Meet Melanie Gillott | Singer, Songwriter, and Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Gillott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Pursuing an artistic and creative career was, for me, a harmonious alignment of passion, purpose, and destiny. Coming from a family where my parents, sister, and most of my relatives play instruments or sing, I have been surrounded by music my whole life. From my earliest memories, the magnetic pull of theater and performance has been undeniably strong. When I was five years old, I went into a local music store with my mother one day and I saw a voice lesson in progress. It looked like so much fun to me and afterward, I wouldn’t stop talking about it for weeks. My parents saw how passionate I was about pursuing singing so they decided to get me lessons and I haven’t stopped singing since. I don’t think I will ever have the words to thank my parents enough for everything they have done for me and I feel so grateful that they decided to give me that opportunity when I was five which has led me to where I am today. My dedication to the craft of music, which began at a young age, became the foundation upon which I built my dreams. Throughout my childhood and high school years, I was active in my school’s music department, performed in numerous community theaters and local cabarets, and studied voice and acting at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera Academy. After I graduated high school, I moved to Los Angeles where I continued studying voice and earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting-Performing Arts at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy College of the Performing Arts. Upon graduation, I have worked as an actor and voice over actor and started releasing my own music. That foundational love for music, combined with the formative years I spent immersed in theatrical performance, naturally paved my path to become a female pop singer. In essence, music is not just a part of my life; it feels like an inescapable destiny, a calling that I’ve been fortunate to embrace and share with the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the pulsating world of music, what excites me the most is the unparalleled joy and privilege of connecting my artistry with diverse audiences worldwide. As a female pop artist, every note I produce, every lyric I write, and every melody I conceive is a piece of my essence. However, the true magic unfolds when that piece resonates with someone else, miles away, creating a symphony of shared emotions. The fact that my music has touched the shores of over 53 countries isn’t just a statistic; it’s a testament to the universal language of music and it’s boundless capacity to unite. It’s incredibly humbling and exhilarating to know that my voice, my stories, and my emotions find echo in so many corners of the world. Each play, each listen, reaffirms my commitment and fuels my passion to continue sharing, connecting, and celebrating the global tapestry of human experiences through my music. To my fans, thank you for your support. I look forward to sharing my upcoming projects with you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you’re looking for a fun and interesting place to be, Los Angeles is the place! Some of my favorite places to eat at here in Los Angeles include: The Beachwood Cafe for an iced latte and for the chill atmosphere, Randy’s Donuts because it’s iconic and there is nothing like a Randy’s classic glazed, Trejo’s Tacos for dinner because it’s one of my friends and I’s favorite spots to go, Mel’s Diner because it’s been featured in so many films and I love the 1950’s theming, and of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Los Angeles without stopping at the famous In-N-Out Burger. As for some places and experiences, I’d recommend going to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and finding some of your favorite celebrities stars, attending a show at the Hollywood Bowl which is a historic venue with incredible acoustics, going to the Santa Monica Pier and taking a ride on the Ferris wheel because it gives you a great view, going to the Griffith Observatory because it’s great for hiking and offers a panoramic view of the city, including the Hollywood sign, visiting the Academy Museum and learning more about the magic behind the movies you love, stopping at Amoeba Music because I love collecting and finding vinyls, and lastly, one of my favorite things to do is driving the Pacific Coast Highway because the scenic route in Malibu is breathtaking. I feel so grateful to live in an environment full of different experiences and opportunities.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In reflecting upon the many influences that have steered my journey, there is an array of mentors, guides, and supporters to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. Nancy Mimless, my acting teacher at the Pittsburgh CLO, saw the raw potential in my acting and patiently molded it, giving me the tools and confidence to translate my emotions to the stage. Then there’s Stephen Totter, whose unwavering encouragement awakened and deepened my passion for singing. During my childhood and high school years, a brigade of music and vocal teachers cultivated my skills, pushing me towards a dream I hadn’t yet fully realized–attending AMDA. At AMDA, my professors further refined my talents, leaving indelible imprints on me as a performer. Beyond these esteemed figures however, my college friends, with their eclectic energies and stories, have been a fountain of inspiration to me. My rock and sister, Chloe, who has worked tirelessly by my side, sharing every high and low. Lastly, my family and friends who have expressed their unwavering support and presence in my life. Their encouragement and guidance have been invaluable to my success. To all of these incredible people, my heart swells with gratitude.

Website: https://www.melaniegillott.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniegillott/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-gillott-bb4231216

Twitter: https://twitter.com/melaniegillott?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniegillottofficial/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvrAAMppchyx5WVnxMbWWew

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4nH3RDUTLqUrsj5sfvuFv6 https://music.apple.com/us/artist/melanie-gillott/1659314292

Image Credits
Jeff Ellingson