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‘Ask Melanie’ Returns!
Posted on Wednesday, 26 September 2024 by Ben

Taken from Melanie’s official site…

After six great episodes last year, ‘Ask Melanie’ is making its comeback! We’ll be grilling Melanie with your most original questions in the next couple of days, so if you want the chance to have your question featured, make sure to send it to us as soon as possible!

We’re also changing the format, as well as submitting your questions via Twitter like before, you can now also send in a video of yourself asking Melanie your question!

You can submit your question either on twitter by tweeting it to us @MelanieCnet and including #AskMelanieC or by going to www.melaniec.net/askmelanie to send us the link of your video.

When you submit your question, please make sure:

  • your question is original! We all know Melanie’s favourite colour by now (red!) so please be as original as possible!
  • if your question wasn’t featured last year, you can submit it again.
  • if you submit a video it can be no longer than 20 seconds and needs to be filmed in the highest possible quality.

The most asked question we receive, always relates to when Melanie will come and tour in a specific country. Melanie would love to tour each and every country, unfortunately though it’s not that simple. Have a look at this video to see Melanie explain why.

source: melaniec.net

 

‘Stages’ HMV Signing Sessions UK & Ireland
Posted on Tuesday, 11 September 2024 by Ben

As posted on Melanie’s official website!

We have great news for all of you who are planning to see Melanie in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ in Glasgow, Newcastle, Cardiff, Belfast, Dublin and Liverpool or for those of you who live close by, as you’ll have the chance to meet Melanie at HMV and get your hands on a signed copy of Melanie’s new album ‘Stages’!

Melanie will be signing copies of ‘Stages’ at the following HMV stores:

Tuesday 25th September - 1.00pm - Signing Session HMV Glasgow
Buchanan St. - 235 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 2NG

Friday 28th September - 1.00pm - Signing Session HMV Newcastle
56 Northumberland Street, Newcastle, NE1 7AE

Tuesday 2nd October - 1.00pm - Signing Session HMV Cardiff
Unit 4, 53-57, Queen St, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF10 2AS

Tuesday 9th October - 1.00pm - Signing Session HMV Belfast
3, 4, 6, Donegall Arcade, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 1PT

Friday 12th October - 1.00pm - Signing Session HMV Dublin
65 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Tuesday 16th October - 1.00pm - Signing Session HMV Liverpool
5 South John St, Liverpool One, L1 8BU

We hope to see you there!

source: melaniec.net

Why Melanie Chose Her 12 ‘Stages’ Tracks
Posted on Monday, 10 September 2024 by Ben

As posted on Melanie’s official website!

‘Stages’ is an album Melanie recorded with long time collaborator Peter-John Vettese and it features a collection of songs that have been important to Melanie at various stages of her life. But why exactly did Melanie choose these twelve tracks?

1. Maybe This Time
Liza Minelli immortalised this song with her unforgettable Oscar-winning performance in the 1972 movie adaptation of the show, Cabaret. I was lucky enough to see the 1998 Broadway revival with an incredible cast, including Alan Cummings as The Emcee and the late Natasha Richardson playing Sally Bowles. It was Natasha’s performance which really inspired me to tackle this great song. I love its power and pain, and how it builds to that commanding, big show ending.

2. Another Hundred People
I remember listening to a Christmas concert on Radio 2 in 1989, Claire Moore sang this and I was captivated. I taped the song and listened to it over and over, never thinking I’d have the opportunity to record this brilliant Stephen Sondheim song - I’m so glad I have. Its energy and pace wonderfully portrays the excitement and buzz of city life. In terms of making this for this album, it required a lot of control and breathing! My experience of working in the theatre really strengthened my voice. Eight shows a week is gruelling and something you would never do in pop. It was great recording with a new found confidence, especially a song like this which I would have never attempted before.

3. I Know Him So Well
Well, this really is a very special song on the album as I duet with my dear friend Emma Bunton. It’s been a while since we had been in a recording studio together but it was so memorable and enjoyable. I love Emma’s voice and hearing our vocals together again was very emotional for the both of us. Chess has a fantastic score written by Abba’s Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus with lyrics by Tim Rice. Seen as one of the ultimate musical duets, it was originally recorded in 1984 by theatre icons Barbara Dickson and Elaine Paige. We adored every moment of recording our version and I’m so grateful to Emma for making it happen, we hope everyone loves it as much as we do!

4. Aren’t You Kinda Glad We Did

I was introduced to jazz singer Sarah Vaughn and this beautiful song by my manager. I went on to perform it first at an open air concert in Leeds in 2001 and later that same year for the King and Queen of Sweden, no less. Since those memorable moments I have loved the song and always wanted to record it, this album has given me that chance to perfect a classic from George and Ira Gershwin. Another wonderful lyric, it tells the story of following your heart whatever the consequence and regardless of what other people may think. Despite what may be seen as a forbidden love, its tones sparkle with delight and I feel Peter’s production captures this perfectly.


5. I Don’t Know How To Love Him

There are so many splendid versions of ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’, one of my favourites being Yvonne Elliman’s performance from the 1973 Jesus Christ Superstar film. It’s such an incredible show, I’ve had the most amazing year working with Andrew Lloyd Webber and I’m so excited to be performing this song night after night when our production goes out on tour. Playing a role is interesting – being Mary Magdalene or Blood Brothers’ Mrs Johnstone and being on stage in character, you have to immerse yourself into the story and their situation. However, for this album I was just me and I recorded the songs for the enjoyment and memories they’ve given me over the years. Or in this instance, the memories to come.


6. Both Sides Now

Peter introduced me to this breathtaking song written by Joni Mitchell, it must be one of the most covered songs in history and also features in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Only once actually released as a single by Judy Collins in 1968, we were more inspired by Joni’s emotional version from her album of the same name, released in 2000. The subtle but sweeping production encompasses all expressions of love and life. I find the lyrics and hauntingly beautiful melody make it incredibly moving to perform, as I was lucky enough to do so with Peter at the 2010 Edinburgh Jazz Festival.


7. Ain’t Got No / I Got Life

I’ve had so much fun performing this song many times and if you can’t tell, had just as much fun recording it! Originally a hit for Nina Simone combining two numbers from the musical Hair, it was actually a 2006 remix by Groovefinder we took inspiration from for our preferred final sound. A great positive horn section and some fun backing vocals, for me it sounds like it’s basking in sunshine. There are so many words to fit in, but it’s just so infectious, empowering and uplifting, you can’t help but smile and shake something.


8. I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself

I have been a fan of both Burt Bacharach and Dusty Springfield for as long as I can remember. A truly heartbreaking and emotional song, it is Dusty at her finest. Like so many other people, I’ve sung this song at the top of my lungs at home or in the car for years! But when not serenading at the traffic lights, I’ve been incredibly lucky to perform it with some pretty cool people too. One of my favourites was with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra on his Radio 2 show last year. A more surreal moment was at the Royal Albert Hall backed by the London Symphony Orchestra for Mikhail Gorbachev’s 80th birthday. I was so happy to sing this classic again and finally have it on record forever on this album.


9. I Only Have Eyes For You

Most people may be more familiar with The Flamingos and Art Garfunkel versions, but ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’ was originally written in 1934 for the film, Dames. Peter and I listened to lots of different covers of this song and all the songs featured on this album. We took a bit of our favourites and tried to add our own twist, on some more than others. We’ve kept the romantic and dreamy qualities in this melody which I love, it’s one of those songs everybody knows but you just don’t know how. The way it floats and flows, I often sing it to my little girl, so it’s taken on a whole new worth and significance.


10. Tell Me It’s Not True

Working in Blood Brothers reignited my passion for musical theatre and became the inspiration for making this album, so for many reasons this is such an important song for me. Mrs Johnstone was my first role in a musical and travelling to London’s West End every day brought back so many memories and reminded me of all the great songs and shows I’d left behind since working in pop music. I loved working in the show, my brilliant cast, director, musical director and the wonderful Bill Kenwright, had so much faith in me and nurtured me through some terrifying moments. After performing this song for six months through the emotional finale scene, I felt very comfortable singing and recording it for the album. I hope you enjoy Peter’s variation on this very special song.


11. My Funny Valentine

We had a great singing teacher at The Doreen Bird College called Pat Izen and this song was one of her favourites, not only does it remind me of her but also the many auditions it has served me well in! Written by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart, who have composed many a fantastic show tune, it has been covered by many artists over the years from Ella Fitzgerald to Elvis Costello and now, me. When it comes to songs which have been recorded several times I always try to interpret them in my own way. This is quite a slow, smooth number which required a lot of control but I was delighted with our final version.


12. Something Wonderful

This is such a beautiful song from The King and I, another favourite from my college days. I was reminded of this number when I was in Blood Brothers by Phil Stewart, who was playing The Narrator in the show. Thank you for that Phil as it has become one of my most treasured on the album.

source: melaniec.net

Melanie C - Stages - Out Now!
Posted on Sunday, 09 September 2024 by Ben

As posted on Melanie’s official website:

‘Stages’, an album Melanie recorded with long time collaborator Peter-John Vettese, features a collection of songs from the theatre that have been important to Melanie at various stages of her life.
The album includes the following songs:

01 Maybe This Time
02 Another Hundred People
03 I Know Him So Well (featuring Emma Bunton)
04 Aren’t You Kinda Glad We Did?
05 I Don’t Know How To Love Him
06 Both Sides Now
07 Ain’t Got No / I Got Life
08 I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself
09 I Only Have Eyes For You
10 Tell Me It’s Not True
11 My Funny Valentine
12 Something Wonderful
13 Anything Goes (iTunes Only Bonus Track)

This release is now available digitally worldwide on iTunes; 7Digital; Amazon UK & US; HMV Digital and FairShareMusic.

If you want to order this release on CD, it’s now available from our official store (including an exclusive free photo print) as well as on Play.com, Amazon and HMV. The CD release will also be available in all major HMV stores in the UK and Ireland from September 10 onwards.

 

source: melaniec.net

Upcoming TV Appearances
Posted on Thursday, 06 September 2024 by Ben

As posted on Melanie’s official website:

We can now confirm Melanie will appear on the following TV shows this weekend:

Friday September 7: The Late Late Show, RTE One (Ireland), 9:35pm. Interview + ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ performance.
Saturday September 8: The Jonathan Ross Show, ITV1 (UK), 9:55pm. Melanie will join Jonathan Ross alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber and fellow ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ cast members Tim Minchin (Judas) and Ben Forster (Jesus). Melanie, Tim and Ben will also perform one of the songs from the musical, ‘Everything’s Alright’.

source: melaniec.net

Official “Stages”-Previews
Posted on Thursday, 23 August 2024 by Sebastian

Melanies will preview her new album all day long. Here are the first previews:

Maybe This Time

Another Hundred People

I Know Him So Well (feat. Emma Bunton)

Aren’t You Kinda Glad We Did

Both Sides Now

Ain’t Got No / I Got Life

I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself

I Only Have Eyes For You

Tell Me It’s Not True

My Funny Valentine

Something Wonderful

Source: Melanie C

 

 

Tomorrow Is Preview Thursday!
Posted on Wednesday, 22 August 2024 by Ben

Taken from Melanie’s official website:

Melanie’s new album ‘Stages’ is out in just over 2 weeks and we think it’s time to give you a special preview of the album. Join us on Facebook and Twitter (@MelanieCmusic and @MelanieCnet) tomorrow as we will be posting previews of all tracks from the album during the day. Can’t wait? Here’s a sneak peak of ‘I Know Him So Well’, the duet Melanie recorded with Emma:

If you can’t make it online during the day tomorrow, there’s no need to worry. All previews will remain online for your listening pleasure! ‘Stages’ is released September 9 and can now be pre-ordered on iTunes whilst the physical CD can be pre-ordered via our official store.

source: melaniec.net

Send in your Melanie C Fans’ Charity Calendar 2013 photo!
Posted on Sunday, 19 August 2024 by Ben

From Melanie’s official facebook page:

We are about to start planning the next Melanie C Fans’ Charity Calendar for 2013, and of course we can’t produce the calendar without your input!

This is our ninth year of calendar making and your support of every project never fails to impress, with our running total of money raised creeping up to £23,000, so for that – thank you.
So first things first – we need your photos. As lovely as you all are, sadly not photos of you with Melanie but Melanie on stage or wherever you may have snapped her over the last 2 years at most. It may be on stage during the recent tours or at any of the summer festivals, all we need is for it to be of a high enough quality to reproduce in print.

One entry per person, simply email the original highest quality resolution of your photo (300dpi and no cropping please) – either as an attachment or even better as a downloadable link using a website like www.wetransfer.com for example. Then just add your name (or the name you want to be printed beside the photo if yours is chosen), the date and where the picture was taken and send it all to us at [email protected]
The deadline for submissions is next Saturday, August 25th with voting to commence the following Monday on the forums at www.melaniec.net

Please note: If your photo is not up to the quality required, unfortunately we won’t be able to put it forward for voting. Please don’t be offended, we just need HQ for print.
If you’d like to be involved but don’t have any suitable photos, we are also taking suggestions for the fan charity choice this year. So if there’s a cause that’s close to your heart, please email us the name and if possible a link to their website to the same above email.

Thank you!

source: Melanie C

‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ Download Links
Posted on Saturday, 28 July 2024 by Ben

After initially being exclusively available on iTunes, ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ is now also available on a selection of other digital outlets worldwide, such as:

  • 7Digital
  • Amazon
  • Fairsharemusic
  • HMV Digital

‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ is a special preview from Melanie’s forthcoming album ‘Stages’, which will be released on September 9. Melanie recorded the album with long time collaborator Peter-John Vettese. The 12 track record features a collection of songs from the theatre that have been important to Melanie at various stages of her life. ‘Stages’ is now available for pre-order on iTunes. The iTunes release comes with an exclusive bonus track: Melanie’s own version of ‘Anything Goes’.

‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ was originally featured in the rock musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, which will return to the UK and Ireland with a spectacular arena tour this September and October. Melanie will be playing Mary Magdalene during the tour alongside Tim Minchin, Chris Moyles and ‘Superstar’ winner Ben Forster. Tickets for the arena tour are now available.

Earlier this week Melanie performed ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ on ITV’s Superstar accompanied by Andrew Lloyd Webber, you can watch that performance in HD on Melanie’s official youtube channel.

source: melaniec.net

‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ - Out Now
Posted on Sunday, 22 July 2024 by Ben

As posted on Melanie’s official website:

‘Stages’, Melanie’s album featuring a collection of songs from the theatre will be released on September 9, and as an introduction to the sound of the album – we’re releasing one track to showcase what to expect.

One of the musical choices Melanie recorded for ‘Stages’ with Peter Vettese is ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’, Mary Magdalene’s solo song from the musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. This track is now available for download on iTunes at http://itun.es/i6jY2Xb

Together with the release of ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’, Melanie will also perform the song during the big finale of ‘Superstar’ on Wednesday 25 July. To win tickets for the finale of ‘Superstar’ join us on Twitter today!

source: melaniec.net