Facing Mel's Music

A lovely chat with the wonderful Gregg Lee of rock band Paisty Jenny. This high-energy band is delivering quality rock music as it borders on metal! Gregg's voice is strong and dynamic, as he delivers powerful vocals along with his wild performances. These guys are experienced, bringing years of dedication to the music scene. Back with a vengeance, the band is making more music and intends to take it to the road, rocking out their audiences with electrifying performances.Gregg talks about the two personalities involved in being a musician as he reflects on his personal self versus his wild performer self, described as letting loose and “coming alive”!! Gregg embraces the new music industry changes compared to a decade ago, talking about the closer gap between performer and audience as social media makes musicians more accessible, feeling more connected with audiences than ever. More to come with rock artist Gregg Lee and his band Paisty Jenny. Watch this space!https://paistyjenny.com/homehttps://youtu.be/eHvfoUwtqIwSupport the show

William Odell HughesA fabulous chat with the legendary Detroit singer-songwriter William Odell Hughes. This star began his music career at nine years of age in the late 60s. As he watched and learned from The Temptations and some of the greats to come out of Motown, the nine-year-old William witnessed some of the best times in music. Smokey Robinson, Anita Baker, Denise Williams were amongst these original legendary artists as William described “it was great to see them doing their thing!” William talks and compares the world of making music today, the pros and cons, and remains excited to be active in today's music industry.William grew up in Detroit and met Pamela Wise, a jazz pianist married to Wendell Harrison, who owned his own record label. A meet destined to happen between Pamela and William, as they shared the same bus route each day! This encounter was responsible for kick-starting William’s career for the next forty years!William’s album ‘Cruisin’ is full of soulful tunes, great jazzy vides and his EP ‘Soul Survivor’ sitting in the 70s roots of music. William’s music is impacting today's market and cementing the need for this niche. These timeless classics will never go out of fashion!William is now writing in multiple genres, covering dance, pop, Rap, European dance, love songs, uptempo, and ballads. His mission is to "cover a lot of ground" and be versatile. His music is being pushed into sync licensing.  We have a lot to come from this legendary musician!Tune in for a wonderful chat!https://lightintheattic.net/products/cruisin-lita-exclusivehttps://open.spotify.com/artist/3D9QvRzpVnNIg9Nwxgsylc?si=R3-bSCDhTeKy74GqiPpetgSupport the show

Left on ColfaxThe Radiation Tapes and I Ain't JudasTed and JJ Maestas make up this incredible team of long-distance writers and performing artists called Left on Colfax. The duo talk about their experience of songwriting and the benefits of expression for mental health. Tragic moments and personal loss have occurred in Ted’s life, but the brave musician states “pain doesn’t define us or our music” as he passionately continues his music career.JJ quotes, “Taking emotions and putting them into songs and onto paper, and belting out the songs is the best therapy there ever is!”Described as being in the best place musically than they’ve ever been before, this loyal and authentic duo talk about how maturity and experience have helped them hone their craft, producing quality music for their fans. These multi-instrumentalists and singers have lived through regret, resilience and hope, enhancing their ability for empathy as they speak honestly about taking ownership of choices in life. Back on the road to music, tune in to these guys and journey with them on their new venture!https://www.leftoncolfax.com/Watch the video on YouTube:https://youtu.be/c3YKj8Lh8zESupport the show

Joshua Lastine -  Entertainment lawyerThe go-to lawyer for drafting your contracts and negotiations.A great chat with Joshua Lastine, founder of Lastine Entertainment Law based in Los Angeles. Joshua considers himself a transactional entertainment lawyer for contracts and negotiations. Josh talks about the importance of legal and ethical protection through drafting and negotiating contracts within the entertainment business. He also gives some tips on how to protect yourself as an artist.Joshua advocates for the arts and works in multiple areas providing legal services to music producers, publishers, writers, musicians, agencies, management, record labels, actors, film and television, studios etc.Inspired by old-school Star Wars VHS movies, Josh shares how he watched the end of movies and was fascinated by how they were made. He took a great interest in the behind the scenes world including the business side of getting artists where they need to be, whether onstage or behind the mic.In 2011, he went to LA, and through personal connections, he reached an attorney for American Idol. Joshua landed his first job with American Idol in music licensing, accounting, business, and legal affairs. Hands-on, he watched the show and timed out the recordings, ensuring rights, usage, and licenses were above board. In 2014, Joshua worked with the top 30 Hollywood contestants as they signed their 360 deals with American Idol.His work relates heavily to film and talent representation but is not limited to. Bridging artists between undiscovered and discovery through legal representation, Joshua is the go-to lawyer.Joshua emphasises the importance of legal protection between artist and agency described like 'a perfect marriage!'"Brand awareness is a great way to self-protect" - Copyrighting and protection for your art.Joshua is also a professor and mentor, teaching ethics as well as legalities at the Los Angeles Film School.https://lastineentertainmentlaw.com/our-team/https://meltopia.co/Support the show

TEEDEEVEELyricist, storyteller, music performer and vocalist goes under the name of Teedeevee with his Afrobeat and Afropop music genres. This artist has a unique angle as he is qualified with a law degree making him an Attorney at Law. Graduated from the prestigious Faculty of Law at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. (LL.B), TDV talks about his latest single 'Up', as he expresses it's the only direction to go! TDV has been in the music industry for seven years producing unique lyrics and implementing African sounds described as the pivots of his music style.Tune in for a lovely chat!https://www.beyondmusic.org/artists/public/detailed/805https://www.facebook.com/Teedeeveeofficial/https://www.linkedin.com/in/teedeevee/Support the show

Lyricist Veronica Furman shares how she met Germany-based metal vocalist Andreas Ohnhaus and multi-instrumentalist Pascal Wieck. Veronica shares the moment when the magical fusion of their talents culminated in the rise of ‘Geister Deck’. Heavy and full in production, the impact of this metal band speaks for itself! Veronica is proud of their teamwork and can’t speak highly enough about the professionalism involved in the creation process. Her approach is fascinating as she draws from philosophy and her background in psychiatry for intense lyrical content. Their first EP includes the release of  ‘The Pain Within’, a power ballad strong in sound and high in emotion. Geister Deck are making a mark in the industry showcasing a broad appeal ensuring the reach of metal/rock fans worldwide!Spotify link:https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ADvtACw1sJ8y4AgWIv0lOSupport the show

Victoria SimmondsSinger-songwriter and actress Victoria Simmonds, guests on this show as she talks about her career in music and acting. This talented young lady gained a degree in theatre which has earned its place in her career today. Victoria shares her experiences of placing emotions in her lyrics and explains how the lyrics are enhanced by her music which completes the message.  Her passion for music and performing arts is clear as she shares the role of the arts in her own life.Her latest release is 'October Girl' which can be heard via the link below.https://open.spotify.com/track/6N8d2emmcNHipPht5gBvVxTune in for an entertaining chat!Support the show

A lovely fun chat with actor Nicholas John BrennanThis budding star was in Halle Berry's movie 'Bruised' back in 2019 and talks about his love for movies and acting. Beginning with his favourite actor Sean Connery and the classic Bond movies, Nick is also drawn to horror movies and describes the experience of playing out such characters as he leaves his true self behind. Nick talks about the realities of the film industry as he’s faced the drawbacks and the challenges but sees perseverance as the key to success.Nick's movies include: 'Benita', 'Black Night', and 'The Meadows' and the commercial 'Hilltop Nissan'Nick is about to explore his musical career and develop himself as a vocalist as he works on original rock material. This is an exciting time for Nick in his journey within the performing arts.For more information:https://actornickbrennan.wixsite.com/nick-brennan/biography Support the show

Award-winning singer, actor, recording artist and songwriter, Brian De Lorenzo features here with an exclusive interview sharing some of the most sensitive moments in his career. This Boston-based artist on the rise to fame tells us of his pilgrimage in music as he worked on his mental health and survived a rare form of cancer.  This wonderful, sweet and genuine soul not only survived but surpassed his challenges as his love for music cut through the traumas leading him where he is today. Brian talks of the pandemic unleashing the songwriter from within. He tells us of his development in this field leading to his latest single ' Things Will Get Better'. This is a fabulous interview and a must-see for all interested in cabaret and musical theatre performances. Brian is an inspiration for overcoming many adversities he faced on his musical journey. Tune in for a great chat!Single out now!https://briandelorenzo.com/Support the show

A chat with the lovely upcoming artist 'Aishvan Jeyapalan', based in Toronto, Canada. Aishvan tells us about his journey in music and how he engaged in vocal development.  This twenty-one-year-old artist started singing at around three years of age and has performed in talent shows, local competitions and recitals.  At sixteen, he released his first single, "Completely Incomplete", and debuted two independent projects, including his most recent effort 'NONE OF THIS WAS EASY'.He now balances life with being a student and pursues both avenues.Tune in for a lovely chat at Facing Mel's Music!www.aishvan.comSpotify Link to AishvanYouTubeSupport the show

A chat with Tony West, singer-songwriter and frontman of BLACKLIST UNION. Tony was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He discovered his passion for music at five and knew that music was his way forward. As a child, Tony faced severe struggles with abuse that shaped him. His lyrics today reflect with honesty the journey he endured. His approach to recovery is highly inspiring as he speaks of overcoming his pain and obstacles through finding spirituality. Tony reveals deeply personal topics as he talks of the passing of important people in his life and the impacts of his loss. Tony West is described as an open book as he shares his past traumas taking us to where he is today. Their brand-new single, "The Queen of Everything' is a powerful and emotional rock song that will tug at the heartstrings. BLACKLIST UNION has been hailed worldwide as the next big rock band. https://youtu.be/wmX26pdo-Zghttps://blacklistunion.com/Support the show

Chad Lewine is a heart-centred artist! He gives an honest chat and shares his opinions and feelings on spirituality and humanity giving emphasis on the importance of music being written from the heart with sincerity. This is a great conversation, and very entertaining! Chad is an activist and a leader using music as his vehicle to transcend his messages of love, peace and humanity. He believes in using the voice for the good and integrates positive affirmations into his songs for empowering people.  Chad has experienced adversity in his own life and writes all about what he lived through. Tune in for a great convo and enlightening experience!https://chadlewine.com/Support the show

A chat with the lovely Frank Blair of the rock band DROWN AGAIN. The Band DROWN AGAIN just released their first single and music video entitled Measure of Man. Off their upcoming 10-track album ‘EMERGE’, this single is an emotional rock song, with a music video that tugs at the heartstrings.The band formed internationally during the Covid-19 shutdown of the last year and a half, with members in Ireland and the USA. This was an unusual meeting of two dads with autistic sons. Singer of Scar For Life & Boneyard Dog and award-winning producer Rob Mancini and Guitarist Frank Blair of Neverwas and Chlorine Dream met after Frank, and his son had recorded some music together and needed a vocalist to finish off the song. Rob Mancini accepted the request to do vocals on the track. Rob also has a son with the affliction, and was eager to work on the project. Frank and Rob hit it off immediately and started working on new material after finishing the song.Support the show

Monique Angele - Sing Together on Christmas (New Single)Australian-Canadian singer-songwriter Monique began her career at the tender age of six years. Entering the world of ballet, her artistry grew as she developed her taste and interest, starting with the piano. Her lessons culminated in a Major in piano performance.The foundations of her vocal training lie firmly in the style of opera and musical theatre, and she is described as sounding similar to Kate Bush. Her influences extend to rock artists and bands such as Queen and Evanescence.Monique enjoys writing and creating “freely”, as she talks around the rules of classical music and feels her way is to be free.Monique draws plenty of natural inspiration and implements this into her music videos. Info on live performances can be found on her website, Monique loves to connect with people and feel the energy in a room with live audiences.Tune in to get to know this lovely lady!https://www.moniqueangele.com/Support the show

TV ShowA fantastic duo comprising two wonderful and successful artists who both excel as musicians in their own right. Between them, they take the roles of singers, songwriters and producers, creating quality music and content to be enjoyed by the family. Together, Swaddley & Dean have created a TV show for children with a strong appeal to adults as lyrics cleverly tap into inner child content. Drawing from their musical inspirations, The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, these videos are lively, bright, educational and emotionally intelligent, guaranteed to entertain and inform. Swaddley and Dean have carefully crafted their songs, paying attention to the diphthong, the phrase and the rhyming and have been described as extremely precise. These two musicians have spent time on the details and taken the project seriously to ensure that messages are perceived by the public as accurately as they were conveyed. You can hear snippets in this podcast!ULTRA SWADDLEY & DEAN are the adult version of this outfit. Explicitly aimed at adults, they are to release their single on the 16th of December, ‘Are You Worried’. These professionals play their single for us here in a live acoustic version as they pick up the guitar and perform it here in this show. A real treat!Tune in now!https://swaddlyanddean.com/https://youtu.be/qCw4vP5lW54Support the show

HOSSArtist and Founder of Funktasy Record Label & MagazineIranian-born Music Producer Hoss is both artist and founder of Funktasy Records & Magazine based in Ontario-Canada. Hoss’s journey into music is fascinating as he headed to Canada at the tender age of eleven and began his journey in music. Hoss gives us an insight into his entrance into the music industry from political, personal and cultural perspectives. His passion for music had Hoss search for instruments at a young age from the black market to pursue his passion. His label Funktasy, signs artists from various countries giving opportunity to those with low resources. He believes in giving artists a chance in the industry by delivering high-quality recordings and productions.Humble and passionate about helping financially underprivileged artists, music for Hoss is about a “soul’s pleasure rather than financial rewards”.  He didn’t become the rockstar he aimed to be but found great passion in helping artists succeed.Funktasy Magazine started as a blog and took off as a magazine with artists submitting demos. This company has been saturated ever since with brand-new artists, the latest articles and industry spotlights.This conversation develops into mental health and how fashion ties in with music. Hoss gives an interesting perspective on musicians becoming the designers of fashion. The effects of social media on mental health are highlighted in this interview, along with the elements of survival.   Support and passion are indeed behind this admirable company Funktasy Records & Magazine.Built from nothing but belief!https://www.funktasy.com/Support the show

Eric Walker featuring ACM Buddy MixStar Wars child star actor Eric Walker is in full throttle with his music career involving his lifelong friend ACM, Buddy Mix. ACM standing for Alpha Centauri Man, has teamed up with Eric to create original music with a twist of alien themes running throughout.‘Chaos’, originally composed as ONE WORLD for Michael Jackson took a turn when it landed in the hands of lyricist and composer Buddy Mix. Now wrapped in an alien character, this track totally changed direction and thrives in its success today.”Buddy ACM got a hold of it and flipped it!” – quotes Eric.These wonderful artists talk about their song ‘Chaos’ as a beautiful energy in the world that embraces diversity and celebrates differences.Eric Walker reflects on his time as a child star actor in Star Wars and what it was like being on set every day, “it was the hardest I worked”. A chat about children’s mental health led to conclusions about the style of care and dependency on parental support. Eric speaks of his dad with fondness, who sat with him every day and supported him yet always reminded Eric, “you’re going to be a nice guy for everybody”. Eric’s father is credited with a solid and loving environment, “it’s all about the upbringing,” says Eric. Buddy Mix has a successful background in the theatre industry, responsible for writing the music for the musical A Little Meditation. Buddy received an award at the Hollywood Roosevelt Theatre for best music director from the NAACP Theatre Award Committee. Later, Buddy was invited to write another musical for Dragula and was awarded Best New Musical by The Los Angeles Theatre Festival. Buddy is working on a music video with Daddy Andre and is looking forward to making an album with Eric Walker.This is an enlightening conversation with these two gentlemen as we tap into mental health and spirituality, the Laws of attraction, and the devotion needed to successfully pursue a career in the arts. Brand new single Chaos is out now!Support the show

From wheelchair-bound to breakdancer/ violinist, Asher talks of his journey overcoming illness and thriving through his love for music. A truly inspiring story is as he takes you through his experience of miraculously overcoming a physical disability and thriving thereafter. His talents are many as he talks about his medical degree and passion for science. This wonderful artist has depth and overcame an obstacle which will inspire people to continue believing in themselves.https://www.asherlaub.com/aboutSupport the show

This entertaining podcast features the fabulous Stephanie Carlin, who reveals much about spiritual growth and resilience. This lady talks about her music and spiritual journey with humorous chats! Running her successful Truth School, Steph talks about secret dreams brought to life by exploring the four R’s (resentment, rejection, regret, revenge). Steph helps young people keep their goals vibrating as she accompanies her clients to find faith, repair and heal. This great artist shares her feelings toward the music industry after walking away for seven years and re-entering with a new outlook after feeling heartbroken. This chat is guaranteed to entertain! Starting on a new album, Steph is moving away from her solo career as she moves into partnership with her loyal music collaborator. Together they are called Fore Fader, the Danish word ancestor.https://www.stephaniecarlin.com/Support the show

From counsellor to counsellor! An enlightening chat with the wonderful Soneakqua J. White. Covering topics about faith, purpose and meaning, Soneakqua shares her work largely related to artists and musicians. Her work extends to assisting high-end Ministers as they have responsibilities to the people who follow their word.  Throughout this podcast, she reveals how she helps clients discover their gifts, often described as 'buried gifts'. Soneakqua goes 'undercover' to help people discover their inner artist selves leading them to their true paths. Creatives and ministers are drawn to this gifted lady who, without a shadow of a doubt, has a pure soul. Soneakqua released her book ‘A Time to Heal’ and explains how this reflects her calling, now beneficial to others who are experiencing the same. Her need to heal family issues shifted throughout the making of this book as she discovered a process for healing others. Her book ‘Red Flag’ is trauma-related, offering insights to recognise the triggers.Soneakqua has courses you can attend and read about via her website. She tells an amazing story of encountering her angels who saved her life as a car accident was about to happen but didn't! Tune in to listen!‘Coaching the Called’ to be released in Augusthttps://www.soneakquajwhite.com/Support the show