Hello! My name is Michelle Canning. I am a professional musician with 20 years experience. I have a bachelor of arts degree in traditional music, and my main love is the banjo. I can pick it in any style! I am also an accomplished songwriter, with cuts ranging from pop rock to a top 10 bluegrass hit. I would love to be a part of your next project!
I am a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter. I am able to record banjo, acoustic guitar, upright bass, electric bass, and vocals from my home in the Nashville area. I am also able to write melody, lyrics, or topline for your song or track.
Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.
Languages
- English
8 Reviews
Endorse Michelle Canning
check_circleVerifiedI had the pleasure of working with Michelle on a recent project. She's professional, easy-to-work-with, and extremely skilled on the banjo, delivering a final track we were very pleased with.
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Michelle delivered tracks with pick and without in a very short period of time. I truly appreciated her professionalism and willingness to give me some options. Wav files were clean and ready to pop into the mix. She definitely made accommodations for my deadline. 5 stars
check_circleVerifiedMichelle was easy to work with, professional, and a great communicator. She delivered stellar tracks that my client approved right away. Will certainly work with Michelle again!
check_circleVerifiedExcellent supplemental parts for my upcoming song!
check_circleVerifiedMichelle was wonderful to work with. She plays beautifully and worked with me to get my track sounding exactly how I envisioned. She delivered the files before my deadline as well! Will absolutely reach out again!
check_circleVerifiedMichelle did a banjo accompaniment segment on my bluegrass-style tracks. She showed a quick understanding of what I needed, and her animated playing style, superb musicianship, clear recording and flawless delivery were spot-on. A really nice person to work with as well!
check_circleVerifiedI really enjoyed working with Michelle on my track. She did a fantastic job with a quick turnaround.
check_circleVerifiedMichelle was very prompt. The main catch with my latest assignment was turnaround time. She did the job with excellence!!
Interview with Michelle Canning
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: In March 2024, I released my 3rd album. It was my first album of all original music and my first contemporary country album. I was proud of my writing, playing, and singing on this record. It was a dream in the making to release this! The album is called, "Outside the Lines." I'd love for you to check it out!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I am currently writing my 4th album!
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I believe Mark Dolin is on SoundBetter. He is a great producer and saxaphone player!
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Digital because I am 30 and have never used analog. Haha!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I promise to listen to what you want, provide high quality performances, and meet our discussed deadlines.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love the creativity that comes from experimenting with different styles.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Most of the time, customers ask me if I can squeeze them in for a tight turnaround. As an artist myself, I know how important timelines can be and how frustrating it can be if they are not met, so I always do my best to make those tight turnarounds work.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: The biggest misconception is that banjo players only play traditional bluegrass or that a banjo always has the "hillbilly" sound.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I ask if they want me to play a specific line or if they would rather I come up with the part myself. I also ask what their timeline is.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: The best advise I can give is to be clear about what you want, what you don't want, and what your timeline is.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: 1. My Osborne Chief banjo 2. My Weber guitar 3. My computer with Logic 4. My EarTrumpet Edwina microphone 5. My Scarlett solo
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been playing music for 22 years. I am a professional entertainer, songwriter, and musician.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I am schooled in bluegrass scruggs style and contemporary three-finger banjo playing. I like to roll with cool rhythmic patterns that compliment the guitar and bass lines.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with Reba McEntire. I love the way every song has a musical hook and pulls you right in. Every instrument/vocal of her songs are placed perfectly to bring an energetic feel to her music.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: My biggest tip is to always listen to what is there and imagine what else is going to be there when creating a part. Don't over play!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I work on all styles of music ranging from folk to rock to country.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is creating music lines that compliment the track.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I like to consider banjo to be the "sparkle" in a song. I provide interesting, creative music without overpowering. I listen and pay attention to the other instruments in the production to be sure that I am complimenting the rest of the band, not competing with them.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: While work process can vary from song to song, typically I start by charting the song, playing it once through, and then recording three full takes. I choose the best take and comp where necessary.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a home studio. I record on Logic, and I have varying microphones that I use depending on what instrument I am recording and what style I am recording in.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I find inspiration in all styles of music, but my favorites include modern & classic country, bluegrass, and classic pop.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I am most commonly asked for banjo tracks. I have provided tracks for various styles including folk, rock, and country.
- BanjoAverage price - $100 per song
- Acoustic GuitarAverage price - $50 per song
- Bass FretlessAverage price - $50 per song
- Bass ElectricAverage price - $50 per song
- Singer - FemaleAverage price - $50 per song
- Songwriter - MusicAverage price - $100 per song
- Songwriter - LyricAverage price - $100 per song
*Includes 3 free revisions
*For all melody, lyric, and toplining, Michelle Canning retains ownership of equal writer and publishing shares with all other songwriters involved.
- Rhonda Vincent
- Dolly Parton
- Earl Scruggs
