An Interview With

Melissa James

SEASON 5 | EPISODE 92 | 6 JAN 2025

Unlocking Your Creative Voice Through Music and Nature

Singer-songwriter Melissa James shares her journey of self-discovery and the healing power of music

⏰ Timecodes YouTube ⏰ 

0:00:00 Introduction of Melissa James and her music

0:01:15 Melissa discusses the similarities in weather between Melbourne and London

0:03:01 She shares her early musical journey and suppression of her singing

0:08:38 Melissa’s transition to Paris and increased musical pursuits

0:14:18 She talks about her long journey of accepting herself as a singer

0:19:34 Melissa encourages people to experiment with making simple sounds

0:22:49 We talk about her “Live Again” project and its impact

0:32:11 The importance of connecting with nature and finding one’s voice

0:41:36 Melissa’s practical tips for starting a singing/expression practice

0:44:12 Closing thoughts and encouragement for listeners

In this episode, I am joined by the talented singer-songwriter Melissa James. We explore how music and nature can unlock your creative voice and spark personal transformation. Melissa shares her inspiring journey of overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations to fully embrace her passion for music.

We delve into her struggles with finding her voice—both literally and figuratively—and the pivotal role that connecting with the natural world played in her creative awakening. Melissa also opens up about her impactful “Live Again” project, which uses music to foster mental health awareness and empower individuals to shine.

Whether you are an aspiring artist or someone seeking to connect with your inner voice, Melissa offers actionable tips on incorporating music and self-expression into your life. From embracing silence and reflection to simply creating sound, her advice will inspire you to embark on your own creative journey.

Tune in to discover the transformative power of music and how it can help you reconnect with yourself. This conversation is packed with inspiration, practical wisdom, and heart. Don’t miss it!

About Melissa James

“Best current British blues singer I know.” – The words of BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson who has long given a nod of approval to the work of this singer-songwriter. Melissa James is, however, much more than a blues singer.

Intuition guided Melissa’s creative decision of recording her second album – “Stripped Back” – in a pared down setting. Her naked voice intimately placed against the backdrop of just the guitar played by Tom Gamble or the piano played by Arthur Lea. All this gave space for her own voice and plight to clearly emerge. Later, rising from this understanding was the idea of Sing for Sane – a Big Sing and mental health initiative in which Melissa would extend invitations to anyone who wanted to sing with her to come and do just that. People from all walks of life would stand alongside her in public spaces, and during her concert performances, to sing on stage.

Melissa captures the audience with her own set intention which is to emit love through her music. This is evident through the emotion in her voice and her songs which see rootsy folk-blues traverse jazz and gospel tones.

Melissa has recently completed a run of West End shows in Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution.

“James takes all of her musical loves – jazz, blues, soul, folk –and wraps them up into songs that achieve an astonishing array of moods and emotions.” – Jazzwise

“Melissa’s vocals are sensitive, soulful and emotional…” – Maverick

 

                                                                                                                Connect with Melissa on social media

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