Melissa Mickelson – Hold On

By starrymag | April 2, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) For “Hold On,” I would say that I went for a more retro-country vibe. Generally speaking, I find myself somewhere where country and blues come together.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I love classic country! Country music that has a twang and a good steel guitar gets me right in my soul. Sometimes, I think I was born in the wrong time. I love Johnny Cash, Roger Miller, Kitty Wells…the list goes on.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Hold On.”

 

A) I wrote this song because my husband has worked nights for years. He’s a first responder and I know how hard it can be to make time for each other. He comes in the door and I go out. We high five. No joke. Sometimes I don’t even see him for a few days. “Hold On”is for anyone who has been in a relationship and has done shift work.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think its super relatable because shift work is real. Not everyone can work 9-5 and sit down to dinner every night. We are talking about real life and all the craziness that is awesome about it.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I can’t wait to make a music video for “Hold On!” It’s on my “to-do” list. Promise it will be awesome.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I write songs backwards. I like to come up with a melody and a hook first and then the rest of it comes along. For me, the music is the hardest part.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I tell the producer what I want and the feeling that I want to convey and I let him go to work! I generally don’t have to do much but tweak stuff. The producer I’ve used totally understands me and he’s super open to my suggestions.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Melissa Mickelson performance?

 

A) Fans can expect a fun, fast paced show! I love to rock out and give it all I’ve got. As for the bar scene…there might be a drinking game involved. You can also expect that I am random and I will say whatever I’m feeling or thinking on stage.

 

Q) What songs off your upcoming debut album are you looking forward to performing live?

 

A) I am excited to play “Hold On” and another song called “Good at Drinking Songs,” which you haven’t heard…yet.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from the album as a whole?

 

A) Once I make a whole album, I hope that listeners can come away understanding me a little better. Music is a super vulnerable place and putting your feelings out there can be hard.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I love almost all venues I play because I get to do what I love. I have a few on my bucket list that I want to play though! Gruene Hall – Texas Oldest Dancehall is right up there with playing the Opry. I watched Miranda Lambert play Gruene Hall when she was starting out and only touring Texas. It was a fantastic show and it spurred me to follow my dreams.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would really love to collaborate with #1 girl boss crush: Bonnie Raitt!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) I am loving Chris Stapleton’s From a Room Vol 2. So much goodness. His songs are ones that I can listen to once and come back and find something else I missed before. Love it.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I love social media! I love connecting with as many people as I can on a personal level! I love sharing randomness that is my life with everyone!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you, thank you, thank you! You guys are the reason that I can do what I love and I am forever thankful. To every person who streams and downloads my songs…to every venue that books me…to every person I meet at shows…YOU GUYS ROCK!