Michele started at a very young age in musicals like Les Miserables and Fiddler on the Roof; then she originated the part of Wendla on Broadway in Spring Awakening.
After Glee made it big, she dabbled in a few movies such as the comedy New Year’s Eve and the upcoming animated film Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return where she plays Dorothy Gale.
This year, the talented young lady enters a new chapter of her life with her album Louder (on Columbia Records) and her first book, Brunette Ambition.
She took a break from filming Glee to speak with Windy City Times about her connection with Chicago.
Windy City Times: Hello, Lea. Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to talk about your first album. Why did you decide to go this direction with the songs?
Lea Michele: I took my time in this whole process. I gave a lot of thought and care to what sound I wanted to make, as well as what message I wanted to relay with this record. At the end of the day after the recording of it I really feel we put out something really special.
WCT: You went for strong power ballads, as opposed to a Britney Spears pop album.
Lea Michele: Well, I come from a Broadway background and with the television show I have been exposed to lots of different types of music and sounds. I feel as a performer I put my emotions forward first. That is how the album sort of evolved.
WCT: It sounded like you stretched vocally for the track “Battlefield.”
Lea Michele: “Battlefield” was written by Sia. She’s so incredible and such a genius as a songwriter and singer. I think in everything she writes you can really hear the emotion in the chords and the words. I love songs personally like that.
When I heard “Battlefield” for the first time I knew it was going to be something that I definitely wanted to sing.
WCT: Did you have a big choice of people to work with on Louder? You must know a lot of people from Glee.
Lea Michele: No, it was a pretty organic process. I co-wrote some of the songs. I was thankful for the people that gave me some of their songs, like Sia and Christina Perri. I feel like I am starting out in this whole recording world from the beginning.
WCT: Are you making plans to tour with Louder?
Lea Michele: I cannot wait. No plans have been set in stone yet but we are definitely talking about it. I am really looking forward to getting the opportunity. I come from a background of performing live onstage so that is really where I feel the most comfortable.
WCT: I saw you perform on the Glee tour in Chicago.
Lea Michele: Really? Let me tell you something: I have the best memories of Chicago from that Glee tour. We always say Chicago was the best time. I think I got three tattoos while I was in Chicago. I have only been to one club in my entire life, and it was in Chicago. I had one day with Kevin McHale and we were doing press all day there. I think if you ask anyone from the show where they had the craziest memories, it is definitely in Chicago.
WCT: What club did you go to?
Lea Michele: I have no idea. I had never been out before in my whole life. My cast will tell you, “Seeing Lea at a club is like seeing a unicorn!” They talk about it as the one and only time, like that’s it and I will never go out again. I did it in Chicago.
WCT: You must have to protect your voice and not be out in smoke machine-filled clubs.
Lea Michele: I would rather be at home with my cats.
WCT: I heard about your two cats! [Both laugh.] What tattoos did you get in Chicago?
Lea Michele: I got a tattoo of Imagine with my cast member Jenna Ushkowitz and Kevin McHale, then me, Jenn, and Amber Riley got little star tattoos together. It was so fun!
WCT: Is Chris Colfer, who plays Kurt Hummel on the show, your gay best friend or do you have another one somewhere?
Lea Michele: [Laughs] That is so funny to me because people ask me who my gay best friend is but, for me, whether you are gay or straight, a person is a person. I don’t categorize anyone for their sexual orientation. I think every girl needs a gay best friend and thankfully I have my fair share but I don’t want to put any labels on anyone like that. People are who they are.
WCT: You have performed at many LGBT fundraisers in the past, such as the Human Rights Campaign and Broadway Care/Equity Fights AIDS, so the community appreciates the support.
Lea Michele: Oh, yeah. I grew up in New York so I was supporting [Broadway] since I was 7 years old. Growing up in the theater community is really who I am. I am really thankful to be a part of it.
WCT: Talk about this new book.
Lea Michele: It is called Brunette Ambition and it is coming out in May. It is a really fun lifestyle, how-to book. I have great chapters on my family [and] Glee as well as awesome chapters on fashion, beauty,and fitness. It covers the whole landscape of Lea Michele’s life.
WCT: Well, I know you have to get back to set. Come visit Chicago on a concert or book tour.
Lea Michele: I definitely will. I need another tattoo!
Louder lands in stores on March 4. Visit www.LeaMicheleMusic.com for more on Michele’s projects.