WHEN SHE OPENED HER MOUTH, DOVES FLEW OUT! ID DRIVE ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO HEAR HER SING! -Big Lez, Radio Personality (The Beat, Los Angeles). MELISSA MATHES is on the edge of becoming one of the rocks hottest female artists. Even from an early age, Melissa was busy preparing to make her mark in the music industry. At only eleven years old, she began to exercise her love for entertaining when she appeared on Ed McMahons Star Search. She has since sang the National Anthem for former President Bill Clinton, compared high notes with Mariah Carey, and performed along side John Denver. With her own band, she has secured the opening spot for such artists as: Ray Charles, Pat Benatar, Cheap Trick, and Shelby Lynne. In 1999, Melissa also shared the stage with Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Indigo Girls, K's Choice, and the Dixie Chicks as a part of the Lilith Fair Tour. All of this local hype began to create a buzz, attracting other writers, artists and producers to jump on board. Even throughout her high school years, Melissa consistently flew back and forth from Milwaukee to L.A., taking weeks off from school to polish her skills and to develop lifelong relationships. These trips eventually paid off. Melissa has collaborated with such hit-makers as:Nick Trevisick(Paramore,Martina Mcbride,Jeremy Lister), Danny Wilde (The Rembrandts), Sammy Llanas (The BoDeans), Eric Benet (Warner Bros.), Joe Puerta (Bruce Hornsby, Ambrosia), The Warren Brothers (RCA), Jim Peterik (Survivor), Victor Delorenzo (Violent Femmes), Joe Pisapia (Guster), John Deaderick (Patty Griffin, The Bees, Daddy) and Daniel Tashian (The Bees). Melissas latest contributions to the music world are backup vocals for Tupper Saussy, K.S Rhoads, Carter Little, Courtney Little, Josh Rouse, Guster on their album "Ganging Up On the Sun", along with vocals on Collective Soul's "Youth" Album. At this point, there was no question as to whether or not music would be her passion for life. Her stunning vocal ability and endless creativity started to not only attract the attention of the major record labels, but also Corporate America. Melissa was chosen by McDonalds USA to be the primary voice behind their We Love to See You Smile Campaign in 1999. She was also chosen by Home Depot to sing on their Summer 2000 Olympic spot, If Youre Happy and You Know It, which received critical acclaim. Other commercial accounts include: Minute Maid, Saks Fifth Avenue and numerous other regional ads. Currently, Melissa resides in Nashville, TN where she continues to write, perform and record.. primarily with writer/producer/musician/ John Deaderick (The Bees) and Daniel Tashian (The Bees). Melissa recently finished recording a record with another project titled Mechanical Birds with writers/producers Michael Dukes and Uli Reese (www.mechanicalbirds.com). Her blend of youthful spunk, authenticity, and determination has drawn a loyal following. When asked about the future, Melissa stated, "Music is something spiritual to me. It's my way to give of myself. I want to practice on it, expand on it, explore through it, and share it, to move people. That is my art."