Indiana's Indie Music Source
“Melissa has been recording and singing professionally since the age of 13. She has over 15 years of professional experience in voice, acting, musical theater and dance.” ~ Melissa Suzanne Official Bio
Zack Daggy: I understand that you’ve been singing professionally since age 13! How did you start at such a young age?
Melissa Suzanne: I was in a few musical theater productions between the ages of 9-12. I definitely did not stand out as a singer then, but something happened right before I turned 13. I was able to sing the Whitney, Mariah and Celine songs, and it was then that I knew I could do it for real. So that is when I started recording in the studio.
ZD: How would you describe your style?
MS: I call my style “soulful pop.” I have been influenced by a lot of soulful singers in the Motown era and after, but my tone is still pretty commercial and pop. That is why artists like Michael Jackson have been such a great influence for me. He came from a R & B/soul music background but used that in singing pop and even pop/rock music.
ZD: Tell me about your first studio release.
MS: Well, there were a lot of “almost” releases, working on major label deals that fell through at different times in my life. The first solo release I did was my self-titled EP, which is on ITUNES. It was the first time I had written all of the songs, produced it and even played piano on the songs. I guess you could say I’m proud. Granted, it was in a “pop/rock” phase and not ultimately the sound I want to develop for my next album, but still a respectable product. :)
ZD: Where is the strangest place you’ve found inspiration?
MS: I was at a Mexican restaurant sitting outside and a dog had gone by, leaving its mark-if you know what I mean. I started joking around and wrote a song called “Poop on your leg.” I obviously modified the lyrics, but the melody was actually pretty good and catchy. So that will be one of the songs I record soon.
ZD: What made you decide to write your “Twitter Song”? (Feel free to plug you Twitter name)
MSI had started doing home recordings of certain cover songs that I just liked and wanted to try and was going to do “I’m Yours.” My boyfriend had already suggested doing a Twitter song and I jokingly put new words to the hook. It sounded pretty good and so we wrote the song in an hour. I recorded it in my living room, put the harmonies down etc, sent it out to be mixed and there you go! It has gotten an unbelievable response! @melissasuzanne
ZD: How has social networking impacted your music career?
MS: Social networking, i.e. MySpace and Twitter have been very influential in my music career. After coming out of a production contract a few years ago, I was directing my music career by myself for the first time. Understanding the importance of “being heard” I started really working Myspace and connecting with people all around the world. I received some of the most amazing feedback and words of praise and encouragement from new fans on all sides of the globe. It was very touching and I was thrilled to know I was inspiring others. The downside was it was very time consuming, I tried to write back to EVERY message and it took me close to 10 hours a day! Then TWITTER came out and I began doing the same thing, though Twitter is a bit different since you don’t have a profile page with music etc. I talk back and forth with friends there as a person, not a singer. Often I will get someone saying a month later, “Oh my gosh I just checked out your music and you are amazing!” They are so surprised, which is funny to me. I don’t aim to advertise there, which is a relief. Don’t get me wrong, I let people know when I have a new song, video or pictures from an industry event, but I don’t persuade people to buy my music as soon as we follow each other.
ZD: In addition to your music career you’ve also done a bit of acting, yes? Tell me about that.
MS: I did commercials when I was younger and have always had a knack for performing as well, so I started again 2 years ago. The acting I have done in the past two years, while in prominent shows or movies, has been minimal and I would love to take it to another level. I mean its great to say “I was in THE MENTALIST and in G.I. JOE!” but I am aching to be a larger part of some type of film/tv show that involves music as well.
ZD: Grammy or Academy Award; which would you rather win?
MS: Winning a Grammy (and to be honest I would like more than one) is my ultimate goal, period. Anything else is icing on the cake as they say.
ZD: Are you doing any live gigs these days?
MS: I am working on developing my new sound through the new original music I am working on right now. I am creating a team of people that I want to co-write with and each contribute to the next album. Once that has been developed and recording, I will look to start performing it :)
ZD: Which lyric from one of your songs best describes you?
MS: I have a song called “Live Big,” and in it I say “There’s no power in living small.” I truly believe that, I think we are all meant to acknowledge our particular gifts and use them to connect with others and make a contribution to the world.
Mothpod 157 – Voorhees A Jolly Good Fellow
Mothpod 163 (Available November 23rd, 2009 at Mothpod.com)
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Thanks for this great interview :)
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