Who knew a trip to the mall would lead to one of the most iconic music video looks of the early 2000s?
Michelle Branch took fans down memory lane while celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Spirit Room during a Q&A ahead of her MBTV livestream event at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood, California, on June 14.
Looking back on the era that launched her career, the singer revealed that the blue T-shirt with yellow graphics she wore in the “Everywhere” music video wasn’t a custom piece or designer look. Instead, it was a find she picked up during a trip to the mall.
“I got it at Urban Outfitters. At the mall, yeah,” Branch shared.
While reminiscing about her biggest hits, Branch also reflected on how her approach to touring has changed over the years.
“It took me a long time to really learn a life balance with work,” she admitted.
“I think it’s so easy to travel to all these amazing cities and countries and just see the backstage area of a venue or a parking lot where your bus is parked.”
These days, the songwriter makes a point of getting out and exploring “everywhere” she visits.
“I try to get out in every city and find local restaurants. I try to stay away from chains and eat the local food or go to museums and try to be a little cultured,” she noted.
“It’s also a lot of fun dive bars with my band after we play.”
Whether she’s on the road or at home, keeping her playlists fresh is a priority.
“I try to listen to music as much as possible,” she shared.
“I’m always on the hunt for new music or even old music that I don’t know yet. The city that I grew up in was so small that it didn’t even have a record store, so all of the music that I discovered was on MTV or the radio. I feel like there are all these deeper cuts and genres that I didn’t get exposed to as a kid, so I’m always searching that way.”
As for what’s always in rotation, Tom Petty tops the list.
“He’s my hero,” the hitmaker said. “He’s number one. The best.”
And when it comes to making songs, Branch has learned not to force the process.
“A song could just fall out of the sky,” she explained. “When I go fishing for them, they’re not there. But when I’m just minding my own business and listening to music, that’s when they happen.”
