Today I want to introduce you to Melissa Miller! Melissa is a Pop Artist-Songwriter out of Wisconsin currently living in Nashville! She has an amazing voice and sound! Read more to find out where Melissa got her interest in music, her album Just Push Play, and what CD she would take on a cross country road trip! NN: Tell us a little bit about Melissa. Where are you from? When did you discover your interest in music? Melissa: Let's see.. I am Melissa Marie Miller. I am a Pop Artist-Songwriter, originally from Cedarburg, Wisconsin but now living in Nashville, Tennessee. I can't honestly remember ever not having a love for music. Most of my childhood was spent on a backyard trampoline, making up gymnastics routines to songs by the Backstreet Boys or singing loudly in home videos my parents made. My favorite home video is the one where my 9-years-old self sings Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail .. Over and over and over again. My earliest memory of beginning to create music was at 14 when I got my first guitar. I started rewriting song lyrics to songs by my favorite artists at the time, like Mandy Moore and Good Charlotte. NN: Tell us about your debut album, Just Push Play! What was your favorite part in getting the album written, recorded, and out to the public? Melissa: Making an album was a crazy cool experience.. Just Push Play is a Pop-Country album and is an accurate depiction of who I was during 2012 and 2013. The writing part is the part where I decide what I want to communicate in my songs. My songs come directly from life experiences; I can look at each track title and know exactly what was happening in that moment that made me have to write that song. My co-writers are some of my best friends and are brilliant to write with. Recording is the part in the musical process where the song is brought to life. One of my favorite parts about recording this album was coming up with my own background vocals. I often stayed up until 4AM listening to tracks over and over and singing my harmony ideas into my GarageBand on my MacBook. Then I took my ideas to my producer. That's where we listen back, decide which get vetoed, and which remain part of the song. The personal connection is the best part about releasing music to the public. It is an amazing success when the words and melodies from my songs create a significant bond with people who become fans. And when those people buy my music, it is one of those Oh-my-God-is-this-real-life moments. NN: How would you describe your sound and music? What makes you different from other artists? Melissa: More currently, I trend on powerful, energetic, anthemic songs. I have so many songs I've written in 2014 and 2015 that are a way different sound and communication from Just Push Play. My brand represents hard work and perseverance. I am personally a run-hard-or-go-home fighter, so those characteristics are getting spotlighted in my music. When it comes to production, I am a huge fan of intense instrumental build ups countered by vulnerable break down moments. Right now, I am shattering obstacles and having a blast writing and singing about that. In early 2016, you'll hear what I mean with the release of my new song Glow In The Dark.. I am so excited to get that one into the world! NN: Who are your musical influences and why? Melissa: I love all sorts of music, but I am more a fan of stories behind the artist. Rachel Platten, Christina Perri, and Katy Perry are three females who showcase resilience and perseverance in the music industry. They also aren't afraid to speak of their struggles and incorporate that in their music. Rachel Platten's Fight Song does a phenomenal job (lyrically and melodically), with the juxtaposition of confessing vulnerability while retaining confidence. They are all honest artists, which make them highly approachable and relatable. NN: If you could do a duet or collaboration with anyone who would you choose and why? Melissa: If I have to choose one person, I pick Christina Perri. I am in awe of her success with her song A Thousand Years that she wrote for Twilight. And I strongly relate her song Human. She is a fabulous artist and it would be an honor to collaborate. NN: What is one thing that you would love to be able to cross off of your musical bucket list? What is one thing you have been able to cross off of your musical bucket list? Melissa: Still on the bucket list - Like Christina Perri, I want to have the song for a major motion picture. I want my song (whichever it may be) to go hand in hand with a huge blockbuster debut. Crossed off the bucket list - I continually have these real-life Cinderella moments. This was the biggest one.. A year and a half ago, I walked the red carpet at Milwaukee-based charity event Grand Slam Charity Jam. I was flown in to perform, was featured on a morning news segment, and got to wear a dress by Hollywood Fashion Designer, Lorena Sarbu. I found out that the same design was worn by Sophia Bush at the Golden Globes. She just so happens to be one of my favorite actresses from my favorite TV show One Tree Hill. I had to return the dress at midnight, hence the Cinderella reference.. Unfortunately no prince charming showed up with a glass slipper. NN: If you were on a cross country road trip and could only take one album which would you choose and why? Melissa: Whoa… Super hard question!!! I am totally going to cheat and go with the album of songs I recently put together.. It's a mix of Jessie J, Rachel Platten, Kelly Clarkson, and Taylor Swift songs I compiled into one playlist called, "MAKE ME RUN!" I enjoy music that keeps me feeling energized and confident. So my apologies I couldn't narrow it down to one specific artist, but I just have to bring this compilation on the road trip! Now I really feel like taking a road trip….. Melissa, thank you so much for taking the time to do the interview with me! I really appreciate it! Readers, make sure you follow Melissa and purchase her album to support her! The links are below! You can order physical copies of Just Push Play at her website here. You can purchase id digitally on iTunes here. Follow her on Reverbnation here. Leave a Reply. |