Michelle Branch Scraps CD to Start Over

In 2007, Michelle Branch went into the studio, high on the excitement of recording her first solo country album, 'Everything Comes and Goes,' since the breakup of The Wreckers -- a country duo she and good friend Jessica Harp had formed in 2005. But today, three years later, Michelle has scrapped that project, because she knows, in her heart of hearts, it just didn't feel like her anymore.

"Where to start?" Michelle begins, in an open letter to her fans. "A lot of changes have happened in the last few months. Perhaps the biggest (and the one that directly involves you) is that I've decided it's time to move on. I went into the studio and started recording 'Everything Comes and Goes' in the fall of 2007, with high hopes of it being released that following summer."

But today, three years later, Michelle's album still sits on that proverbial shelf.

"It has not been the easiest ride, emotionally or creatively," Michelle writes. "It seemed like every time I had a leg up and the light at the end of the tunnel was drawing nearer, something would happen and dramatically alter the course.

"I am so proud of this album and I so desperately wanted to share it with you," she continues. "So many people crossed my path and gave their two cents about who I was and what I should sound like ... that by the end of the day, my original vision had been lost and buried. For the first time ever, I found myself in a position where I was trying to appease someone else."

Placing all discouragement aside, Michelle decided to begin recording afresh.

"I'm heartbroken that you might never hear the original version of this album as I had intended," she writes. "I've had my moment of grief, and I think the only way I can get through it is by moving forward. I have recently started a new album from scratch and I couldn't be more excited.

"I can't thank you enough for being there for me throughout the making of 'Everything Comes and Goes,'" she continues. "You guys truly are the greatest. Your unwavering support is remarkable and humbling. Thank you, thank you, thank you ... for being there when I've needed you the most ... and for being so very patient."

On December 9, at 8:00 PM ET, Michelle will hold a live online chat with her fans, to answer their questions about the new music. She will also be playing a few old songs on the webcast, as well as a few new songs.

As a solo artist, Michelle has released two top-selling albums -- 'The Spirit Room' in 2001 and 'Hotel Paper' in 2003. She was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist in 2003. That same year, she won a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals ('The Game of Love,' with Santana). Three years later, in 2006, Michelle and Jessica Harp were nominated for a Grammy for The Wreckers' No. 1 hit, 'Leave the Pieces,' off their debut album, 'Stand Still, Look Pretty.' In 2007, The Wreckers announced they would be going their separate ways to pursue their own separate careers.

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