With roots in the enchanting landscapes of Gaspésie, her journey from piano lessons to creating soulful tunes is a testament to the power of following your passions. As you examine into her story, you’ll find inspiration in her unique blend of fine folk music that captures the essence of her experiences. Get ready to be captivated by her artistry and the exciting projects she has in store for you!
Early life and musical influences
There’s something magical about growing up in the picturesque region of Gaspésie. In her childhood town of Murdochville, Quebec, Melissa Furlotte found her musical footing playing piano and singing, captivated by a rich tapestry of popular, folk, country, and jazz music that shaped her early artistic identity. The landscapes and stories of her youth continue to inspire her as a songwriter today.
Education and transition to music career
Music played a significant role in Melissa’s life, especially when she discovered her passion for it during her college years. Initially pursuing sciences, you might be surprised to learn that she switched paths, earning degrees from both Cégep de Sainte-Foy and Concordia University in music. This change opened up a world of creativity for her, allowing her to teach and perform before finally launching her own unique musical project.
Background in sciences and music education may seem unrelated, but for Melissa, they offered a blend of analytical and creative skills. Your journey from teaching piano and singing to composing her own songs showcases a fulfilling transition, fostered by a natural curiosity for new music. Eventually, her abundance of ideas bubbled to the surface, leading to her debut album, Old Road, and a new desire to share her stories with a wider audience.
Teaching and Performance Experience
An important part of Melissa Furlotte’s journey has been her extensive teaching and performance experience. Before she launched on her own musical project, she dedicated her time to teaching piano and singing while also playing in corporate gigs. This diverse background not only helped her hone her skills but also enriched her understanding of music, allowing you to appreciate the melding of genres and styles that inform her unique sound today.
Organic Evolution into Songwriting
To say that Melissa’s transition into songwriting was natural would be an understatement. After years of exploring music and gathering myriad influences, she found herself bursting with ideas and stories that begged to be shared. This organic evolution led her to start writing songs that reflect her life experiences, blending elements from her upbringing in the Gaspésie with the vibrancy of city life.
Evolution is a continuous journey, and for Melissa, it’s about embracing the stories that shape you. By allowing her experiences to guide her creativity, she effortlessly transforms personal moments into relatable melodies. This process makes her music resonate deeply with listeners, inviting you to connect with her narratives and emotions through her hauntingly beautiful lyrics.
Album Overview and Themes
Little did Melissa Furlotte know that her debut album, *Old Road*, would turn her personal stories into a heartfelt collection of ten original songs. Drawing inspiration from the stunning landscapes of her youth in Gaspésie and her experiences in the bustling city of Montreal, each track invites you on a journey through her life, all wrapped in a fine folk style that resonates with both nostalgia and hope.
Artistic Collaboration and Support
Any artist knows the value of support in their creative journey, and for Melissa, the backing from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec was transformative. This support not only allowed her to craft *Old Road* with greater freedom but also helped her cultivate a deeper desire to connect with a wider audience.
Album funding from reputable organizations like the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec provides artists with the avenues they need to flourish. For you, this means that when Melissa shares her music, it’s not just the product of her talent, but also the result of valuable partnerships and encouragement. These collaborations not only shape the sound of her work but also amplify her voice, giving listeners a rich and immersive experience with every note and lyric.
Upcoming Singles and Albums
Singles from Melissa Furlotte are on the way, set to captivate your ears in 2024 and 2025. Following her debut album, Old Road, which beautifully encapsulates her journey through life and music, you can look forward to new sounds and heartfelt stories, including the poignant first release, “Virginia Creeper.” These upcoming tracks promise to stay true to her fine folk style while showcasing her growth as an artist.
Anticipated Impact and Goals for Broader Reach
There’s an exciting journey ahead for Melissa as she seeks to connect with a larger audience. With the support of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Quebec, she’s ready to share her music with even more fans who resonate with her heartfelt storytelling.
Aiming to create a deeper connection through her music, Melissa hopes to inspire listeners with her unique blend of popular, folk, country, and jazz influences. By broadening her reach, she wants to share the beauty of the landscapes that shaped her and the stories that have fueled her creativity. Get ready to join her on this evolving musical adventure as she explores new themes and sounds in the years to come!
With this in mind, you’re invited to discover the captivating journey of Melissa Furlotte, a talented singer-songwriter whose music beautifully weaves the essence of her roots with contemporary elements. As you listen to her debut album, Old Road, and await her upcoming releases, you’ll find yourself immersed in the stories and landscapes that shape her artistry. So, open your heart and ears to Melissa’s fine folk melodies, and join her on this exciting musical adventure!
Where was your current project recorded?
We recorded, my newest release, Virginia Creeper from my shared rehearsal space via Le Hublot studio. We used my antique, warm toned, player piano. We ran cables from my space to the recording studio where Joe Grass, the guitarist was set up. It’s super fun to record vocals, piano and guitar together, not to mention so cozy, because I was basically at home. I’m lucky to share a rehearsal space in a building dedicated to everything music. I recorded my first album, Old Road, there, too.
What is your creative process like?
Sometimes I play around at the piano and I hear a chord that resonates with me and I wait for the story to reveal itself. Other times, I live something difficult or funny and I hear music. I think I process life through music. I develop my ideas at the piano. I would like to expand my creative process, too. I’d love to play a string instrument and gain more experience with recording software, for composing purposes.
Has your musical journey had a deliberate direction, or did it simply gradually evolve in whatever direction it found?
I grew up taking piano lessons and singing for fun. My family enjoyed all kinds of music. After studying sciences in college, I did a second degree in music and then a bachelors. It was always challenging and I wasn’t completely confident.
Years later, my life and musical experience just gelled. I had so much to express. Songwriting and composing happened in a very organic way. It felt so natural! I completed my first song Old Road and it became the title track of my debut album, released in 2021. Since then, I’ve continued to write but I waited to release Virginia Creeper, as I wanted to find a way to reach more listeners. Sharing one’s music is not a direct path and it’s constantly evolving with todays social media and platforms.
What are your plans for any future releases?
Currently, I’m working on a piano piece that’d I’d love to release in November, followed by more songs, All We Have, Something In Your Arms, and one I’m calling, She. I wouldn’t normally name everything but I want to manifest it into reality!! The plan is to release singles and an eventual album in 2025. Hopefully, I can be successful with some grant applications to help pave the road ahead.
If we were to look at artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist?
You’d find Emma Frank, Joni Mitchel, Dolly Parton, Norah Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Sara McLachlan, Little Misty, The Barr Brothers, Shaina Hayes, May Cheung, La Force, Patrick Watson, Joe Grass, Billie Zizi. I’m sure I’m forgetting a ton and I kind of stayed within a certain vein but I love classical, jazz, country, pop and everything in between!
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
I have a few: Chill out and enjoy, throw caution to the wind, things have a way of working out and most importantly, don’t waste your precious time on those who don’t deserve it. Ooh, one last one, invest in a home, while the prices are still low.
Are you a valuable asset on a Pub Quiz team?
Unfortunately, from one past experience, I’d have to say no. I do, however, enjoy pub fries!
What would be a good theme song for your life?
The first song that came to mind, Tubthumping. You know the one that goes, “I get knocked down, but I get up again” by Chumbawamba? Ha! I’m so dramatic.
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
Actually, I love being the one who cooks BUT if you want to bring me coffee, a cortado or a cappuccino, I’ll be your friend for life!
Love your music and so proud of you and your music career.
Would love to hear you sing and play sometime. If you are in the Gaspe area’ send me a text and we could meet up. I have not seen you in years. Keep doing what you love!!