A few words with Melanie Rosales. Melanie sings, plays guitar, piano and drums, and her new album is called Comin’ Home.
Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself.
Melanie: I was the vocalist for the T.C. Jammers, a hard driving funk, R&B group out of Minneapolis, MN. We won many awards and enjoyed successful recordings. I took off some time to raise my daughter. When I returned it was to my first love, country music.
LB: How did you start out making music?
Melanie: I sang with an adult country band when I was 12 or 13 years old. My dad accompanied me to the gigs until I was much older. Out of college I moved to where the music scene was happening in Minneapolis. I had the privilege of playing with some of the finest musicians in the area. I sang back-up for many well known musicians, including my idol Bonnie Raitt.
LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now?
Melanie: Bonnie Raitt was a major influence in my younger years. This was long before she got the recognition she so deserved. Others are Dinah Washington, Etta James, Patsy Cline, Denise LaSalle, George Jones and of course Merle Haggard, a long time favorite.
LB: Tell us about your latest release.
Melanie: Comin' Home. It was so much fun to do and so exciting to choose the songs for this CD. The musicians on this disc are first rate as you can tell.
LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows?
Melanie: I have been on shows put on by RFD TV Midwest Country. This is a station that covers the entire USA, catering most to people in rural areas. I have also returned to Minneapolis to a take part in the music scene there. I've performed at the Midwest Hall of Fame and recently opened for Jerry Jeff Walker.
LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy?
Melanie: I am thrilled with the whole process, everything from selecting the songs and musicians, laying down the tracks, overseeing the mixing and of course, the physical joy of singing, not to mention all the laughs and creativity we shared.
LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music?
Melanie: CD Baby, iTunes (US, Canada and UK), Tunecore, or on my website: http://melanierosales.com
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