Melissa Mitchell
Anchorage, Alaska, United States | SELF
Music
Press
NewSong Music would like to congratulate Melissa Mitchell, a West regional round finalist of the 2012 Mountain Stage NewSong Contest for being this year’s ‘People’s Choice’ winner! Nearly 10,000 votes were cast during this years run of the ‘People’s Choice’ voting round. Hailing from Kasilof, Alaska Melissa received the most amount of votes of all regional finalists, and will be joining the already selected six regional winners, the two Early Bird winners, and the three soo-t0-be-determined General Round winners (scheduled to be announced Friday, September 28th) in New York City at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts for the final ‘Award Round’ on Saturday, October 20th.
NewSong Music and Mountain Stage would like to thank everyone who entered the contest and all who voted for contributing to the success thus far of this year’s contest! - NewSong Music on September 24th, 2012
NewSong Music would like to congratulate Melissa Mitchell, a West regional round finalist of the 2012 Mountain Stage NewSong Contest for being this year’s ‘People’s Choice’ winner! Nearly 10,000 votes were cast during this years run of the ‘People’s Choice’ voting round. Hailing from Kasilof, Alaska Melissa received the most amount of votes of all regional finalists, and will be joining the already selected six regional winners, the two Early Bird winners, and the three soo-t0-be-determined General Round winners (scheduled to be announced Friday, September 28th) in New York City at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts for the final ‘Award Round’ on Saturday, October 20th.
NewSong Music and Mountain Stage would like to thank everyone who entered the contest and all who voted for contributing to the success thus far of this year’s contest! - NewSong Music on September 24th, 2012
Melissa Mitchell
named to KVMR broadcasters top 5 list for 2005. - KVMR Nevada City CA
Melissa has lived in rich community of musicians, building strength in her guitar playing. Sweet melodies to waltz or rock to. Melissa's solo release shows her albility to poetically communicate genuine beauty in a comfort zone of the heart - her strength as a wordsmith. Check out her new release with Pete Townsend and Tony Restivo of the Photon Band. - Cheri Snook - KVMR Listeners Guide
I was also so impressed with my other opening act, Melissa Mitchell. She grew up just down the road from Homer, and as her mom said, “there must be something in the water!” She was a great guitar player! I love to see girls who play guitar like a guy- if that makes sense. She was confident and commanded her guitar- I love that! And her voice was just sweet and strong, and she wrote everything she sang. She was so nice, too. - Entry from Jewels blog on Aug 25, 2009
"Later, in a moment many seemed to anticipate, Melissa Mitchell made her way to the small stage. It was then that I realized what the anticipation was about. Her voice bounded and echoed, powerful enough even to stop the buzzing of machinery that was grinding grass and other organic ingredients. Mitchell spoke of peace and how “The battle is always with myself, I let go of the illusions that create my fears and remind myself: This time I will not forget.” - Anchorage Press - Corrina Delgado
Melissa Mitchell "Freakin' Live"
named to KVMR broadcasters top 5 list for 2004 - KVMR Nevada City CA
"As I traveled around Alaska late summer I managed to see a few bands and photograph some shows. I am a huge fan of singer/songwriters who are creating unique music all their own. To this end I only purchased one CD and that was Melissa Mitchell's "Alma". Monty Chandler ~ Monty Chandler Photography - Monty Chandler-Photographer
"As I traveled around Alaska late summer I managed to see a few bands and photograph some shows. I am a huge fan of singer/songwriters who are creating unique music all their own. To this end I only purchased one CD and that was Melissa Mitchell's "Alma". Monty Chandler ~ Monty Chandler Photography - Monty Chandler-Photographer
"This young band is noted as one of Alaska's best dance bands and it is true, but what singles them out is the soulful spiritual message carried by the sounds and words of Melissa's original music." Susan Mumma - Director, Seldovia Arts Council
- Susan Mumma
"This young band is noted as one of Alaska's best dance bands and it is true, but what singles them out is the soulful spiritual message carried by the sounds and words of Melissa's original music." Susan Mumma - Director, Seldovia Arts Council
- Susan Mumma
"She's a soul-fire supernova"
Kliff Hopson - Gangly Moose - Kliff Hopson-Gangly Moose
"She's a soul-fire supernova"
Kliff Hopson - Gangly Moose - Kliff Hopson-Gangly Moose
"...(Her) original songs tell stories from a perspective wiser than her 26 years..." - Richard Moeschl - Tempo 2/6/4
"a powerful voice . . . (she)may have only been writing for six years, but has been singing since day one." - - Kim Rogers - KVMR Nevada City 1/23/4 CA
"...(Her) original songs tell stories from a perspective wiser than her 26 years..." - Richard Moeschl - Tempo 2/6/4
Discography
Rain or Shine (2009)
Melissa Mitchell - Alma (2006)
Photos
Bio
Inspired by personal experiences and a desire to connect with her audience, Melissa’s music combines
powerful lyrics and melodies with a soulful vocal delivery that aims straight for the heart. In the style of
Patty Griffin and Susan Tedeschi she approaches songwriting with honesty and a deep respect for the
craft.
"Melissa's talent is unavoidable, her music turns your head and pulls you in." --Soulitude.net
Melissa was born in Anchorage, Alaska but grew up in the small town of Kasilof. An only child, she was
raised in a musical household with a lot of love but not a lot of amenities. At a very young age she found
her first love, music. A self-proclaimed choir geek she spent most of her school days singing and writing
poetry and with a few chords learned at the age of 18 she started composing her own music and never
looked back.
Her musical journey has presented her many amazing opportunities to tour in the “Lower 48” as well as
in England, France, and Mexico after having been selected to perform at the International Guitar Festival
in Zihuatanejo. While in Alaska, her fans have had the great pleasure of hearing her open for such
national acts as, The Indigo Girls, Michael Franti, k.d. lang, and Rusted Root as well as fellow Alaskan,
Jewel. Her vibrant personality and passionate performances have helped her acquire an eclectic
collection of fiercely loyal fans along the way.
A committed social activist, Melissa contributes her time and energy to various charitable organizations.
The closest to her heart being the Arts in Corrections program at California’s New Folsom Prison where
along with a group of like-minded artists, The One Soul Collective, she travels every year to facilitate
workshops and bear witness to the healing power of music.
Melissa has worked incredibly hard at her craft during her career and while being an accomplished and
recognized musician is her aspiration, raising her daughter is her life. A strong sense of home makes
it possible for her to follow her dreams, while showing her daughter that through hard work and the
support of family and friends, anything is possible.
www.melissamitchell.org
Links
