St. Thomas junior Paul Michell, otherwise known as songwriter, singer and pianist, is a familiar face in the Brady Educational Center’s practice rooms.

With the release of his first album, “Wake Me Up” on June 19, Michell has a lot to be excited for.

“Being on iTunes happened by my researching of how to get on there, and I did it all through CD Baby,” Michell said. “It’s really cool. Met some new fans, people have been downloading it and loving the record.”

Michell describes his music as raw and written to depict a moment in time, and fans like Emily Hidding agree.

“I’ve been really following his music because I really like how he has a really authentic way of… capturing emotions, and he’s able to convey that really well,” Hidding said.

Studio Voice Instructor Deanna Jorstad, who gave lessons to Michell his freshman year, said she isn’t surprised by his success.

“(He) had a brightness to him that made him a delight to be around,” Jorstad said.

Though Jorstad said Michell is sometimes shy, that didn’t hinder his performance during a mid-July concert at Honey in Minneapolis. Jorstad believes that, with the right foundation, Michell has a bright future.

“It all sounds very exciting and wonderful and the kind of thing that most people think that they’re going to do or dream that they’re going to do and don’t give enough time and energy to it to make it happen,” Jorsted said. “And he’s making it happen.”

Michell said he has no doubts on the direction of his career.

“Music is my real passion, and what I love to do,” Michell said.

Katherine Curtis can be reached at curt1354@stthomas.edu.