Michelle Elle: A Voice Connecting Cultures Through Music
If you’ve been following Wisconsin’s Hmong music scene, you’ve probably heard the name Michelle Elle. Her breakout hit “Tseem Tsis Tau Lig” lit up playlists across the the country in 2022, introducing audiences to her powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting.
Now, the Hmong singer-songwriter is bringing her unique blend of pop and cultural storytelling to Christine’s Bar in Oshkosh as one of the opening acts and it’s a performance you won’t want to miss!
I caught up with my friend Michelle ahead of her upcoming performance to talk about her journey as a Hmong musician, what fans can expect at her Oshkosh performance, and how she’s planning to expand her artistry into 2026.
Q&A with Michelle Elle
Q: What first inspired you to write and perform music?
Michelle: Growing up, I listened to whatever music was playing around me–Hmong songs my parents enjoyed, songs my sister Kaoyee played from her bulky Panasonic stereo, and whatever was on the radio.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was learning how many different ways a story can live inside a melody. I was always drawn to that–how a few words, when they land on the right notes, can create something so beautiful. It was inspiring!
When I hit my early teens, I had way too many thoughts running around in my head–happy ones, dramatic ones, confused ones, funny ones, the whole spectrum. Songwriting became my therapy where I forced myself to think about those thoughts and ask, “Okay, what am I really thinking here? How am I really feeling?” I never produced any of those early songs (and that’s probably for the best haha), but the process hooked me.
Taking all those thoughts and structuring them into a chorus or a bridge made things feel clear, like I was translating myself into something I could understand better. It was fun, and still is!
Sorry, that was a long answer! So that’s really what first inspired me: realizing that music could help me make meaning out of my own thoughts… and maybe turn it into something creative.
Q: How would you describe your musical style to new listeners?
Michelle: Honestly, I’m still figuring that out myself. I don’t think I fit neatly into any one genre. I kinda love that, though. What I do know is that whenever I cover Hmong songs, some people tell me the vibe ends up funky, chill, and different. So at this point, I might’ve accidentally invented my own genre: “funky chill indie Hmong pop.”
Q: You’ll be performing at Christine’s Bar soon. What can the audience look forward to?
Michelle: Yes! R-Lin Thoj’s concert is happening on November 22, 2025 in Oshkosh, WI. R-Lin is an amazing singer and this is her first time touring in the U.S. I’m very excited that we’ll get to meet her, so shout out to the team behind her U.S.A. tour: Steve Thao and CHAT (Center for Hmong Arts & Talent).
I’ll be one of the guest artists and I’ll be singing a mix of my originals and some fun covers. I’ll be performing a live set backed by musicians from the Hmong American rock band SecondSuns. I anticipate it being an intimate event full of energy.
Q: For those planning to see you in Oshkosh, what do you hope they take away from your performance?
Michelle: I’m always grateful for every person who shows up for my sets, so I just hope they’ll have fun. I also hope some will experience nostalgia from my choice of cover songs, and therefore enjoy a moment of escape from whatever they’re going through.
Q: How does your Hmong heritage influence your work as an artist?
Michelle: My ethnicity is Hmong and my nationality is American. My heritage keeps me connected to where I come from, but it also challenges me to evolve. My Hmong-American identity filters a lot into my music, especially my stylistic choices. Both influences don’t compete, but work together to shape the way I create music and that’s what makes my music feel authentic to me.
For instance, when I cover classic Hmong songs, or what I like to call “reimagining” them, it feels like I’m connecting where I come from with where I’m headed. I like to keep the heart of the original song, but I let it grow into something that feels authentic to me. And I’m not trying to be a cultural spokesperson through my music; I’m just someone who loves music and wants to honor the sounds that raised me, while still giving myself room to grow and figure out who I’m becoming as a music artist.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your goals for 2026?
Michelle: I have a handful of new original songs, and I want to get those into production mode. That’s my main goal for 2026–release new music.
Q: Any last words for your fans and future listeners?
Michelle: To my fans, I’m sorry that I haven’t been releasing any songs. Lately, I have only been sharing my new music during live performances, but I’ll work hard on releasing new music for you all! THANK YOU for being a part of my musical journey! Take care, be kind, and be well!
See Michelle Elle Live in Oshkosh
🎤 Don’t miss Michelle Elle live at Christine’s Bar in Oshkosh, where she will perform as a guest artist for one unforgettable night of music, storytelling, and community connection.
🎟 Get your tickets now and experience one of Wisconsin’s rising Hmong artists in person: https://buytickets.at/christinesbar/1934092
📲 Follow Michelle Elle on social media: linktr.ee/michelle.elle
Michelle Elle will be performing live at Christine’s Bar in Oshkosh, WI on November 22, 2025. Buy tickets now: https://buytickets.at/christinesbar/1934092
