The Beatles, John Mayer, Alannis Morisette, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, The Eurythmics, Etta James, The Temptations, Michael Jackson, Ray Lyell, Kelly Clarkson, Colin James, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Nsync and the Spice Girls (my guilty pleasures)
One of my most distinctive memories of my childhood comes from when I was 6 years old, looking at myself in the bathroom mirror. It was at that moment, with a sense of decisiveness not common to the average child that I declared I was made for the music business and none other. Not in those exact words of course…
Now, twelve years later, I’m honouring the decision made by my 6 year old self.
At the age of 14, when I started to outgrow my love of singing Britney and Christina karaoke (thank God) I took up the guitar to accommodate my overwhelming need to express myself through the art of songwriting.
We all remember what it was like to be young and impressionable, wearing our hearts on our sleeves without the knowledge of a reason not to, only to have things go horribly wrong. This laughably irrational puppy love and the impending heartache of which I speak was my initial motivation to write my first song. I immediately realized that I'd discovered what I would argue to be the most powerful means of self-expression known to humans - the art of songwriting. With that, my single-song repertoire quickly turned into two songs, then three songs, and progressed to the point where I would go looking for trouble just as a means of inspiration. As I’ve grown I’ve realized that besides being a way to express one’s innermost emotions, songs have the power to reach people in a way that makes them feel as if a certain song was written for them. The ability of music to expose the similarities among all of us is one of the reasons that I’ve always found myself so addicted to it.
Last year, during my senior year of high school I was faced with a difficult decision; whether or not to trade the safety of a university degree for the uphill battle of trying to make a name for myself in the music industry. My decision came down to the realization I spoke of earlier: I was made to live and bleed music.
My debut album, Brave, is finally finished! I'm hoping to release it sometime this year under a major label, so keep your eyes open for it. My musical influences range from the Beatles, to Aretha Franklin, to John Mayer, making it difficult to categorize my music into a certain genre. In other words, I like to think that there is a little something for everyone on the record, which varies from funky, R&B influenced tracks, to heartfelt ballads, to some pretty kickass rock.
I would love to hear from you with any feedback or comments you may have because after all, it is the audience's opinion that matters the most. Thanks very much for taking the time to visit my page, and most of all I hope that you enjoy the music I have to offer you.
Keep on rockin,
Melissa
Hi Melissa, saw you online so I thought I'd drop by and say Hello. How are things going with you? I hope your weekend is the best! Much Love and Support, Tony
Uncharted Sounds JUNE ‘08 Issue is now available debuting our very own Uncharted Sounds Podcast Productions featuring DJ Heidi and Dead Etiquette ! Check out our feature cover story THE VICIOUS GUNS, along with DOCILE, MELISSA BEL, DJ AADIL and much more ! Go to:www. unchartedsounds. com Canada's hot and new innovative on line music magazine !
Once in a great while a moment passes by that shouldn’t be forgotten, a moment that makes believers out of the most stubborn doubters. I wish this moment to be that one magical, special instant in time when you know beyond all doubt that you have all you need to succeed!
hey im ok and everything here is. what about you. well i cant wait till the summer, i love it. ohh when is your birthday.hope you do come next summer cos we will so have to met up somewhere, and i will have just left school.whaoo.you doing much in the summer anyway. luke xx
hey mel everything ok, have'nt spoken to you for a while, hows your music going, just been listening to your songs then your voice is awesome. Have you done many gigs lately, luke x
thanks a lot melissa..depending on which song you are referring to it might have been my song writing partner mike he sings way better than me i sing daughter mike sings strolle i wrote that tune around the bass line with mikes help and we recorded it at my place .take care melissa and thanks for listening to the tunes we are constantly writing ..recording and posting new songs take care ...rob..n/falls ont
AHHHH the CASHEWS!! im sad you werent at mannafest it just wanst the same throwing the cashews at the people 12 stories down.:( and the cd is awesome thanks girl and will you send me a message with your number cuz i tried calling a couple times and it didnt go through. take care and keep it real!
MELON!! So I can't make it tomorrow because it is the dinner for my dad's bday that night and I wont be done till late. I am very sorry (I would love to come but my mom says I have to go!) Anyways goodluck!!!! I know you will be awsome! Anyways that does mean I am home for the weekend again and I would LOVE to see you, so let me know when your free and if I get home in time tomorrow I will give you a call before the big show!! ah your so talented and I LOVE U! can't wait to see u and Im so sorry I cant come!! :(
