tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=3Latest News2023-12-30T15:22:18-05:00Melissa D falsetag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/73262112023-12-30T15:22:18-05:002024-03-28T01:55:08-04:00My music on public radio plus a new video <p><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>Hey, I have some wonderful news! My version of Jingle Bells is going to be played on Vermont Public Radio! VPR is showcasing local music artists on a special show that will air on Friday December 29th at noon and again on Saturday, December 30th at 6pm. You can listen either on the radio at 107.9 FM if you are in Vermont or stream it at </span></font><a class="no-pjax" href="http://vermontpublic.org/" target="_blank"><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span><u>vermontpublic.org</u></span></font></a><br><br><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>This version of Jingle Bells is from my Christmas album called CHILL Christmas Unplugged from when I was in an acoustic duo called CHILL. If you would like to purchase/stream this song or the album it is available on </span></font><a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/album/chill-christmas-unplugged" target="_blank"><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span><u>Bandcamp.</u></span></font></a><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span> Visit </span></font><a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/album/chill-christmas-unplugged" target="_blank"><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span><u>here </u></span></font></a><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>to check in out. </span></font></p><p><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>I also made a fun video to go with the song that you can check out </span></font><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/ODLyOsUKihw?si=T9jfFgeGpTqB3zPL" data-link-type="url"><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>here</span></font></a><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>. It feels like you are on a virtual sleighride when you watch it. Try to pull it up on a bigger screen for a more immersive experience! </span></font></p><p><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>Come take a sleigh ride with me! 😉 </span></font><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/ODLyOsUKihw?si=MUCdfRcJefVYkiZy" target="_blank"><u>Jingle Bells Video</u></a><br><br><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>I am excited about this huge milestone and to be featured amongst so many incredible Vermont artists. To be honest it's been a rough couple of months(if you receive my Songbird email updates, you know why) So to receive this fabulous news is like seeing a bright shining star luminating in the night and gives me a sense of hope and that things are turning around and that 2024 will be filled with fun and blessings for all of us. </span></font><br><br><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>Talk soon and thank you for your ongoing support and love. </span></font><br><br><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>All the best,</span></font><br><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>💜Melissa D</span></font></p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/73112642023-11-29T22:06:15-05:002023-12-28T12:15:14-05:00Fall/Early Winter Updates <p><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>Its been a minute, My use of social media has been less frequent lately. I have been enjoying some time away from the screens creating music. </span></font><br><br><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>I have a new song called "Songbird" that I want to share with you soon, plus others that I am working on. I don't have the funds to do fully produced studio recordings at this time but have a better microphone set up now on my laptop and phone so that I can make better quality acoustic recordings. </span></font><br><br><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>I have posted a few new videos on YouTube, you can check out </span></font><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQFmQ0ciUKT5qoN1ChUFrg" target="_blank"><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span><u>here.</u></span></font></a><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span> I am setting up a time to interview Matt Steady, an amazing musician from the UK(his work is </span></font><a class="no-pjax" href="https://mattsteady.com/" target="_blank"><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span><u>here</u></span></font></a><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>) - fun fact - he has played electric guitar on some of my tracks! You can here him on the guitar solo in Little Girl - </span></font></p><p><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>Thank you for your support and see you out there either online or in person! </span></font><br><br><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>All the best,</span></font><br><font face="arial, helvetica neue, helvetica, sans-serif"><span>💜Melissa D</span></font><br> </p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/72129622023-05-21T14:24:17-04:002023-11-16T07:11:29-05:00WOW! I'm Leaving TikTok in Style - See My Hilarious New Tune!<p><span style="color:rgb(96,96,96);">A couple of blog posts back, I mentioned that I wrote a funny song about not doing TikTok anymore. Here is a video where you can check it out and have a chuckle. </span></p><p>>>><a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/Uyt9qswnifc" data-link-type="url">Goofy TikTok Song</a><<<</p><p>Enjoy!</p><p><span style="color:rgb(96,96,96);">All the best 💜Melissa D </span></p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/71998272023-04-29T11:55:49-04:002023-05-20T01:38:48-04:00In case you haven't heard 👂<p><span style="color:#606060;">An acoustic performance of a new song called "Angel's Song" is now available as an MP3, FLAC or stream on my Bandcamp site. There is also a video of the live performance to watch there as well. You can listen/watch </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/track/angels-song" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#6DC6DD;">here</span><span style="color:#606060;"> </span></a><br><br><span style="color:#606060;">This song will only be available as a video on YouTube and on my Bandcamp site. I will not be adding it to the major platforms(like Spotify, Apple etc..) If you want to check it out on YouTube you can go</span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/track/angels-song" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#606060;"> </span></a><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp3wWipkDeE" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#6DC6DD;">here</span><span style="color:#606060;"> </span></a></p><p><span style="color:#606060;">I wanted to give a shout out to Tim Ellifritz and Pete Plumley who captured this live performance. They did such an incredible job at recording/mixing my vocals and guitar and put some real magic into this simple, little song that has a big heart and longed to be out in the world and now that has happened thank to the amazing team at Ten Elephants Studios. </span><br><br><span style="color:#606060;">I have a 23 second video that sums up the meaning behind the song if you want to "nerd out" a bit more about it ;-) it can be found </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zpibbvCR-EI" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#6DC6DD;">here</span></a><br><br><span style="color:#606060;">All the best</span><br><span style="color:#606060;">💜Melissa D </span><br><br> </p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/71909922023-04-15T13:55:21-04:002023-04-15T13:55:21-04:00A Few Changes Around Here! 😲<p><span style="color:rgb(96,96,96);">I have several updates. I have been on a hiatus the past 10 weeks. I needed to take a breath and a break and recharge and mindfully decide the next steps on my journey. </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(96,96,96);">I am listening to divine guidance a lot more now in my life and am learning better self care and this has been the year of decluttering, physically, emotionally and letting go figuratively and literally of things that no longer serve me in both my personal and professional life. </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(96,96,96);">As an empathic and sensitive person that tends to care "too much," it is easy for me to get swept up in the world's needs and lose touch with what I need/want so this has been both challenging and liberating at the same time. This has also been such a time of healing and growth for me.</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(96,96,96);">Three changes in terms of my music, One is I will no longer be doing TikTok. I wrote a funny song about it and will be sharing it in the weeks ahead so stay tuned! I have also stopped posting on Twitter for similar reasons. Maybe I will do those platforms again someday when I have a bigger team that can help me share stuff but for now it is not serving me and my highest good. </span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(96,96,96);">I have also decided to change the name of my mailing list from "Kindred" to "Songbird". This move was inspired by stumbling across a children's book called "Willie Was Different" by Norman Rockwell. The message resonated with me in a BIG way and spoke to my inner child(I literally got chills when I read it) and why I do music and am feeling guided to make that change as it reflects better who I am and my purpose. </span><br> </p><p><span style="color:rgb(96,96,96);">I appreciate you being on this journey with me and am looking forward to sharing the road ahead with you.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(96,96,96);">All the best,</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(96,96,96);">Melissa D</span></p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/71389002023-01-16T20:13:58-05:002023-04-15T07:53:43-04:00It's that time of year again...<p>Happy 2023! Hope its been kind to you so far. </p>
<p>It's that time of year again... where I donate to the local animal shelter with 10% of the proceeds that were received from my VIP community in the previous year(2022). </p>
<p>I wanted to let my VIP members know (in case you missed it in the community post) that I just sent the donation over to Homeward Bound Humane Society in Middlebury, VT for 2022. </p>
<p>Homeward Bound is a community-centered shelter that supports the human-animal bond through compassionate care, adoption, education, and advocacy. Your support of my music has made a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals.**high five!! Here is a link to their website if you would like to learn more about them. <br><a contents="https://www.homewardboundanimals.org/&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/community">https://www.homewardboundanimals.org/ </a></p>
<p>If you are not in the VIP community, I would like to invite you to join! You get access to my entire catalog of music - stuff you won't find on Spotify or the other major platforms plus lots of other stuff - too much to type out so its easier to visit <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/community">here</a> to learn more. </p>
<p>Thanks for all that you do and for being you! 💜 </p>
<p>All the best, <br>Melissa D</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/71216352022-12-12T12:22:53-05:002022-12-28T22:04:08-05:00Help me find myself ;-)<p>I've recently updated my social media handles and my Bandcamp site so that they reflect better what I do and are now the same on all the platforms. Heads up: You might notice some broken links if you have me favored in any of your web pages. A bit of an inconvenience at first but will make it easier for people to find me in the long run. </p>
<p>So all my social media platforms now have the same handle @melissadsings and the Bandcamp store and listening room is now <a contents="melissadsings.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/">melissadsings.com</a>(you can also access my store thru the main website <a contents="melissadmusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://melissadmusic.com/">melissadmusic.com</a>) </p>
<p>My Vermont Made Songs custom songwriting business can be found at <a contents="melissadmusic.com/custom-songs" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://melissadmusic.com/custom-songs">melissadmusic.com/custom-songs</a> which is a page on the main website. </p>
<p>I hope that you are having a wonderful holiday season so far. I appreciate you and your support and helping me find myself ;-) </p>
<p>All the best, <br>Melissa D</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/70691732022-09-26T19:12:20-04:002023-03-06T11:42:33-05:00Justice is served <p>Just a quick note to let you know that a stripped down mix of my song Justice is now streaming on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://share.amuse.io/track/melissa-d-justice-stripped-down-mix" data-link-type="url" contents="most major platforms&nbsp;">most major platforms </a>and is now available at my <a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.com/track/justice-stripped" data-link-type="url" contents="store.">store.</a> </p><p>To listen at my store go <a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.com/track/justice-stripped" data-link-type="url" contents="here">here</a> </p><p>To listen on your favorite streaming platform go <a class="no-pjax" href="https://share.amuse.io/track/melissa-d-justice-stripped-down-mix" data-link-type="url" contents="here.&nbsp;">here. </a><br>Thank you for being you and for your support.</p><p>All the best</p><p>Melissa D </p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/69039252022-02-22T10:57:41-05:002022-07-30T05:36:37-04:00New paths!<p>On February 27th I will be releasing my last episode of Crooning & Coffee, my You Tube show, for awhile. I might pick up doing the show again at a later time, but for now I am headed down a new path, focusing on some other projects. I will keep you posted on updates and will still post random video clips and shenanigans 😉 I have enjoyed doing this series since 2019 and it kept me sane during the toughest months of the pandemic. Most of the episodes will be available for binge watching on You Tube for many years to come. 💜☕🎤🎵</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/68769722022-01-22T14:04:57-05:002023-03-06T11:44:08-05:00I'm a little late getting this done<p>I hope that your 2022 is off to a good start. </p><p>I wanted to let my Crooning & Coffee Club supporters know (in case you missed it in the community post) that I have recently made a donation to Rutland County Humane Society with 10% of the proceeds that were received in 2021 from this community.(I'm a bit late getting it out this year. Usually I do it the first week of January.) </p><p>RCHS is a shelter in Vermont that rescues dogs and cats(and other small animals too like bunnies) and finds homes for them. Your support of my music has made a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals. Here is a link to their website if you would like to learn more about them.<a class="no-pjax" href="https://rchsvt.org/" data-link-type="url" contents="&nbsp;https://rchsvt.org/&nbsp;"> https://rchsvt.org/ </a></p><p>The other cool thing is that our donation was made as part of the #BettyWhiteChallenge that the shelter was part of and they doubled everything that went to them under that campaign. </p><p>If you are not in my subscription community, I would love to have you! You get access to my entire catalog of music plus bonus tracks and lots of other stuff(like helping homeless animals) too numerous to fit into this post. Visit <a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/crooning-club" data-link-type="url" contents="here">here</a> to check it out. </p><p>Thank you so much for your support and for being in my world ❤😁🐾🎵 <br>Peace <br>Melissa </p><p> </p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/67598712021-09-28T13:04:52-04:002023-03-06T11:45:51-05:00It's here! It's here! :-) <p>My new song Justice is officially out in the world and now available on all the major streaming platforms. Go <a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/track/justice" data-link-type="url" contents="here">here</a> to have a listen! </p><p>To celebrate the occasion, I had some cool t-shirts made up. A shout out to Mandy Wheeler(Vermont artist who does my graphic designs and cover art) who did an amazing job on them! You can check those out <a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/merch/justice-t-shirt-sizes-xs-xl" data-link-type="url" contents="here">here</a>. Purchase of a t-shirt comes with a digital download of the song! </p><p>💜<br>Melissa</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/66027012021-04-13T11:10:22-04:002021-10-31T22:30:08-04:00Spring/dog playlist and new videos<p>Spring is FINALLY here in Vermont. There are infant green buds on the trees and Spring peepers chirping. Some areas, they are so loud that it is ear piercing! </p>
<p>I wanted to let you know that I created a dog playlist on YouTube. It is a playlist of 30 songs to honor our canine companions. A mix of nostalgic favorites and some new hidden indie gems. I had so much fun putting it together. :-) You can listen <a contents="here.&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcU9i9kZA30RCuu7KVTHFqfX6Q6C7rlJx">here.</a></p>
<p>Speaking of YouTube, I have added<a contents=" 4&nbsp;new videos" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQFmQ0ciUKT5qoN1ChUFrg"> 3 new videos</a> since my last blog post, all covers of some of my favorite songs including an Island vibe song(Bob Marely) to help coax Spring here a bit quicker. I think it worked ;-) <br>peace <br>Melissa</p>
<p>P.S If you enjoy my music and what I bring to the world and would also like to help out homeless animals, I would love to have you in my Crooning & Coffee Club. Link below if you want to learn more. <br><a contents="&gt;&gt;&gt;Crooning &amp; Coffee Club&lt;&lt;&lt;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vermontmadesongs.bandcamp.com/crooning-club">>>>Crooning & Coffee Club<<<</a></p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/65946372021-04-05T11:30:44-04:002023-03-06T11:38:31-05:00🌹New Spring video and quiet little corners<p>If you like dogs and Spring weather, then I think you will enjoy my new video that I released recently for my song Belly & Boots. </p><p>It's a sweet little song about the joys of being out in the warm sun and hanging out with dogs. It was inspired by an early Spring walk with my dog named Roosevelt.(his belly is low to the ground and collects mud...lol) You can check it out <a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/t0jCYHazwWo" data-link-type="url" contents="here.">here.</a> </p><p>I also wanted to let you know that I created a video page on my website with all of my official videos so that you can watch and enjoy them on a quiet little corner of the internet without getting interrupted by ads and other distractions that you tend to see on the mainstream platforms. That link is below <br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/video" data-link-type="url" contents="&gt;&gt;quiet little corner for videos&lt;&lt;&nbsp;">>>quiet little corner for videos<< </a></p><p>peace <br>Melissa</p><p>***Music for the Slower Parts of Your Journey***</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/65588172021-02-25T18:38:22-05:002021-10-31T22:30:54-04:00February warmth <p>I sure am looking forward to Spring! Its been a cold and snowy winter this year in Vermont! </p>
<p>I have been tucked up indoors keeping warm and writing songs and making videos. I have added 5 new videos to my YouTube channel since the start of 2021. You can visit my channel <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQFmQ0ciUKT5qoN1ChUFrg">here</a> to check them out. </p>
<p>I did a <a contents="Prince song on my uke" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/wGTIQCK6NqA">Prince song on my uke</a> and a couple of other covers plus 2 original song videos. </p>
<p>Speaking of original songs, One of the videos is an <a contents="episode&nbsp;of Crooning &amp; Coffee" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/zGoFEdIR5LY">episode of Crooning & Coffee</a> and it is a new song that I wrote called Justice. I am working on making a studio recording of this and will be releasing as a single this year so stay tuned. For the raw version of the song go <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/zGoFEdIR5LY">here</a>. </p>
<p>Hope these videos brighten up your day and keep you warm! (one video literally has a fire in it!!..lol) </p>
<p>xoxo<br>Melissa</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/64893122020-12-01T12:08:55-05:002024-03-28T01:55:08-04:00Holiday 2020❄<p>In case you missed it, I wanted to let you know that I have released a new official video for my song "Letting Go" off the Little Girl EP. If you like snow and nature then you will definitely enjoy this. You can check it out <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfWtzPni7Io" data-link-type="url" contents="here">here</a>. </p><p>I have released 2 new Crooning & Coffee episodes since my last update. The most recent one was a brand new song that I wrote called "No, I Won't." You can find those <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQFmQ0ciUKT5qoN1ChUFrg?" data-link-type="url" contents="here">here</a> at my YouTube channel. </p><p>I have never been one for Black Friday. I prefer to stay home the day after Thanksgiving and enjoy animal snuggles, movies and leftovers preferably in my PJ's. However, I still want to offer my most loyal supporters some kind of deal. </p><p>So I have decided to offer 20% off everything in <a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.com/merch" data-link-type="url" contents="my&nbsp;store">my store</a> until December 8th. A kind of non black Friday deal. Type in "peace" as your discount code at checkout. </p><p>If you have been wanting to support my work but haven't had a chance yet, now is the perfect time with this deal to grab something special. Along with CDs and downloads(Christmas album anyone? Its officially ok to start singing Christmas songs...lol) I also have unique stuff like pillows, journals and bean bag chairs! Here is the link <br>>>><a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.com/merch" data-link-type="url" contents="My Store">My Store</a><<< </p><p>Wishing you a relaxing and warm holiday season. Stay safe and take extra good care of you. </p><p>peace <br>Melissa</p><p>***Music for the Slower Parts of Your Journey***</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/64675242020-10-31T15:26:10-04:002021-10-31T22:32:30-04:00Fall Updates 2020 - Halloween AND a full moon??!!<p>Happy Halloween and full moon that started early this morning! There is an "anything can happen" feeling in the air today. </p>
<p>Since my last update, I have posted several new Crooning & Coffee episodes plus some gorgeous Vermont fall foliage footage on my YouTube channel. If you want to catch up you can visit my channel <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQFmQ0ciUKT5qoN1ChUFrg">here</a>. </p>
<p>My other update is I was featured in Indie Band Guru's October edition of Artist to watch in 2020. Go <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://indiebandguru.com/artist-to-watch-in-2020-october-edition-melissa-d/?fbclid=IwAR1pA739bJydjki5Lu2RbnLATR0PMIsx4elLY5wvVwwqW2XgnCo95Lv4udk">here</a> to read the full feature. </p>
<p>Other exciting news, I am in process of setting up recording equipment in my home so that I can record vocals and then send them to my producer's studio that way I can keep releasing music during the pandemic. </p>
<p>I have not been able to do recording since March because the studio I typically work in is not set up for social distancing and one cannot wear a mask when singing. </p>
<p>Having my own studio set up is going to open up more opportunities to collaborate with other artists, musicians and producers plus get my current workflow up and running again. </p>
<p>How are you? Any Halloween plans? Talk soon! </p>
<p>love & light<br>Melissa</p>
<p>***Music for the Slower Parts of Your Journey***</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/64121292020-08-18T14:19:50-04:002023-03-06T11:53:50-05:00August Tidbits <p>How has your summer been? I hope you have been doing things that bring you joy. </p><p>I have hit 20 episodes on my <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQFmQ0ciUKT5qoN1ChUFrg" data-link-type="url" contents="YouTube series Crooning &amp;&nbsp;Coffee">YouTube series Crooning & Coffee</a>. I have done quite a few episodes outside this summer! If you would like to binge watch and catch up you can click <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQFmQ0ciUKT5qoN1ChUFrg" data-link-type="url" contents="here.">here.</a> </p><p>Over the week-end I released an official video featuring the title track from the Little Girl EP. It's a women's empowerment video with a positive message for women and girls of all ages. You can check that out <a class="no-pjax" href="https://youtu.be/feixpG4Ou1s" data-link-type="url" contents="here">here</a>. </p><p>I just added some unique and relaxing merch items to my store. Not the typical stuff you see at merch tables at live shows, but then again we are not living in typical times. 20% off discount till the end of the month if you see something that catches your eye. Just type in "Summer" as the code at check out. You can visit by clicking the link below. </p><p>>>><a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/merch" data-link-type="url" contents="My Store">My Store</a><<< </p><p>I really appreciate your support. Feel free to post in the comments below! Let me know how you are doing. I love hearing from you guys,</p><p>love & light</p><p>Melissa</p><p>***Music for the Slower Parts of Your Journey***</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/63672412020-06-26T11:47:36-04:002024-01-28T15:22:20-05:00I'm doing the happy dance here!<p>I am so excited to announce that my EP Little Girl is officially out into the world. You can listen, stream and buy >>><a class="no-pjax" href="https://snd.click/yart5" data-link-type="url" contents="here ">here </a><<<</p><p>It's on most major platforms where you find music. </p><p>You can also buy it directly from my store >>><a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/album/little-girl" data-link-type="url" contents="here">here</a> <<<</p><p>I had a small run of physical CD's made up so those are also available at my store under the<a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/merch" data-link-type="url" contents=" merch tab."> merch tab.</a> </p><p>To celebrate the occasion I had some <a class="no-pjax" href="https://vermontmadesongs.bandcamp.com/merch/little-girl-journal" data-link-type="url" contents='"Little Girl" journals'>"Little Girl" journals</a><a data-link-type="url" contents='"Little Girl" journals'> </a>made up and they are now available(UPDATE - NO LONGER AVAILABLE) and they come with a free download of the EP. These came out really cool! They are perfect for capturing your daily thoughts, gratitude list making or just jotting down things to remember. </p><p>Thank you so much for your support. I can't wait for you to hear it!</p><p>All the best</p><p>Melissa D</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/63359692020-05-30T11:38:38-04:002024-01-28T15:24:08-05:00I pushed the button!<p>I did it! </p><p>I pushed the publish button in my store and streaming of my NEW EP, Little Girl is now available early for folks that are Kindred Top Dog supporters. If you are a member then you should have it in your music collection now. </p><p>If you're like, "what the heck is Kindred Top Dog?" Excellent question! ;-) </p><p>It is my <a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/community" data-link-type="url" contents="patron community on Bandcamp&nbsp;">patron community on Bandcamp </a>where folks get all my releases early and discounts off cool merch and lots of other goodies plus 10% of the proceeds go to help homeless dogs and cats. Go <a class="no-pjax" href="https://melissadsings.bandcamp.com/community" data-link-type="url" contents="here">here</a> to check it out and hear the EP a <strong>month early</strong> before the official release date of June 26th. </p><p>xoxo<br>Melissa</p><p>***Music for the Slower Parts of Your Journey***</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/63133502020-05-12T11:02:31-04:002021-10-31T22:37:43-04:00I made a decision <p><strong>Big Update</strong>: You all voted unanimously after getting my community email that you would like to see my songs that are completed get out into the world, especially now! If you didn't receive the email you can join my free email community called Kindred by clicking <a contents="here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vermontmadesongs.net/">here.</a> </p>
<p>Based on your support and me spending some time meditating on this, I have decided to release my songs, completed so far, in an EP format instead of waiting post pandemic and releasing a full album. When it is safe to get into the studio again, I will release the other songs as singles. </p>
<p><strong>My release date will be June 26th! </strong> </p>
<p>If you are part of my Kindred Top Dog community you will get this release waaaayyy before June 26th.(end of May,June 1st at the latest) If you would like to be among the first to hear it, you can join my patron KTD community by visiting <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vermontmadesongs.bandcamp.com/kindred-top-dog">here</a>. 10% of proceeds go to help homeless dogs and cats. </p>
<p>I just added a few cool <a contents="merch" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vermontmadesongs.com/merch">merch</a> items to my store as well that I think you will enjoy! </p>
<p>I know a lot of people have been hit with tough financial times due to pandemic so please only support/purchase if you are able to. </p>
<p>sending peace and light <br>Melissa</p>
<p>***Music for the Slower Parts of Your Journey*** </p>
<p> </p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/62871242020-04-19T12:45:58-04:002021-10-31T22:38:06-04:00Soothing Playlist for tough times<p>Hey there! </p>
<p>I hope that you are hanging in there during these tough times. I wanted to share a <a contents="soothing YouTube playlist" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUH-O7BPEpAMnAz6rwDX_nmHix7PSPXdM">soothing YouTube playlist</a> that a colleague of mine created that will help you relax and escape from the anxiety provoking news feeds and 24 hour news cycles. </p>
<p>My song "End of the Day" is on there. Its the one with the Spring peepers/river and campfire clips that were recorded in my backyard here in Vermont. My cover version of Fire & Rain is also on there. Plus you will find lots of sweet and mellow songs that are calming and peaceful. You can check it out <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUH-O7BPEpAMnAz6rwDX_nmHix7PSPXdM">here</a>. </p>
<p>sending you a huge virtual hug.</p>
<p>Melissa</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/62256132020-02-24T09:52:46-05:002021-10-31T22:38:37-04:003 songs to go!!!<p>Hello from the future! It feels that way, right? I can't believe its 2020. </p>
<p>In case you missed it, I wanted to let you know that I have a new series on You Tube called Crooning & Coffee. It is a bi-weekly show where I share originals and covers songs with you! I'll bring the crooning and you bring the coffee! :-) To check it out go <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQFmQ0ciUKT5qoN1ChUFrg">here</a></p>
<p>I also wanted to let you know that I am 3 songs away from my album release! I apologize for the delays. I know some of you have messaged me asking on the status of this so wanted to send out a community update. I was hoping to have it out this winter but have been hit TWICE with a nasty cold/flu that made it difficult to sing! I have been making my health a priority and am doing much better. </p>
<p>I am looking at a Spring release and will be in the studio over the next 2 months wrapping up my vocals. </p>
<p>If you would like to be the first to receive this album before the general public, I want to invite you to become a Kindred Top Dog Member. Its a chance to support Independent music and 10% of the proceeds go to help homeless dogs and cats plus there are lots of other goodies (such as access to my back catalog of releases) and too much to put in this blog. If you want to learn more you can check it out <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vermontmadesongs.bandcamp.com/kindred-top-dog">here</a>.</p>
<p>I appreciate your support whether you become a member or not. I'm so happy to have you in this community and am grateful that I get to live my dreams of recording and releasing music! </p>
<p>peace, <br>Melissa</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/58264832019-07-16T15:37:34-04:002021-10-31T22:39:12-04:00My first hater! <p>Everyone warned me! When you put yourself out there in a big way, especially online, you will get haters. I have been hit on and had people say jerky things but have not experienced any real hate online....until today. I knew this day would come and was worried about it because I am sensitive and have a history of people pleasing/wanting people to like me etc. However, I was bullied in school so I am no stranger to hate so I think this has helped me around unpacking this first negative online experience. </p>
<p>To be honest, I have also been holding back my true self in some ways and not embracing the real me but I have been doing a lot of inner work the last year or so and am learning that I am not responsible for other people's feelings and when people are triggered and hateful when you are being yourself and living your true life, it says more about them than it does about you. I have also been more open with my opinions and feelings about things instead of worrying about what other people think! You see, I grew up believing that I had to be a "nice" girl and to not rock the boat or say things that might upset people and have learned to censor myself. I have been a "careful good girl" with others for most of my life, quietly rebelling behind the scenes and doing my own thing and getting my feelings out thru journaling or music. </p>
<p>This does not mean that I endorse being unkind or mean. It just means that if I have an opinion on something, I am more likely to be out there with it. If I disagree with someone, I will state my opinion. I will still be respectful if people don't agree with me. I am also going to have 0 tolerence for people that are bullying or attacking me online or in person. I can still have love in my heart for them as I am a strong proponent of the expression "Those that are hardest to love, need it the most." However, this does not mean that I will not stand my ground and I will block people who are disrespectful towards me. I can block, but I can block with love and hope that they will resolve and heal from whatever issues are going on in their life that would make them spew so much hate. I choose not to take it personally and I will go on living my life, creating my music and living my truth! </p>
<p>Melissa</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/55089992018-11-11T17:19:27-05:002021-10-31T22:42:55-04:00Singing outside and other adventures! <p>Its been awhile since I have written. I always have good intentions of keeping up with this blog but get caught up in the whirlwind that we call life!</p>
<p>Lots going on this fall! I released "I'll Remember You" a couple of weeks ago in memory of my dog, Jasmine who I lost on February 14th this past year. To have a listen go <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vermontmadesongs.bandcamp.com/track/ill-remember-you">here</a> This song will be on my full album release which will come out next year!</p>
<p>It has been a long road with getting this album together and I have had some delays due to some health and logistic challenges but am finally on the right track.(knock on wood....lol) I am working with a fantastic producer named Phil Henry who is also an extremely talented songwriter. I wanted to finish my album with Kristina Stykos in the offgrid studio in Chelsea, VT but was finding the commute to be too far and the roads to that studio are really a tough drive in the winter and mud season. I really enjoyed our work together but needed a studio closer to my home base. My connection with Phil came as a gift in the spring. He is 25 minutes away from my house! "I'll Remember You" was recorded there over the summer and we have laid down the tracks to one other song and I am sending him a rough sketch of the next one this week-end. </p>
<p>Did some live shows this summer/fall, performed at the town hall in Brandon, VT and played a pub/tavern in Rutland, VT and a Masquerade Gala for a local college that supports scholarships for low income students. </p>
<p>My facebook group "Innies Who Love Music and Stories" is growing and it has been wonderful to connect with people from all over the world! If you are an introvert or an empath and want to connect with like minded people then this could be your new home! To learn more go <a contents="here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1984956098449512/?ref=bookmarks">here.</a></p>
<p>If you would like to join my Kindred community and receive updates in your inbox plus a care package of 4 songs from me go to <a contents="vermontmadesongs.net&nbsp;&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://vermontmadesongs.net">vermontmadesongs.net </a></p>
<p>Thank you for your ongoing support as I continue on my musical journey! Sending love from my little corner of the world here in Vermont. </p>
<p>peace</p>
<p>Melissa</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/51711012018-04-08T21:37:04-04:002021-10-31T22:43:29-04:00So hard to say goodbye <p>Hey there! <br>Holy Moly....Its been a long winter here in Vermont. We still have snow on the ground and it is April. The river behind our house is gushing with excitement from the melting snow. </p>
<p>We have seen some glimmers of hope with the warm spring sun that has been breaking thru the clouds reminding us that there will be flowers and green grass soon. The trees have been shedding their winter fur coats as the sun hits them. </p>
<p>This winter was a tough one for me and my husband. Most of you who follow me on social media and are in my Kindred know that I am an avid animal lover and that the animals that I adopt are a HUGE part of my life. </p>
<p>We had to say goodbye to our sweet dog Jasmine on Valentines day. She was sick with cancer. She was my soulmate dog and we had a strong connection which made it super hard to say goodbye to her. I believe that her sweet spirit is still with me and that she has now become my guardian angel. I don't think that you can have such a strong connection with an animal/person and that it just all ends when they transition into the afterlife. </p>
<p>I have started writing a song for her and I have put all my other projects on hold for the moment so that I can finish it and get in the studio and record it and release it as a single. I will keep you posted on the developments. </p>
<p>Looking forward to health and healing and Spring flowers soon! Sending love from my little corner of the world in Vermont. </p>
<p>peace, </p>
<p>Melissa</p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/62446762018-01-06T23:05:00-05:002021-10-31T22:44:16-04:00I got an F in chorus <p>Been thinking lately about how much my life has changed in the past 15 to 20 years. </p>
<p>I was a super busy performing singer quite a few years back with my ex husband.(the ex husband part is a story for another time...lol) He was a lifetime/full-time musician. When we were together we did a tons of gigs. I was the lead singer in a rock band called the Alley Katz and also a group called Mel and the Mojos plus another band called "The Celebration Band." Although we never toured in a big way, we traveled around quite a bit doing lots of shows and counting on the next gig to pay the bills. </p>
<p>Even though we had lots of good moments at times it was tough because we were always broke and didn't have steady income or a sense of stability. There is a lot of alcoholism and drug use in this business and a type of lifestyle that often goes along with it that can be disheartening and wear you down. Lots of late nights/ greasy food, hangovers and driving all over the place. I have so many memorable and quirky stories and have seen a lot of crazy things! </p>
<p>I eventually went back to school and finished a Master's degree and soon after got a day job working in the human services field(my other calling!) I enjoyed the stability of the work, awesome colleagues and helping people. But for quite a few years my music took the back burner.......</p>
<p>So in 2013 I found myself missing the music in a BIG way! It was calling me and I was longing to go after my dreams again of singing,songwriting and recording. It just makes me feel alive! There is a cathartic and healing process that occurs when I sing and write whether its about stuff Iv'e been thru or stuff I have seen other people go thru or just my experiences in general. But I didn't want to deal with the crazy making lifestyle that I had found myself caught up in before. </p>
<p>I reached a crossroads in my life and made a huge decision in 2014 and leap of faith and decided to go part time with my day job and focus the rest of my time on my music. I started doing gigs that were more family orientated and less "party" focused so that seems a much better fit for me. I knew with the internet that there were a lot of possibilities/opportunities that we didn't have as musicians even just a few years ago! </p>
<p>There has been some challenges for me as people have not always been encouraging about my music and life goals in general for most of my life and making such a big decision started to trigger some old negative thoughts for me. </p>
<p>When I was in high school I was bullied a lot by my classmates and sometimes even my teachers! I had a learning disability and was painfully shy so that made me kind of a target for "mean" people. </p>
<p>My teachers told me that I was not smart enough to go to college and I eventually quit chorus class because my teacher gave me an "F" and treated me like I had a contagious disease because I was not outgoing and polished like some of the other popular girls who had lots of support from her. </p>
<p>In my early years,I used music to escape and would spend hours locked up in my room listening to records and singing the vocal parts of all the songs, mesmerized and memorizing all the parts and nuances of the music. To this day I can pretty much tell you all the changes/arrangement/words and parts in tons of songs. (especially 80's songs!) I am a total music nerd! Music has pretty much saved my life in so many ways! </p>
<p>Its funny in life because when I was younger I was always told that I could not do something because I was not experienced or old enough and now that I am older I feel like I am often told in subtle and not so subtle ways that I cannot do stuff because I am now too old. </p>
<p>As a woman, there is an added layer of pressure to "look good" and I I have been told that I am not "pretty enough" so that and the ageism thing is so prevalent in our culture and the idea that once we get past the age of 40 that it is too late, especially in the music industry. </p>
<p>I am a woman, in my forties living in a rural area, yet I am going after my dreams and although I cannot do it in the conventional way(big tours and major record deals), I am finding different avenues and am doing this as an independent artist, on my own terms and that feels so empowering and amazing! </p>
<p>Part of the reason I do this is because I want other people that are like me to see that the dream belongs to everyone and that we all have great stuff we can offer the world! For example, Susan Boyle has really inspired me because she is an older woman who has managed to find her niche and way in the music industry. </p>
<p>Thank you for taking the time to check out my story! I hope that this inspires you to dust off any old dreams that you have kicking around! NEVER let someone tell you that you can't go after a dream or do something that you want to do! If I had listened to my chorus teacher you would have never heard my music and you would not be reading this! </p>
<p>love & light</p>
<p>Melissa </p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/49734712017-12-12T11:31:03-05:002021-10-31T22:44:51-04:00Holiday Greetings/Pie and music<p>Hope you are enjoying the holiday season. We just got our first big snow here in Vermont yesterday and it is snowing outside my window as I write this. </p>
<p>As you might already know, Vermont is known for making heavenly maple syrup. As a holiday treat I wanted to share my favorite maple pie recipe. </p>
<p>This has become a tradition in my house. I plan on making it this afternoon for a holiday party. </p>
<p>It's called "Dog Team Maple Oatmeal Pie" named after an amazing local restaurant that unfortunately is no longer in business but was locally famous for their desserts. </p>
<p>Ingredients - 3 eggs, 2 tbsp. butter(mmmmm, butter..lol) 2/3 cup of oatmeal, 2/3 cup of coconut, 1/2 cup of crushed walnuts, 1 tsp Vanilla, 2 cups of Maple syrup(this is what makes it magic! :-) 1 prepared pie shell </p>
<p>Preheat oven to 350 degrees, Beat the eggs and butter together, Add in and combine the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Put mixture in the pie shell and bake for 45 - 60 minutes. </p>
<p>If you would like some music to go with your pie click <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://vermontmadesongs.com/album/chill-christmas-unplugged">here</a> and pick up a copy(physical or digital) of my Christmas album. It is 20% off until December 24th. Type in "pie" during checkout as your discount code. </p>
<p>Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! </p>
<p>xoxo<br>Melissa <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/218304/b0e8e2252af4ed06d73c276d6b955b9046c88c93/original/c-mascdpromo.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/46173832017-03-05T14:19:53-05:002021-10-31T22:45:18-04:00I've been a slacker ;-) <p>Hey there! <br>I have not written in a while and feel like a total slacker! </p>
<p>We had some spring like weather about a week ago that was epic! People were wandering in the streets and drinking in the unusual warm February sunshine. However, this week-end the weather made a big shift and it is super cold! We are all finding ourselves tucked up into our houses again making tea and watching movies. <br><br>I have been doing some songwriting! I wrote a song the other day called 911! The melody just came to me when I was washing the endless stack of dishes that were piling up in my sink. ;-) The song is all about having a love emergency! I plan on putting this song on my album! <br><br>Speaking of albums, I have found a producer that will be a perfect fit for my debut solo album!!! I did a mini road trip up to Chelsea, Vermont earlier this week and met with Kristina Styykos. Her specialty is acoustic music! Along with producing, She is also a fantastic songwriter/artist. The best way to describe her sound would be what Melissa Etheridge would sound like if she did folk music. Kristina has a grittiness and genuineness that just pulls you in. Check out her music <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kristinastykos.com/">here</a><br><br>Her studio is off the grid and is on top of a mountain and it has some of the most breathtaking views! I am going to try and take some good pictures of the views when I go back and post them for you on facebook and Instagram! I felt totally at home there! She also has two really sweet cats! One of them is a calico cat that kept seeking out my affection. :-) Recording will begin this spring! I had originally wanted to do the recording over the winter but have had some setbacks between getting a nasty bout of the flu and dealing with life's usual conundrums that come up! I feel that everything happens for a reason and I might have not made the amazing connection with Kristina if I had rushed and pushed myself into recording sooner! <br><br>How has your winter been going? Would love to hear from you! Feel free to catch up with me on<a contents=" facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.facebook.com/vermontmadesongs"> facebook</a>. <br><br>If you haven't already, you can sign up for my kindred for free by clicking <a contents="here " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eepurl.com/bxksej">here </a>where I will be e-mailing exclusive updates just for you plus a free download. <br><br>peace</p>
<p>Melissa<br> </p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/43560222016-09-03T18:10:28-04:002021-10-31T22:46:31-04:00Official music release!!!<p>I am<span style="color:#FF0000;"> thrilled</span> to share with you that my new single<em> Love of My Life</em> is now officially released and available at my online store <a contents="vermontmadesongs.com," data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://vermontmadesongs.com">vermontmadesongs.com,</a> and thru CD Baby. Itunes and amazon will also be carrying it within the next week. I would like to acknowledge Mandy Davis, a local Vermont artist for doing an amazing job on the cover art! I have dedicated this single to Alan Moorhouse, the love of my life! Every day I am grateful for the love that we share!<br>love & light</p>
<p>Melissa </p>Melissa D tag:melissadmusic.com,2005:Post/43238952016-08-13T16:52:00-04:002021-10-31T22:47:40-04:00new website and new single!<p>Welcome to my brand new website! I am so excited for the opportunity to share my journey with you on my new blog. I will try my best to keep up on it! I am about to release a new single called "love of my life." It is a song I wrote for my husband for our wedding day on June 30th 2016. I totally surprised him with it! It was so hard to keep it a secret from him because he is my best friend and I tell him everything! I wrote the song in January and went into the studio in April and started laying down the tracks at Lion Tone studios in Middlebury, VT with Clint Bierman who is an amazing producer and multi instrumentalist. As I type this blog, the cover art is being made! I can't wait to share it with you! Stay tuned! :-) <br>Melissa </p>Melissa D