Talented. Beautiful. Effortless. These words describe the multifaceted artist, actress, songwriter, and poet perfectly. Born in Berkeley, California raised by a talented (model/actress) mother, and although her parents are divorced her (former Black Panther/Director) father was a presence in her life, and both their talents were passed on to their daughter. J Mélanie Blythe started singing in her .grandfather's church at a young age, singing with her family at church musicals around the bay area, and began acting at the Black Reperatory Theatre(a prominent African American Theater Company in Berkeley, Ca). She broke out of her shell in a North Oakland middle school participating in the school choir and local talent shows. This exposure gave her an opportunity to record with a newly formed gospel group ensemble, Infinite Praise. The group sang throughout the Bay Area and recorded an album entitled "Tell It (Live)".
Time passed and music was on the back burner as acting took a front seat, but music was always on heart. After some time a great opprtunity came through an encounter while recording with other bay area artist, she met the manager and brother of Sony recording artist, Goapele. That meeting propelled Mélanie to sing background for Goapele, along with Latoya London(of American Idol/Color Purple). Says Mélanie, "It was truly a blessing…I learned so much from her." The experience built up her confidence and ability, and she quickly decied she wanted to be a solo artist, her talents as a writer were prevalent, and she prayed that she would meet the right people to marriage the music with her lyrics & melodies. Sure enough her prayers were answered and through a family friend she met with Will Sapenter(saxophonist/pianist) and Rommel Diggs(percussionist & prominent D.J) of SoulSearchers Entertainment, where she wrote, recorded, and performed off of the 2004 EP release "SoulSearchers featuring Mélanie Blythe"(available on C.D. Baby), the E.P. did fairly well, but there was still a lot to learn, "there was definitely alot of experience gained from being out on my own & performing with my own band. I learned alot, but there was so much more room for growth".
Once the producing team that was SoulSearchers parted ways, things got slow for Mélanie musically but picked up acting wise with her first Indie film completed "Charlie The Ox". Mélanie thought it also the perfect time to study more about the music business, and start taking lessons to grow as an artist. In 2006, Mélanie joined a newly formed girl group, "The Rose Divine" under the musical direction of Maestro & Nola Curtis(Jazzyboo Records) & C. Michael Brae(Sony/ Hitman records), performing all over the bay area, it was under that artist developement that Mélanie really learned the art of performing and really developing her ear."It was like our own little Motown, how Maestro developed us girsl". Later the group changed their name to "BeLoved Soul" and recorded the single "So Much More" featured in the 2006 release "Broken barriers Vol. 1" compilation C.D.(available at cdbaby.com) While also performing with the cover band, 24-seven, Beloved Soul captivated audiences throughout the Bay Area, after the group disbanded, Mélanie kept on going,still performing with artist like Renee Sebastian, Mixx Company, Conjure, Blaze,Quinn Deveaux & The Blue Beat Revue and so many more. Today Mélanie's experiences have evolved her, she is ready & determined to move forward and return as a solo artist. Be prepared , she is ready, willing and has the talent to go far and beyond, Mélanie wants to share her evolution with you and the rest of the world whether on the t.v. screen or on a stage near you, so keep your eyes, and ears open!
24-7 in Santa Rosa
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