After doing so well on our Christian music charts for the last few weeks, we talk to breakout star singer Michelle Paulino about getting her start in music and discovering her purpose.

Who are you?

I’m someone that is learning to live out of her comfort zone to pursue her calling. Fear of the unknown doesn’t dictate my life. Although I grew up in a military household with a lot of structure, planning and discipline, I took a giant leap of faith and moved to the States at 21 for love. Here, I stumbled upon the music world and fell in love with the idea of becoming a singer. I never went back to Brazil.

As a good old Latina, I am sweet and sour. When I love, I love hard. But when I don’t like something, oh boy!
Ultimately, I have this sense of purpose that I want to express through music to bring hope, challenge values and inspire people to accomplish things that really make a lasting difference in their lives.

How did you get into making music?

I grew up in a family of musicians so much has always been a natural element in our home. But I honestly don’t remember how my interest in making music sparked. I started with poetry. I used to write poems and some were published by my high school. I knew I could hold a tune really young too. I remember being 7 years old and killing my lungs to The Bodyguard sound track, trying to belt out all of Whitney Houston’s high notes. I didn’t stop until I reached them. I think I wrote my first songs for a garage band I had with some friends from church. I wish those memory was more vivid. Some of my friends remember my first songs way better than I do.

Vote for the I’M SORRY video and more MICHELLE PAULINO music videos @ VTYO

What’s the inspiration behind the song and music video?

The inspiration is two-fold. This song is actually a conversation I had with God in a time when I felt I abandoned Him. But it is also something I wish I had said to my ex. I just hope this song gives people the courage to try to restore important relationships.

What should fans look out for?

Christmas music! You can already find “Christmas Lights” on iTunes but stay tuned for a new Christmas track this year. I am also working on a new EP, independently this time. No release date yet.

Anything else to share? How can fans get in touch?

I just released a Vevo channel with lyric video and artist biography, as well as an artist page on MTV.com. You can just search me there. I would love for everybody to check out and leave feedback on the lyric video of my new single Up, which is found in my debut album In The Making available on iTunes, Spotify, Xbox Music, Myspace Music, eMusic, Last.Fm and more.

You can also find me on Twitter @mpaulinomusic, IG @mpaulinomusic or the fan page www.facebook.com/michellepaulinoworld . Please let me know VTYO sent you!