Twisted Gypsies

Twisted Gypsies
The rare and unique stylings of the Twisted Gypsies embraces rock and folk in a sound that crackles electrically with a personality that is, to say the least, distinct. Yet it’s originality doesn’t veer into the hopelessly esoteric. Rather, Twisted Gypsies offer music that blends the best of both worlds – accessibility and uniqueness.
Connected & Alive
Music, at heart, is about two things, says Michelle Yules of Twisted Gypsies. It brings a focus to our existence on the Planet Earth and, by offering a mode of contact between people, allows a shared experience in understanding our place in life. “Making music and performing make me feel connected and alive.” To drive the point home, her view of her art is blunt: “My music philosophy is simple – no music, no life.”
All of It
As with all great artists, the keen eyes of the Twisted Gypsies see inspiration everywhere. All of life, every last bit of it, offers the makings of a song. It takes artistic perception to understand that and there’s no shortage of understanding with this band. “Everything inspires me. Everyday mundane and real life, art and film, theater, books, poets like e.e. cummings and other artists, as well. I love storytellers in any form.” Telling a story is to be on a wavelength with life, Yules asserts. What else is life but each person’s story?
The Artist at Work
The Twisted Gypsies have amassed a large and devout fan base, particularly in the New York and Nashville areas, but elsewhere as well. The group’s touring has taken it from SoCal to the northeast, facing excited audiences everywhere. Twisted Gypsies have participated in the NEA Extravaganza, Crossroads and DingoFest and have shared the stage with the likes of Dog’s Eye View, Joy Askew, Blue October and Eagle Eye Cherry. Billboard issued a certificate of achievement for the band’s song “Let It Rain” and Yules has contributed songs to William Brooks’ “Fowl Mouth,” “Silent Wings” and “Bitter Circus,” as well as gracing James Blundell’s latest with a tune. Collaborations have also been successful with Dove Award-winning Lorraine Ferro and Stephanie Lewis, Tanya Leah, Brian Muni, John Sonny Sundstrom, Kimberlye Gold and Diane Ponzio. Twisted Gypsies will soon be releasing “Hope Street.” The band is currently working with A&R Select, the hottest indie A&R firm in Hollywood, CA.
Final Thoughts
“I am a total performance artists,” confesses Yules. “I’ve appeared in many plays, most recently the Music Mavens production of ‘Vagina Monologues,’ ‘Women of the Dark’ with the Playtrippers and New Day Productions and ‘Vampire Lesbians of Sodom.’ I started Bluegene Productions and co-produced and played one of the three roles in ‘Vanities’ with Royal Cyclops Productions.”
Kimberlye Gold of the San Francisco Herald wrote, "This is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Michelle Yules, a NYC alternative/folk rock girl, now residing in Memphis, with a lot to say and an always captivating, sometimes brilliant way of conveying it. Yeah, I'm a bit biased: I played rhythm guitar and sang background vocals in her band (and covered most of the background vocals on this CD) but I didn't write any of the songs and by God, I wish I did. There's just not a less-than-killer one in the bunch. Somewhere between the smoky, vulnerable and passionate sides of say, Stevie Nicks and Chrissie Hynde, lies a completely original voice that defies comparison, unpredictable and arresting. Kind of like the artist herself. Check it out and draw your own conclusions."