Written by Patricia Faulkner  I got a chance to chat with this lovely blonde bombshell and here’s what she had to share from her musical experiences. Q: Where were you born/raised? Melissa: I was born in Florida, moved to Kansas in kindergarten-southwest Kansas, and I graduated as a junior in high school. Afterward, I moved to Nashville, and here I am. Kansas is a completely different world. Having to travel forty-five minutes to a nearest Walmart, etc, is certainly different from everything constantly going on in Nashville. Q: Any classical training with vocals or guitar? Melissa: I had voice lessons from fourth to eighth grade. In Samnson, Kansas, I traveled a half and hour twice a week to vocal class. In junior high school, I Youtubed guitar lessons and studied those, and then there was a woman in my town that taught voice lessons when I was around 9 and ten years old, and so I learned under her. My four year old received a guitar from Christmas, and I think she’s a natural. Q: You’ve been playing shows for how long? Melissa: I started singing in 4th grade. That is when I realized I wanted to sing. I got started in pageants-miss america pageants in kansas- and my favorite part was singing. My sister and I started a duo in Nashville, but I eventually broke free as a solo artist. Q: Any shows coming up soon? Melissa: FanJam (June 11-14), CMA fest, and we have a headlining concert in June in Elden, Missouri! They got an opening act for us there, and we’ve been putting it together for the pass two weeks. Q: How old are you and long have you lived in Nashville? Melissa: I turned 24 on the 25th of this month, and I have been living in Nashville for 6 years now. Q: How long have you known the members of your group, and who does what? Melissa: We’ve only been a band for 7 months. First person to join the group was Eric, my best friend who plays guitar, writes with me and leads the band. From there we just kind of grew. People we knew who knew people who knew people because a snowball effect. We have a lot of chemistry when it comes to playing and reading each other. You have to have that chemistry. If you can read each other you can change things up smoothly. Q: Tell me about this year’s upcoming projects for you.. I had a single come out in January. I’m currently working on a yet-to-be-named EP, and the release date isn’t posted yet. Q: What led up to the inspiration (or uninspiration) in the making of the music video “Keep Dreamin”? Melissa: I cowrote with Eric. It led me to be an opener this summer. “Keep Dreamin” was actually based off of life and relationships-a really horrible breakup in middle of last year. It was great to put those feelings on paper. The song made me feel better about situation, and I think it was my only way to get my feelings out. Q: Do you have any female beauty icons you have looked up to as a child? Melissa: Patsy Cline. Mom loved her and I’ve always looked up to her. “Crazy”, is the first song of her I’ve sang, but “She’s Got You” is my favorite.. I idolize her. I wish she was still alive today. Q: What are some of your musical influences for your personal music? Melissa: I listen to a broad range of genres-hiphop, pop, folk- I like to listen to everything and dissect the elements as inspirations. I hope to branch out into other genres, I’m more popish, not so much old country. I have been talking to other artists about possible collabs with hip hip, so I could see myself possibly doing that as well. Q: What thought helps you focus when you are onstage? Melissa: I am a completely different person onstage than when I’m just hanging out. Being able to have fun with the band really changes me when I’m onstage, from that introverted person to my bubbly personality that comes out and really shines. Q: What do you love most about your fans? Melissa: I get so many Facebook messages and comments, I have fans that are constantly promoting me, so I send them free posters, free cds, etc. It gets me really happy that they react to my music, so it is my therapy. Q: How do you think you stand out from the cookie-cutter depiction of a rising country artist? Melissa: I feel like lately everyone is copying everyone with songs about whiskey whiskey whiskey, blame blame blame.. The radio and television want the same people to do same things because…that’s what sells. I can affect multiple types of people with my music, because I have multiple approaches. Q: For independent female singers, artists, musicians, and role models, what can you say to other females in pursuit of their dreams? Melissa: It’s hard sometimes, especially being a female. You are going to succeed if you believe. Keep believing and knowing you can do it. To check out Melissa’s music, visit: melissaramski.com http://www.rdio.com/artist/ https://www.facebook.com/ https://instagram.com/ CD BABY- http://www.cdbaby.com/ ITUNES- https://itunes.apple. AMAZON-http://www.amazon.com/ |
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Indie Ville TV #33 "Keep Dreamin" with Melissa Ramski
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