NEULAND - a project of Michele Bachmann of ANSHELLE
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Anshelle - An alternative to Anglo-American Soul- und R&B-Divas?

Anshelle from Bern/Switzerland combine on their second album "Rewind Please" catchy pop tunes of international standard with delicate melodies, soulful vocals with a good old pinch of rock. The disco flavor and the dancy computer sounds of the debut album have made room for an earthy band feeling. No coincidence at all.

The glamour of pop on a salver? From zero to hero like American idols, being cuddled by the media, praised and adored by fans? A nice thought, indeed, also for Michele Bachmann. The singer of the band Anshelle was supporting act for Swiss dance export DJ Bobo, performing in rock stadiums in front of thousands of spectators. The debut album "Part of the Game" (2002, BMG) got a good response throughout Switzerland. The mixture of hooky melodies, soulful vocals and dance floor-oriented beats were praised in the Swiss media.

However, the big breakthrough could not be realized at this stage. The chances would have been bigger riding on the Swiss German pop/rock wave. Still, Michele Bachmann did not choose the path of no resistance, which guarantees instant success. The Bernese woman, starting her career with the trip-hop band "Neuland", is an artist who deliberately listens to her inner voice. Having lived in Asia during her adolescence, where she mainly spoke English, it was clear to Michele Bachman to sing in English. Bear in mind: the charming woman is strong-minded and has learnt to stand up for her beliefs. Not only in good times. The picture of the woman in boxing gloves, which was the cover of the album "Part of the Game", was not just a nice eye-catcher, but of symbolic character.

Since the end of the "Part of the Game"-tour in 2004 there have been some major changes in the life of Michele Bachmann, both private and artistic.

When Bobby Gertsch, long-time producer and composer, left the band, Michele Bachmann was standing for a short time in front of a heap of ruins. But she pulled herself together, composed and produced with long-time pianist Sandro Marretta and bassist Phil Küffer a whole new album within a couple of months. The final touch to the songs was added in the band room (guitars: André Brügger, drums: Martin Kissling). Michele's memories of her childhood in Wileroltigen were the inspiration for the new album. She refers to the town, with its 400 inhabitants, as 'the most beautiful place on earth'. 'I wanted to go back once again, to remember everything and to anchor it deep within my soul', says Michele Bachmann. 'I wanted to realize this dream with the production of "Rewind Please" - and it came true!'

The sound of Anshelle's second album is earthier and less electronic, which is a natural development, because the production is the result of a band which sounds remarkably harmonious, despite its relative young age. Co-producer Gert Staeuble (Zueri West) and mixer Oli Boesch (Zueri West, Lovebugs, ...) have added a homogeneous and timeless touch to the band's sound. "Rewind Please" looks back and at the same time opens a new chapter in the history of Anshelle, which promises an exiting future.