Music
Press
"Melissa has a depth of emotion that is uncommon in most new artists. She understands economy of melody and never oversings and that is the sign of great control and confidence. Look out Bonnie Raitt, there's a new voice in town!" - Grammy Award winning Producer/Performer
"...strong, lively songs...a solid record. 'Waimanalo Night' is a sweet, reflective song. 'Fighter' is funky and tough--Rapp seems to be at home with that style too. 'The One You Remembered' has a great groove...piano ballad 'Fragile' is another standout track. - Anna Maria Stjärnell
"Don’t let the name fool you. Melissa Rapp won’t beatbox, curse, or threaten your property. While the songs she writes and performs run the gamut from love ballads to angry diatribes, Rapp music is not rap music. She looks and sounds more like Sheryl Crow than Missy Elliot, but her version of pop is as personal and arresting as hip-hop while offering the catchy rhythms and danceable quality of rock. She ranges in style from the album’s light, bouncy title track “Sweet Revenge” to slamming guitar and gritty vocals on “Fighter,” and back to soft, slow piano with “Turn To.” Yet it’s her powerful vocal presence that ties the album together and gives her the freedom to experiment with many types of sound..." - Elisabeth Andrews
"Which is best? A women who sings beautifully? A woman who writes beautiful songs? Or a woman who looks beautiful? Melissa is the rare combination of all three in one. If you love the way Paul McCartney sings during the outro of "Hey Jude" then you should check out one of Melissa's shows. The band is tight and she wins over a room like few artists I have ever seen." --Chris Cary
"...a sweet voice, and a warm lyrical sensibility." -Scot Hacker - Various
“…excellent stage presence, she glowed throughout her entire set. For the last few songs, she took off her guitar and danced around to her band’s funk grooves. Very cool...she knows how to move." - Mark Tyne
"Razor-sharp, yet full of grace, Rapp's tunes...reside miles above others in her genre. Her unhindered sense of self shines through on Sweet Revenge with no regrets, although it offers a simultaneous glimpse of hovering fragility which allows the listener an instant connection with Rapp. This San Franciscan knows her boundaries and crosses them unopposed, filling every ounce of the Fiona Apple comparisons...While attitude surely can make someone, Rapp�s voice could make anyone. Grassroots laid-back, with a tinge of Natalie Merchant, Rapp could relieve anyone of their woes. Better than chocolate, she comes to the rescue with a honeyed resonance..." - Genevieve Will
“…a compelling voice and a keen sense of songwriting. 'Let’s Run Away'…is sweet magic. 'Fighter'’s chorus is both epic and strong. Multi-instrumented 'Come Dream With Me' is easily the best song on the record.” - Editor
“Soulful renditions...reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan, but Melissa displays her own edgy style in her vocals. 'Fragile' stands out in the track list with a breathy tenderness that touches the soul.” - Editor
Discography
The Other Side (2009)
Photos
Bio
For her latest release San Francisco based Melissa Rapp (vocals, guitar, keys) teamed up with Bay Area producer/bassist Jon Evans (Tori Amos, Paula Cole) to record "The Other Side," to be released this fall. One listen to the title track and you are hooked--part velvet, part grit, Melissa's voice has a quality to it that penetrates.
The upcoming album showcases Melissa's voice matched with an engrossing production vibe. Evans took a minimalist approach to highlight the strong songwriting. Featured musicians include keyboardist Julie Wolf (Indigo Girls, Dar Williams) and drummer Allison Miller (Natalie Merchant, Ani DiFranco).
Melissa's live stage presence is spellbinding, and has led her to showcase at Austin's South-by-Southwest festival for the past two years, as well as headline such events as San Francisco's Union Street Festival and the Solano County Fair (opening for Gladys Knight). She's shared the stage with national acts such as ALO, Chuck Prophet, and Sara Bareilles, and been featured on San Francisco's trendsetter radio stations, including KFOG 104.5 and KUSF 90.3.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Melissa grew up playing piano and discovered songwriting in high school, when the lively Mr. Troutner (her choir director) offered a free after-school guitar lesson for anyone interested. He told the group to pick up some Fender thins and get going with a few basic chords. Melissa went straight home afterwards. With her borrowed pick in hand, she snuck into her stepdad's closet to borrow his dusty classical guitar. Sitting in the grass in the front yard, she wrote her first song.
A brilliant combination...of pure lack of inhibition paired with an adorable shyness...Melissa looks forward to sharing her live show and debut album with the world. The songs and vibe will ring true for many, as they are inspired by universal wonders and experience--ocean and rivers, fire and wind, new love, broken love, simple love...lies, loss, death, pain, and forgiveness.
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