This Section Contain Michelle Branch Interview From www.mtvasia.com

Michelle Branch's massive success is simple. She is not a Britney Spears wannabe and her music stands in a class of its own. The 18-year-old's first single, "Everywhere" has even been cited as the "antidote to the teen pop invasion!" She's also been compared to the likes of Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow and Lisa Loeb.

She recently came off from her tour with Lifehouse and The Calling -- two of the hottest bands in the States right now. Her debut album, "The Spirit Room" received an astounding four and a half stars from acclaimed music bible, Rolling Stone magazine! She has also been hailed by the critics as "a genuine songwriting talent."

The Indonesian, Irish-French girl walked into the room in her snug navy blue Lifehouse 2001 No Name Face Tour sweater and tight faded denims. MTVAsia.com's EILEEN KEH quizzed her about life on the road, her favorite bands (Led Zeppelin's one of them!!) and a marriage proposal!

Your guitar appears in most of your promotional pictures and it looks like your blue Taylor is your best friend. Tell us how you got acquainted with the guitar.

I asked for a guitar for my 14th birthday. Luckily I got one -- I don't know why I chose it. I had always listened to classic rock music and maybe that had a part in it.

So besides the guitar, do you play any other instruments?

I play a little bit of piano and drums. I just got a cello and accordion for Christmas. Maybe I will incorporate those into my music as well.

You're so young! When did you realize music was the way to go?

Being only 18, I always say, "Oh! A long time ago..." But really, it was when I was younger, so it wasn't that long ago! I started really singing when I was three and I loved it and there was really no other option for me. I had no choice! I couldn't do anything else that would make me happier!

You've written all the songs on your album, "The Spirit Room." What was the first song you wrote and what was it about?

It was a song called "Falling." And it was just a love song about falling in love with someone.

You have so many fans and I'm sure a large number of them are guys. Have you encountered any bizarre male fans?

Actually, I am starting to get more and more guy fans and it's very flattering. I was in Canada once and a guy actually proposed marriage to me! He got down on his knees and he had a ring and everything. It was very awkward and I felt very bad saying 'no'. He wasn't bad looking and he seems really nice, but that was kinda strange!

What was it like touring with bands like Lifehouse and The Calling? What were they like?

I love touring with Lifehouse and The Calling. They have great fans and I think it was great for me because their fans listen to my album as well. Their fans were just really appreciative of the show. And also, I got along great with the guys in Lifehouse and The Calling. They were almost like my older brothers and they were always watching out for me. I think that they are great musicians and I'm a fan of theirs as well. So, it was a lot of fun!

If you could choose between Jason Wade (Lifehouse) and Alex Band (The Calling), who do you think is cuter?

(Laughs) Who is cuter? Jason or Alex? This is strange coz Alex has his pros and cons and so does Jason. But actually, I really like Jason. I think that he's a great songwriter. And I'm sure his wife will be very happy for me saying that!

Every time a new artist emerged into the music scene, they get compared to a certain veteran. Do you get compared to any other artists in American press?

A lot of people say I sound like Alanis Morissette but happier. Then people compare me to Sheryl Crow, Lisa Loeb and artists like that. To me, it's very flattering to be compared to anybody who's successful in the music business.

Who are your favourite artists?

It would have to be Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Aerosmith, Queen and old stuff like that.

When you eventually get time to wind down, what do you put in your CD player?

The Ben Folds album, "Rocking The Suburbs." I love it! And soon to be in my CD player is the M2M album, "The Big Room." I'm getting it while I'm here in Singapore because it's not out in the States yet.

How do you psyche yourself up before each performance?

This is another story from www.kafegaul.com and Other Media :

1. Walo Sakit, Michelle Branch Tetep Sakti !

2. Michelle Branch, Dewi Bergitar Yang Nggak Punya Cowok !

3. Michelle Branch, Simple But Cool

4. Story From Teen People.com

5. Story From Teen People.com2

6. Story From MTV Asia Awards 2004