MAS: We are proud to announce the talented Melissa VanFleet as the September Contest Winner for Female Solo Artist. Tell us how you got started as a singer and how your recording career began.
Melissa: When I was a child, I was lucky enough to be constantly surrounded by the widest range of music styles, ranging from big band music of the 1930's and 1940's to 80's heavy metal. As a toddler, my days were spent standing three inches in front of MTV with a microphone in hand, watching intently and singing along to Aerosmith, Debbie Gibson and Lita Ford music videos. I was a dancer since age two and thought that was the direction I'd be headed in, but after completing my first studio recording at age 12, I was hooked on creating music in every single aspect and it became my passion. I was in choirs all through school and began singing the National Anthem at sporting events and ceremonies, performing in weddings and cocktail hours, and playing with cover bands. After high school, I started working with producers at Pennsylvania, New York City, and New Jersey studios, and then was recruited to come to Nashville to pursue my dream further.
MAS: It’s in your soul. How did you develop your sound? Are you the primary songwriter, or is it collaborative?
Melissa: Lately I've been writing a lot on my own, but I also have a tight-knit group of co-writers. I find it very therapeutic to write alone sometimes-- I actually wrote songs and poetry to help cope with my father's health complications during my childhood, which I think initially sparked my love of songwriting. I believe my best vocal training was a karaoke machine that I received as a gift when I was seven. I used to record my voice singing popular 90's songs and then listen back and critique every single note and write down what I thought I could improve on. I was a perfectionist even back then!
MAS: What's the story behind the song you've entered in the Make A Star contest?
Melissa: I wrote "Setting Myself Up For A Heartbreak" with Brittany Moses, one of my most frequent co-writers. The title was pulled from an informal conversation we were having, an actual situation. On a tiny Casio keyboard I came up with the intro/verse riff, and then the rest of the song just flowed from there.
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Melissa: This was my first song entered into Make A Star and I love how the competitions are set up in bracket style. I have never taken part in a bracket contest before...it's a lot of fun! I usually have horrible luck with contests because they are either fixed or predetermined in some way, so regardless of if I won or lost this one, I would have just been happy knowing that it was fair!
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to?
Melissa: I am influenced by an extremely vast array of artists and genres of music. I definitely have an old soul and adore the Glenn Miller Orchestra (who I recently had the amazing opportunity to perform with), Rosemary Clooney, and Bing Crosby. As I began to take music more seriously, I was inspired greatly by the vocal stylings of Christina Aguilera, LeAnn Rimes, and Elton John. One thing I am always happy to hear after a performance is that I have a very unique style with a lot of soul and a tone to my voice that is recognizable.
MAS: We would have to agree, so then what sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
Melissa: I consider my sound to be piano-driven soul pop. I love catchy, unique and fresh melodies and combining them with interesting lyrical ideas. My ultimate goal is to be a complete entertainer, combining soulful vocals and piano with dance and a vivid artistic vision to create a full musical experience. I love constructive criticism because it undoubtedly makes you a better performer and a more well-rounded person. I am extremely driven, determined, and will let nothing stand in the way of my dream!
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
Melissa: I am inspired by artists who are not afraid to be themselves in their music. I don't believe in "being the next (insert artist here)." I am so glad to have the opportunity to write and sing songs that I feel represent me-- that way, no performance or recording will ever seem contrived. I've learned that you can't conform or fit into a mold that's not you. Once you can be yourself in your music, your heart and inner spark will shine through and people will believe you. There are two people in my life that I truly wish to emulate-- my mom for her consistency and work ethic and my dad for his levelheadedness and positivity. I try hard to put those attributes toward my everyday life, in music and aside from it.
MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead?
Melissa: I plan on writing new songs, recording, producing and arranging, and playing live shows in new and exciting venues in New York City, Nashville, and hopefully other cities as well. I'm also looking forward to working on my next CD, continuously expanding my repertoire, and finding new opportunities.
MAS: Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert?
Melissa: I listened to absolutely everything. Music was always on, no matter what, and I'm so thankful for that! The first two CDs I remember buying with my own money were Janet Jackson’s "Rhythm Nation" and Elton John's "The One" in the early 90's. I received LeAnn Rimes' "The Early Years" album in 5th grade and heard something in her voice that I felt I could relate to. I saw her in concert soon after and my grandfather and I were first in line to go backstage and meet her after the show. That was the day I officially realized that music was my path!
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
Melissa: I think the best part about the music industry today is new media and all of the online tools available to help artists succeed and advance in the industry on their own. In contrast, I always say I was born in the wrong era-- I wish it was still like the 30's and 40's when artists would sing one pass and that's the exact take that would end up on their album. No comping or fixing pitch was necessary, and I feel like it's kind of used as a crutch for vocalists nowadays. Things were so raw and heartfelt back then, and that's one of the things that I strive for in my recordings.
MAS: Beautifully put, now tell us something completely random.
Melissa: I have loved harp seals since I was six years old and am an activist against the Canadian seal hunt. My aunt made it possible for me to have a dream come true experience a few years ago in the Magdalen Islands where I took a helicopter out to the ice on the St. Lawrence River and was up close and personal with harp seals. I even got to hold one...it’s the most amazing thing!
MAS: As are you Melissa VanFleet, congratulations on your win and beautiful future ahead!
Links:
Melissa’s Official Website: www.melissavanfleet.com
Melissa’s MySpace Page: www.myspace.com/melissavanfleet
Melissa’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/melissavanfleet
Melissa’s Email: info@melissavanfleet.com
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