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Melissa Axel ( wdwrccl  )
A member of Berkleemusic since November 26, 2002
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Melissa Axel
http://www.melissaaxel.com
Denver, CO
US
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Sample audio files of my music. Use
the quicktime player to listen.
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Out Of Nowhere
(Download)
One of the four vocal songs featured on my debut EP Free Time
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Sample images of me and my work.
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Free Time cover art
(Download)
The Human Adventure
(Download)
Master's thesis production at Nova Southeastern University
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Download files.
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Artist Bio
(downloadable biography with photo)
Résumé
Info on my education, career and volunteer work, etc.
Consulting Info & Pricing
Knowledgeable, caring, and affordable assistance for artists & arts organizations to further your career in music and the arts. Berklee or IAP alumni/student discounts!
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Click here for an occasional update and to hear about shows in your area...
At just eight years of age, Melissa Axel was writing songs about the bittersweet journey of life, love, struggle, and inspiration—and not much has changed since. This proverbial "girl and a piano" follows in the heady footsteps of fellow redhead Tori Amos's early work, fusing a myriad of contemporary influences with her own strengths as a singer/songwriter to transform life experiences and emotions into songs that express the fear and joy and pain and love that connect us all.
With a degree in Management from the University of Florida, Axel has spent as much time in the "real world" as she has chasing her musical dreams. This business background has served her well: she serves as a music business consultant to fellow artists and co-produces events such as the Sister Hazel Angels of Mercy Benefit Concert, which united performers and local businesses in supporting the namesake charity of the well known folk-rock band Sister Hazel.
Axel continued to pen lyrics throughout her college years, developing a fluid and distinctive style of piano playing as she began composing while finding her own unique voice through a diverse background of artistic, business, and life experiences. At Boston's renowned Berklee College of Music, she completed a professional diploma with studies in songwriting, performance, music business, and production/technology. Axel also served as Co-Director of Heavy Rotation Records through the release of 2002's Shekinah 13 Artists compilation—the first album produced by a student-run label to be distributed by a major record company (Epic/SONY).
On full scholarship to the Interdisciplinary Arts Program at Nova Southeastern University in South Florida, where she hosted the eclectic music show The Authentic Life on Radio X 88.5 FM, Axel was also awarded a 2005 Cultural Scholarship for her work promoting arts education with Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts in Sweden. As Creative Director of the stage production The Human Adventure, Axel incorporated much of her original music alongside popular electronic, rock, and film score pieces for a multimedia-, drama-, and dance-infused presentation of the "hero's journey" toward fulfillment and authenticity.
Relocating to Colorado, Axel was nominated for the 2007 Denver Mayor's Award for Excellence in the Arts and continues to assist fellow artists and organizations as an independent editor, writer, and music business consultant. She co-hosts a monthly Songwriters' Workshop at Boulder's award-winning Coupe Studios, hosts local songwriter showcases at several of the area's most respected music venues, and is the founder of the Colorado Artist Network music/arts co-op and event production house.
“Everything I do is with the goal of creating a more positive environment for music to flourish—others’ music as well as my own. This includes my working with fellow musicians and arts organizations to help them develop their business and promotional skills, sharing my knowledge as well as my vision, and being genuinely open to all forms of expression, seeking the most positive forces to align my work with.”
Available now only via digital download, Axel's sold out debut EP Free Time incorporates her love of electronica, jazz, and music for film. She is currently recording her first full-length album Transition, with a limited edition pre-release EP available summer 2008.
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Q: Who are your musical influences?
A: My music has been compared to "Tori Amos meets Norah Jones meets Ani DiFranco" – though I like all of them, I agree with those who say it's unique unto itself.
Some influences & colleagues that I love include: Regina Spektor, Jon Brion, Colin Hay, Sia, Zero 7, Imogen Heap/Frou Frou, BT, Peter Gabriel, Sting, India.Arie, Björk, Poe, Ane Brun, The Tiny, Nickel Creek, Clannad, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Swell Season (Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová).
Q: What have been some important gigs or venues you've played?
A: While at Berklee, I sang with the Berklee Techno/Rave Ensemble, the Black Sea Salsa band, and on "Musicus Caelestis" (by Adrían Hernández) for the DaimlerChrysler 2001 Model Release. In Boston, I performed at Virgin Megastore, Club Passim, Zeitgeist Gallery, Encore Lounge, Boston Harborfest, and Ryles Jazz Club.
In South Florida, I sang with the Nova Singers and was featured as a showcasing artist at Miami's Chick Singer Night at Hoy Como Ayer, the Berklee Alumni Showcase at Art Serve in Ft. Lauderdale, and with Manisha Shahane at The Chocolate Moose. I have also been known to take to the piano in Sweden, and in NYC at Drink Me Café and The Cutting Room.
My Colorado debut performance was at The Laughing Goat for the Boulder International Fringe Festival, to which I was invited back to perform at the C.R.A.B. artist salons, and I've also performed at venues in Denver and Fort Collins, including Swallow Hill Music Association, the acclaimed Jazz (& more!) venue Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge, and Avogadro's Number, all of which offer fantastic music rooms.
Q: What teachers have been most inspirational to you?
A: My mentor is the wonderful David Spangler, and some of my other favorite teachers have been Jon Aldrich, Adriana Balic, Mary Bevilacqua, Ed Blomquist, Dr. Richard Boulanger, Irene Brewda, Jeff Dorenfeld, Henry Gaffney, Jerry Gates, Gabrielle Goodman, Elaine Gross, Mitch Haupers, Rachel Hohman, Pamela Hurley, Pam Kay, Gil Magno, Mark McCabe, Matthew Nicholl, Roberta Radley, Linda Saver, Tom Stein, Kim Steiner, DiDi Stewart, Livingston Taylor, and Lisa Thorson.
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The latest news about me. You can also read the
archive of past news.
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July 11, 2008
8:00 pm (doors/café open at 7)
Colorado Artist Network Launch Concert!
Swallow Hill Music Association
71 E. Yale Ave, Denver
Reservations recommended: 303.777.1003
$15 advance, $18 at the door
(Swallow Hill members receive $3 off)
CAN is a collective of professional artists focused on creating, performing, and presenting music with a purpose. The July 11 kickoff concert will feature performances by Denver artists Melissa Axel, Gabrielle Louise, and Kailin Yong, as well as Boulder band SoundRabbit and several special surprise guests. Join this diverse group of respected local artists for a night of contemporary songwriting and arts networking in celebration of CAN’s launch.
Beginning summer 2008, CAN artists will team up to raise awareness and support for a variety of causes such as music and arts education, protecting and preserving our environment, and ensuring equal rights and healthcare for all. Whether applying their skills and talents toward educational, social, or philanthropic goals, this diverse group of respected local artists always seeks to foster an atmosphere of meaning, empowerment, joy, and authenticity through the arts. Come be part of the excitement!
Please reserve ahead (or call the Swallow Hill box office at 303.777.1003) as there is limited seating and you'll save a few bucks!
July 8, 2008
7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30)
Coupe Studios Songwriter's Workshop in Boulder, CO
I'm co-hosting the free monthly Songwriters' Workshop with award-winning singer/songwriter and producer John McVey at Boulder's Coupe Studios. Songwriters are invited to perform a song and receive peer and producer feedback. Musicians, producers, and music industry professionals representing artists may also attend. (NOTE: reservations required as space is extremely limited – contact me for an invitation)
January 1, 2008
![Free Time [EP] artwork](http://static.flickr.com/70/187657802_9301e57928_t.jpg) | Free Time [EP]
Thoughtful, straightforward lyrics, vocal depth, & piano intensity. Think Tori Amos, Norah Jones, Ani DiFranco & a dose of electronica & jazz. |
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July 20, 2007
"Disappointment" is still #3 in the  "Girl Power!" Playlist
This UNESCO-endorsed "New Songs for Peace" project is intended to encourage people to think about peace, talk about peace, and write a new song that we will collect and self-publish in a book. These new songs will promote peace, cultural acceptance and understanding for those who work towards peace throughout the world.
April 8, 2007
The Human Adventure raised over $1350 in Lovewell arts/ed scholarships for youth!
Everyone involved in this interdisciplinary arts production donated their time and talents, and the results were bountiful, enabling several students to attend Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts who otherwise would not have had the opportunity. Click here to learn more about The Human Adventure and keep informed on future productions.
Portions of CD, DVD, & T-shirt sales still benefit Lovewell students – order yours today!
February 21, 2007
Melissa & BT in Boston!
Four years ago on this date, Melissa helped to bring fellow Berklee alum BT (aka DJ/producer/film composer Brian Transeau) back to his Boston alma mater for a classroom visit and a standing-room-only clinic at Berklee College of Music's David Friend Recital Hall, where he demonstrated his amazing use of technology in creating some of the best electronic music in recent years. After the clinic, Melissa, BT, & friends were invited by Berklee's Music Technology Dean and esteemed producer Stephen Croes to join several prestigious Berklee faculty members for dinner & some great conversation about music, life, and (if you know either Melissa or Brian, this won't be a shock to you) philosophy! On the following evening, Melissa performed at Virgin Megastore Boston, inviting several fellow Berklee alumni guests such as Clara Lofaro and Svoy to showcase their original music as well. BT now supports a music scholarship program for Berklee students.
January 1, 2007
Check out the press on Shekinah 13 Artists, the compilation CD that earned Berklee's Heavy Rotation Records and Epic/SONY the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston's Tops of the Avenue Award... look carefully and you'll spot me (or my words) as Co-Director of the student-run record label:
VH1 News clip (also featured on ABC)
"Making Music" feature story in CSM's Arts & Entertainment section
Downbeat Magazine article
Berklee Today Magazine feature
Apple.com Profiles in Success
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