By Elyssa A. Goldstein
Months before The Spirit Room’s release on Aug. 14, 2001, Michelle Branch had infiltrated the world of pop music with her smash single, “Everywhere.” However, at the tender age of 18, Branch had already spent many years paying her dues, including independently releasing her first album in 2000, Broken Bracelet. In the summer of 2000, Branch received a phone call from reps for the pop-rock band, Hanson, to join their summer tour, and was signed by Maverick Records a few weeks later.
Branch’s success was inevitable, with her knack for crafting the perfect pop hook, unique vocals and skill with an acoustic guitar. Her debut major label release contains 11 gorgeous pop songs produced by the legendary John Shanks. The Spirit Room sold over 2.5 million copies, produced three Top 20 singles, earned Branch an MTV Viewer’s Choice Award and a Best New Artist Grammy nod and was one of the all-time longest-running records on the Billboard Top 100 chart at 82 weeks.
It wasn’t long before Branch’s music could be heard any time one turned on the radio, television, or went to the movies. Branch performed on such hit TV shows as “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and “Charmed,” had the track, “You Get Me,” used as the theme song for MTV’s “Sorority Life,” and had music credits in a myriad of films, including American Pie 2, The Hot Chick and Just Married.
In the summer of 2002, Branch teamed up with legendary guitarist, Carlos Santana, for his comeback album, Shaman. Their collaboration, “Game of Love,” reached number five on the Billboard charts and won a Grammy in 2003 for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
On June 24, 2003, after a heavy year of touring and promotional appearances, Branch released her sophomore disc, Hotel Paper, which also produced three hit singles. Branch wed her bassist, Teddy Landau, in 2004, and the couple is currently expecting their first child. Branch has also teamed up with friend and fellow singer-songwriter-guitarist, Jessica Harp, to form a new band, The Wreckers. The duo just completed the One Tree Hill tour with Tyler Hilton and Gavin Degraw, and is releasing their debut album this summer.