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Meet Melissa James (Performer of heartfelt harmony)
Melissa James is no ordinary artist. With a rich tapestry of talents, she is a singer, songwriter, actor, performer whose artistry flows seamlessly into activism, public speaking, and community engagement. Her mantra, “Music is my pathway into other people’s hearts,” perfectly encapsulates the depth and reach of her work. From the stage to the gallery, and from mental health initiatives to workshops, Melissa’s journey is wonderfully multifaceted.
Mark and Melissa loved their many conversational detours in Melissa's interview as a full member. They discussed her work and created her fantasy cultural year, which was so great Melissa wished it could be real!
Songbird Takes Flight: Early Years
Born and raised in North West London, Melissa grew up surrounded by soulful sounds and the calypso rhythms her West Indian parents adored.
The soundtrack of her youth expanded during her time at Sussex University, where she discovered blues legends like Bessie Smith, igniting her passion for music.
It was in Paris, during her formative years, that Melissa found her artistic voice, honing hr craft with guitarist James Wilson and bassist Marten Ingle while performing in bars across the city.
Blossoming as a Songwriter
Upon returning to London, Melissa embraced her calling to tell her own stories. With the encouragement of her singing teacher, she began writing songs in collaboration with Ross Lorraine, leading to a creative partnership that continues today. Her debut album, Day Dawns (2012), showcased her soulful storytelling and vocal prowess, blending original songs with moving interpretations of classics.
Stripped Back and Fearless
Melissa’s 2016 release, Stripped Back, marked a bold step forward. The album’s minimalist arrangements of voice, piano, and guitar laid bare her emotional core, highlighting raw and intimate performances.
Tracks like “Live Again” and “Troubled” offered listeners a glimpse into her vulnerabilities, triumphs, and ongoing journey of self-discovery. “These are very personal songs where I’m really giving something of myself,” Melissa reflects. The project’s stark honesty resonated deeply, both in its music and in its powerful black-and-white cover art.
Music with a Mission
In 2016, Melissa’s song “Live Again” became the cornerstone of her mental health initiative, Sing for Sane (previously SING4SANE). What began as a pop-up Big Sing event in a Heathrow café evolved into a fully-fledged movement, culminating in a recording session at RAK Studios.
Proceeds from the charity single go directly to SANE, highlighting Melissa’s commitment to destigmatising mental health struggles. Her workshops and Big Sing events invite audiences to join her on stage, blending music with meaningful action.
A Gallery of Causes
Melissa’s creative endeavours extend beyond music into event organisation. In 2013, she launched Gig in a Gallery, a series of concerts held in art spaces to raise funds for charities. The initiative’s finale featured an auction with memorabilia from icons like Boy George and performances by renowned artists, including Tom Robinson.
Conversations and Compassion
The murder of George Floyd in 2020 spurred Melissa to create Stronger on Sundays, an online platform for conversations around racism and injustice. Combining live music with heartfelt dialogue, this initiative exemplifies Melissa’s ability to hold space for healing and change through art.
Acting and Performing
In September 2023, Melissa debuted as a professional actor, playing the role of Stenographer (and understudying Janet Mackenzie) in Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution at London’s Old County Hall. Her foray into theatre is another chapter in her ever-evolving career as a performer.
The Heart of Her Work
Melissa’s artistry is inseparable from her activism. Whether she’s organising a charity concert, hosting a singing workshop, or creating spaces for difficult conversations, her work is varied and holds something in common: the power of music and community. From her soulful albums to her thought-provoking initiatives, Melissa James continues to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide.
A Fantasy Cultural Year: Melissa's Artistic Journey Around the World
Imagine ... you're outside London's iconic Southbank Centre, the sun is setting over the Thames, and a book of wisdom rests by your side. This marks the beginning of a vibrant year-long journey, where cultural exploration intertwines with personal passions.
Watch Melissa's fantasy cultural year above.
The adventure starts in London, before heading to Dakar, Senegal, where you’ll immerse yourself in a year of musical outreach. Engaging with communities, you create connections through group singing, blending performance with cultural exchange. Along the way, you'll perform, host workshops, and even land a TED Talk and book deal titled Teach the World to Sing.
In Dakar, you're greeted with world-class hospitality, exploring local and global arts. You attend an Alvin Ailey dance performance, savour spicy Thai cuisine, and step into the works of photographers Robert Mapplethorpe and Annie Leibovitz via immersive VR at a digital art gallery.
Throughout the year, personal moments intertwine with grand spectacles. From watching gymnastics to savoring intimate dinners with dream guests Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin, the experience is as deeply personal as it is globally enriching.
Concerts: A magical Brian Adams show.
Theater & Film: A Raisin in the Sun, The Color Purple, and Singin’ in the Rain.
Opera & Dance: La Bohème paired with Tosca and an Alvin Ailey masterpiece.
Musical Exploration: A deep dive into roots music—blues, folk, gospel, and more.
Art: Immersive experiences with legendary photographers.
After a whirlwind year, the first listen upon returning is Purcell's Dido's Lament, marking a reflective close to this fantasy adventure. Whether through art, food, or conversation, the year epitomises the richness of cultural connection and creativity.
You can find Melissa via her website here, LinkedIn here, Instagram here, Facebook here, YouTube here.
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Mark Walmsley FRSA FCIM AGSM
Chief Culture Vulture
Arts & Culture Network
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