to name a few...Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Feist, The Beatles, David Bowie, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Simon and Garfunkel, Tom Petty, Patty Griffin, Ani DiFranco, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Tori Amos, Emmy Lou Harris, Cher, Jeff Buckley, Flatt and Scruggs, The Talking Heads, Bread, Daniel Lanois, U2, The Police, Tim O'Brian, Fleetwood Mac, Scott Joplin, Miles Davis, NSYNC, Devo, Midlake, Cindi Lauper, PJ Harvey, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, Janet Jackson, Chuck Berry, Joe Jackson, Outkast, Iron and Wine, Audioslave, Donavan, Alison Kraus, Led Zepplin, Bill Monroe, Queen, Abba, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Tupac, Ray Lamontagne, Flemming and John, Denitia Odigie, Mike Gordon, My Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa...
"Melissa's debut disc, "Rearview," is a graceful, sure-footed, old school tour-de-force that is sure to please fans of the likes of Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading, Tracy Chapman and Sheryl Crow." - Jim Musser Iowa City Press-Citizen. Caught somewhere between folk rock and soul, Melissa Faith Cartoun's self described "Alt Alt" music will leave you guessing, and longing for more. Her vocal control and range is striking, and provides a wonderful vehicle for her honest, thought provoking lyrics. She is able to tell a story not only with her words, but also with her powerful voice. Her presence is pure and honest, and allows her to create an easy closeness with her audience no matter what the venue. Melissa came into her own while attending Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. A regular performer at campus bars, she quickly developed a following. Soon she was playing at local clubs and coffee shops for impressive crowds. Melissa often played her guitar on the street corners of down town Nashville to earn extra money. Melissa recorded one of her songs with friend Mike Gordon of the band Phish, and the song entitled "25" went on to win a place in the John Lennon Song Writing Contest. Melissa's versatile voice also led her to sing back-up vocals for a local rhythm and blues group "Eighty One". As a junior at Vanderbilt, Melissa won the schools prestigious award for best singer/songwriter of the year and also won the schools "Battle of the Bands" competition which granted her a spot in schools annual music festival "Rites of Spring." The event has hosted acts such as Dave Matthews, Black Eyed Peas, and Guster, to name a few. Melissa released her debut album "Rearview" in August of 2007.
Hey there! I'm so glad to see that you're doing well and are happy! The new tune is great (of course)! I'm looking forward to hearing more of them. I know that I can't wait for another Melissa Cartoun album! ;o) Take care!
Hello Melissa! Thanks for the add. I found you while doing one of my random searches for new stuff on CDBaby. Wonderful songs Melissa! 'If I Had Known' reminds me of a 'Barenaked Ladies' type influence - it's very nice. 'Good Bye Baby' is my favorite though. Like the production and the harmonies :) Hope all is going great for you, and I wish you the best Melissa. Take Care, David
Hey you! Thought I'd drop in and let you know I'm still alive down here in Texas. I'm about half-way through my schooling (which is really difficult). I'll be back northeast about August. Shall I plan a road trip to Boston? ;) Keep up the great work....you're my profile artist. ;)
