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The move from her hometown in New Mexico to Music City two years ago was the first big step for the classically trained vocalist toward the realization of her dream. The road to success was paved long before she moved to Nashville. Reared in a musical family, Melanie comes from a long line of musicians and singers going back four generations. Melanie’s great-grandfather was a pioneer in traditional Nortena and Ranchera music. He was chosen to be highlighted in a special sponsored by the University of New Mexico to perform as well and discuss the historical traditional music of New Mexico. Her grandfather had a band, Los Paisanos Nortenos, in which her father also played. Together they toured and played in clubs throughout
Southwest New Mexico in the 60’s as well. They were featured on television and also recorded music. Melanie’s father later branched out with his own band titled The Midnight Special playing a wide range of music (including more traditional Rancheras music) during the 70’s. Her maternal grandfather also loved music and played the organ. Family reunions were always an occasion to play and sing both in English and Spanish.
From a very young age, Melanie loved being in the spotlight. Whether it was taking ballet at age 4 or competing in horse shows across the state at age 9, the drive to compete and succeed was instilled at an early age by her parents. She performed regularly in school musicals and state fairs and sang in the All State Choir, District Honor Choir and Swing Choir. She participated in talent and beauty pageants winning Miss West Mesa and second runner-up in the Miss New Mexico pageant. Early musical influences ranged from Dolly Parton, The Judds, and George Strait to pop singers Debbie Gibson and Tiffany.
After being awarded a full scholarship, Melanie majored in vocal performance in opera at the University of New Mexico and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in music. During her college years, she gained experience on stage performing in multiple Broadway theatre productions with parts and lead roles in such favorites as West Side Story, Pirates of Penzance, The King and I, The Secret Garden, and Oklahoma!.
Once in Nashville, Melanie landed a job singing two nights a week at the World Famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge where the legends of country music once sang. She quickly caughtthe eye of music industry executives and landed an artist management deal with Dreamcatcher Artist Management’s Howard Fields. Dreamcatcher also manages country superstars Kenny Rogers, Jo Dee Messina, and Rebecca Lynn Howard.
While pursuing her career as a singer, Melanie has kept busy singing demos and going out on the road. She has also taken the stage opening for Gretchen Wilson.
In March 2006, Melanie was selected as a top 10 finalist out of 20,000
hopefuls for USA Network's reality show "Nashville Star" Season 4. Melanie was the fourth performer to leave the competition finishing at 7th place out of over 20,000 people who auditioned in 13 markets nationwide in addition to the thousands that submitted videos of themselves for consideration.
Melanie is now working with some of Nashville's top songwriters, writing and recording. She will soon have new music for you to listen to and download.
Making it in Nashville takes a lot more than just talent. For Melanie, the many experiences and challenges shes encountered throughout her life are the very things lending her more accomplishments than the average Nashville artist. The road leading to her success has just begun.
You can reach Melanie and her team at melaniefans@yahoo.com!
Unbelievable to see you once again tonight, Melanie. The acoustics and view from the front where I was really brought your voice to a new level to me, and like you said, it's getting better! And again thanks so much for remembering me! I'll see you again soon.
Please visit us at www.musicsrisingstars.com and read exclusive interviews with musicians from all genres of music, in their own words, as you listen to their music. Be sure to use our interactive voting and comments, too.
Articles in our May issue:
Vantastix featuring DICK VAN DYKE April Phillips Colt Ford Elise Abbott Forgotten Fable Jakub Andrew Jessie Nickes Kid Rad Kings in Pieces Lance Miller Marshal Hill Paul Zettler Stephen Cochran Tommy Thompson
And Starclash Winner: Shane Morgan
Please visit us often at: www.musicsrisingstars.com and check out archived interviews with Randy Owen, Jake Owen, Three Doors Down, Billy Joe Royal, Bill Anderson and many more!
Check out our new pre-mastered tunes in honor of our show benefiting The Autism Foundation on April 30th At The Limelight!! We will be booking local and regional shows SOON!! Stay Tuned!!
Hey honey! How have you been? Its been a long time since NM. Im doing good, living the country life with my huny and my 2 boys. Hope your doing well our prayers are with you and your family. Tell them I said Hi and hope all is well.
Hi Melanie! Thanks for being a friend on myspace. I look forward to hearing you sing. I feel a little retarded that I didn't know about it sooner. Maybe the sun got to me back when this picture was taken...yeah, that's it...haha...have a super day...xo...Darrell
Hey Mel,how things going for you? the Illinois girls will be there the 1st & 2nd of may. I sure hope we get to see you. will you be there? plz let me know? hugs
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