Melissa Mathes

Milwaukee-born singer Melissa Mathes just finished recording Play Along, her full-length debut, in her current hometown of Nashville. Produced by John Deaderick (an in-demand keyboardist who's worked with artists such as Patty Griffin, The Dixie Chicks and Michael McDonald), Play Along features the duo's thoughtful songwriting and Melissa's soulful, ethereal singing — at times vulnerable and innocent, other times sensual and seductive. In a musical climate dominated by hipster detachment and disaffected cool, Melissa’s sunny, anything-is-possible vibe and emotional directness are a breath of fresh air.
The album weaves together Melissa's heartfelt melodies and lyrical musings with John's thoughtful voicings — sometimes simple and sweet, sometimes dark and mysterious — and deceptively imaginative arrangements. Over a laid-back groove reminiscent of Al Green, title track “Play Along” is a multithreaded metaphor — for playing a role in a relationship, reflecting on personal growth, and recognizing the importance of acceptance in everyday interactions, or perhaps just playing along with a familiar song. Songs such as “Daybreak,” “Sink or Swim” and “Sleep” defy traditional songwriting structure, approaching the music like an Impressionist painter might approach a blank canvas. Other numbers, like “Stay,” “Magic Box” and “Put the Blame on You,” are playful twists on classic retro pop sounds, prompting comparisons to David Bowie and Stevie Wonder. The first and last tracks, “Where I Found You” and “Simple Song,” serve as musical bookends, the first a simple piano-vocal duet that sets the tone for the album's journey, the last a hopeful resolution for a longing heart.
According to Melissa, “Sounds are like colors to me, whether it be the choice of instrumentation or a vocal tone or a lyric. I want to paint a picture and feeling that can touch somebody — whether the emotion be heartbreak, confusion or joy — and for it to come from an honest place. With Play Along, I chose to sing in quieter tones at times, because I feel it draws the listener in more. After finishing 'Daybreak,' the first song that we wrote together, I knew that John could help me convey the emotions I was feeling to the listener.”