Download charts. Michelle's album "Exiled" will be released on Sunday with a Deluxe Edition following a few months later. The singer is said to be ecstatic about the success of the single and can't wait for all of you to hear her new album.

'Only When I'm Smiling' is a light yet meaningful song. The song has a very heavy R&B/Caribbean influence which is something Michelle has never done before. Although it has a nice tune and is sung very in a very uplifting tone, the lyrics are actually very meaningful. The track was recorded during phase 2 of the album and was supposed to be released as the second single instead of 'Soldier'. This song is more relaxed than all of the previous 4 tracks and is probably the most laid backed sounding track on the whole album.

You're a great man
The best I could've wished for
I just don't want to troubled you, that's all
You just don't it, when I'm feeling ****
You don't need all that trouble

I'll call you
when I'm feeling better
And we can chill like we usually do.
I just don't want to be a burden;
when I'm sad, I tend to bring everyone else down

Don't worry, my baby
It ain't your fault
It's just because I'm always like this
When I'm better, I'll give you a call

I want to see ya,
Only when I'm smiling
Cos' I don't wanna put you down.
I want to hold ya,
Only when I'm happy,
I don't wanna have you worried, running round.
I just want you to see the best in me
Cos' I don't want to bother you when I'm unhappy
I just want us to make the most it
Wear a smile and go along with it.
Oh boy, I just want to see ya
Only when I'm smiling.

Kiss my cheek,
And you'll make me feel uplifted
Like you always do, must be a gift.
I just hope you don't mind
If I keep my feeling to myself

Don't worry, my baby
It ain't your fault
It's just because I'm always like this
When I'm better, I'll give you a call

I want to see ya,
Only when I'm smiling
Cos' I don't wanna put you down.
I want to hold ya,
Only when I'm happy,
I don't wanna have you worried, running round.
I just want you to see the best in me
Cos' I don't want to bother you when I'm unhappy
I just want us to make the most it
Wear a smile and go along with it.
Oh boy, I just want to see ya
Only when I'm smiling.

Oh yeah, I know you wanna look out for me
But honey, please!
Just let me do this on my own and you'll see;
that I will come round in time.
Please don't think it's you
That's making me hide away
I just don't want you to see me sad
I just want to see you only when I'm smiling

I want to see ya,
Only when I'm smiling
Cos' I don't wanna put you down.
I want to hold ya,
Only when I'm happy,
I don't wanna have you worried, running round.
I just want you to see the best in me
Cos' I don't want to bother you when I'm unhappy
I just want us to make the most it
Wear a smile and go along with it.
Oh boy, I just want to see ya
Only when I'm smiling.

[20 Second Instrumental Until End]

The track They Build Us Up, To Watch Us Fall is a very cheery guitar based indie pop song based around the notion of how one can get built up so high as an artist and public figure, and yet have everyone try to tear them down from grace at the same time. The subject matter may seem strange to some, considering how happy the music sounds, but the end of the song is all about overcoming that oppressive attitude from media, controlling label bosses and other people in the industry to just be yourself, so, eventually at least, the happy nature of the music does actually correspond to the message within.
The track begins with an open strum across all six strings of the acoustic guitar, followed by a brief pause, and then Michelle counts "1,2,3,4" softly as she taps out four quiet beats on the hollow body of guitar. She then plays a funky, bright and airy little guitar riff which consists of quickly strummed happy sounding chords and the occasional single picked note, which somehow just manages to sound "summery".
This is replaced eventually by single chords played over the reasonably fast opening verse. The chords are not as major in key as in the intro, but they aren't exactly low in key either, just almost neutral. Michelle's voice in this song is a lot higher than in previous tracks, and allows her the chance to really show off a range of vocal ability. The pace at which the track moves and progresses, along with the varying vocal keys really showcases Michelle's skill. The first verse is sung with a quick, punchy vocal, and she launches into the second, with only a slight pause, and no change in style.
As the chorus approaches, Michelle lets out a slight "wooo", and the key change is quite dramatic. The chords are now definitely more upbeat and played very quickly. She strums them with a strength and vigour, which gives a real "ping" to the end of each strum, and adds to the energetic atmosphere. Despite the music speeding up considerably for the chorus, the only real change in the vocal pattern comes from the fact that it is a lot happier sounding. The tone of Michelle's voice is a lot cheerier and gives an image of her smiling to the listener and really enjoying the song.
There is no particularly obscure structure to the song. The simplicity is where it's beauty lies. It mostly continues in this style, as above, with two verses to each chorus, or one, until it reaches the final verse, which begins "They Look At You With Mild Disdain", at which point the guitar is phased out, and Michelle's voice is left standing alone. This mirrors the message of song in some ways, as it suggests a feeling of exposure and loneliness and being the target for everyone, with nowhere to hide. She sings this verse very slowly, and in a minor key. Her voice is soft, and sounds very sad, as she slowly meanders through a continuous vocal (there are no apparent line breaks, which allows it to sound more flowing and sad). This continues until the beginning of the last line, when one hard strum of the acoustic guitar chord heralds Michelle's triumphant final line, "Please Don't Give It Up Without A Fight!" She sings it with a pleading, almost call to arms. It sounds as if she is trying to really say something to people who feel like they are alone, or targeted in this way.
The track ends with a repeated "bridge" section, which is played over slowly strummed chords. Michelle's voice is slow and soft throughout. When the vocals finish, the track is bookended by the same open string strum on the guitar.

"Nightlife" begins with a soft synth playing that gradually gets louder. At around 14 seconds into the track, Michelle starts to sing. The opening line; "The night life is my haven" will immediately grab your attention and will make you want to keep on listening to Michelle's sultry voice and the great beat. When the chorus kicks in; the beat is jumping and Michelle is singing her whole heart out, creating an almost anthem of a song. 'Nightlife' is generally just a fun track with no sentimental feelings behind like usual Michelle stuff, this one is just a true party tune. This was one of the last songs added to the album.

The night life is my haven
I love the way it makes me feel
The atmosphere gives me a thrill
And I'll be staying out until dawn breaks
But I'll still be wide awake, jumping all over the place

Tick Tick Tock on my watch
The hours flying past but we're still having a blast
It's the night life, baby
It gets you so hooked, it's all you can think about

You know I just love the night life
I get so excited when I party outside
Just now I just want to dance
I just love the night life
It makes me wanna move
I just love the night life

And now it's 2 in the morn'
But I'm not planning on turning in
I'm on a high, ready to begin
I'll be singing under street lights
Acting a little bit foolish, but I'm happy doing it

Beat Beat Beat goes my heart
Pumping so fast, I wish that this rush will last
It's the night life, honey
It has me hooked, It's all I can think about

You know I just love the night life
I get so excited when I party outside
Just now I just want to dance
I just love the night life
It makes me wanna move
I just love the night life

In the dark
The animals come out
Under the full moon
We all dance and shout
Now just turn the tune up
And watch us roll
As soon as the sun comes up,
It's time for us to go

You know I just love the night life
I get so excited when I party outside
Just now I just want to dance
I just love the night life
It makes me wanna move
I just love the night life

You know I just love the night life
I get so excited when I party outside
Just now I just want to dance
I just love the night life
It makes me wanna move
I just love the night life