I’m So Lonely....

Nervous by nature I am perhaps, but almost always of cheerful disposition and indominable spirit. I have prided myself on my independence, my inner strength, but right now I feel a little off kilter--lost, depressed, lonely. I feel like since I left New York a decade ago I live in the middle of nowhere, at a crossroads I can't seem to navigate from. I am single and alone since my son's father passed and my soon to be ex husband left me to return to Europe a year and a half ago. Since leaving Long Island all four of my grandparents, my aunt, my uncle and two ex boyfriends have died, in addition to another female friend. My three best friends from  NY have moved out of state as well, now married with children of their own to care for. The only sister I was raised with lives in another state now as well. I lost a baby 2 years ago and still mourn for it, as friends who were pregnant at the same time raise their lovely children. I can only imagine what she might have been like at the same age. My son and I have suffered so much loss.... While I have made wonderful friends here, I still manage to feel lost, alone, out of my element. Creatively, I am far from the working enviornment that was Long Island and New York City. Some times I think about moving back, but almost everyone I loved there is gone. I feel trapped. I am scared. I don't know where I belong. My heart hungers for purpose, for inspiration. I have been so hurt, so disappointed in the past. It's hard to keep hope. I have a hard time sleeping, and when I do I am plagued with nightmares. And there is no one there to comfort me, to listen, to tell me everything will be alright. Independent as I may be in every other way, I need to love and be loved. I need to share my life with someone, in order for it to feel worthwhile.   


Where and with whom does God want me?

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GOOD NEWS - UPDATE!

Hi Everyone!  There is a lot of good news to share with you, my friends. Over the past couple of months I have been writing and recording the songs for my new CD, taping in the 24 track home studio I've had since November (and am finally getting the knack of). I've been enjoying the effort, but couldn't be sure that I was on the right track. Well, I never dreamed of the response these new songs are garnering.... The very night I added "Say Goodnight" onto my new music page last week I was contacted by a respected indi record label, praising the new material and offering me a contract on the spot. I was, of course, thrilled, honored and flattered but I have decided not to make any decisions regarding the offer until the entire CD is finished and I have a better idea of what my options are. I don't want to act in haste. There have been other parties interested in my work and with so many other things to consider, I must weigh things carefully. I am excited. All my hard work and perseverence appears to be finally starting to pay off! 

Thank you for you support during this time, as always. I'll keep you posted on developments!     

APRIL 13 UPDATE:  I've been asked to model for Artist Linda Baysinger Pecks new line of T-Shirts. She is a good friend of mine and I am thrilled to accept.  :-)  I've been working on MORE songs for the album and the art for the cd cover. So many things to do.... I hope it all turns out well after all this work! 

3:42 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

LYRICS TO "MAGIC" By Melody

MAGIC: 

You whisper "look into my eyes" 
You think you’re playing with my mind
You insist on pulling my strings
Watch how the song bird sings
under your control 

You don’t need Magic to make me love you
Magic to make me touch you
Magic to draw me into your arms
You don’t need Magic to make me hear you 
Magic, ’cause baby when I’m near you
You have all you need to capture my heart 

You have me floating off the ground 
To your ring of fire I am bound 
But you don’t have to lock me up in chains
to keep me
I’m here because I want to be
I’ve always had the key  

You don’t need Magic to make me love you
Magic to make me touch you
Magic to draw me into your arms
You don’t need Magic to make me hear you
Magic, ’cause baby when you’re near me 
You have all it takes to capture my heart 

Your smoke and mirror smile
surely charms the lasses
(and your)
Your disappearing act
always rocks the masses 
--You’re a man known for taking chances 

but....

(Repeat Chorus To Close) 
 

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MY REFERENCES: Endorsements From People I Respect

Thank you for your endless love and support… I love you too!

     "I think Melody is very much a beauty and she should consider modeling jobs that are coming her way. To Melody: Don’t shy away from the gigs! There’s always me in the end but go big while you can!"

--Jay Trembly, Award-Winning International Pin-Up and Fine Artist (July 27, 2005)  

www.artoftrembly.com
 

     "Melanie ’Melody’ Saunders has everything it takes to be a multi-platinum singer and bestselling author. She has a dazzling amount of initiative, is very reliable, and has a remarkable imagination. Her lusty voice transports listeners across a sea of ever-changing emotions and her clear lucid writing paints vivid mental pictures. Best of all, she’s a wonderful person- and dead sexy to boot."  

--Anthony Hernandez, Motivational Coach/Speaker, Entrepreneur, Author of the science fiction series "Biography Of An Earther Saga" and Acquisitions Editor for The Rebecca Pratt Literary Agency.

     "In Melody you find persistence, talent, and most importantly--a best friend."

--Ian Crawford, Actor/Model/Recording Artist   

     "There are millions of talented Americans--some even "make it" in show business in spite of the monumental odds against it. Melody is one who might do it yet--overcoming a mountain of bad luck, bad decisions and bad advice. Melody has many talents--she sings, composes music, writes books, acts--with a face the camera loves and a pair of legs Miss America would love to own. Above all, Melody is determined. If any talent in America can make it, she will. Melody has earned it. She’s a pleasure to work with and I’m proud to be a part of her future success."

--Richard M. Dixon, Television and Movie Producer, Director, Actor, Talent Agent and Author of "The Talent Factor".

     "She’s an amazing writer and a positive influence, with love both for music and for people."

--Joey Kid, Recording Artist formerly of C&C Music Factory & Trilogy.

     "PLATINUM"

--Joey "Danger" Altura, Master Music Editor and CEO of State Of Mass Entertainment.

     "Melody’s music is timeless and her attitude terrific!"

--Nathaniel Abbey, lead vocalist for the Australian rock band "PANDER".

     "I had the privilege of teaching Melanie (Melody) Saunders piano and songwriting as a child and on into her teenage years. Although quite talented on the piano, it became rather evident that Melody’s true gift was that of songwriting. Rarely have I come across a student who has exhibited such an ability to compose catchy pop melodies. Anyone considering her work will agree that she has what it takes to become a significant influence in the music industry!"

--Dino P. Ascari 4/11/03, Musician/Songwriter, Founder of The Malverne School Of Music and Author of "The Art Of Effective Piano Teaching".

Thu, 15 May 2003

Dear Melody, 

     I think you are a very creative person with a lot of potential to go far in this world. Proceed as if you are on a one way street....to Your Destiny. It could come at any day from any direction.

Marcia Delaney, LawTown Music - shortly before they hired me. 

March 30, 2004

Melody,

     Wow! That is some story...you have had quite a full life so far.... I read the excerpts of your book and I had to write to tell you that you have a great gift for writing. You have a professional flair and a way of crafting your words that makes a reader interested and anxious to continue on. I hope your book goes to the top of the bestseller list where it deserves to be... 

Best wishes,

Damian Wild , International Dance Music Recording artist

      I’ve known Melanie Saunders (AKA "Melody") for a number of years now and I must say she is one of the most responsible, dedicated and professional individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I believe her work ethic and tireless efforts in and outside of the studio is a direct reflection of the discipline she shows in her work. I hope this short note will help you consider in favor of working with Melanie. 

Regards,
Edwin Ramos

Multi-Platinum & Grammy-Award Winning Songwriter/Producer/Engineer & President of BIGTIME! Entertainment, LLC  (Mary J. Blige and others) 
www.Bigtimemuzic.com  

"As a friend, Melody is a great human being. As an artist, writer and performer, she is on a level all her own--a great combination of them all.  She co-wrote my song "Dizzy Boi" with me and with her song-writing touch, we made it to the top of the dance charts." 

--Bylli Crayone, Recording Artist  March 12, 2008 

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CONGRATS TO BYLLI CRAYONE

I would like to publically extend my congratulations to my dear friend Bylli Crayone on being invited to perform  "Dizzi Boi" (which I co-wrote) live at the edgy 2008 Digital Discharge Awards in North London.  (The fact that he coincidently performed following Amy Whinehouses facetious award for "white trash media hor of the year" will be ignored. )  He did incredibly, making the both the British tabloid newspaper "The Daily Mirror" and American Newspaper "Rumbo News" (in which I am also mentioned)  the next morning!  The song is charting here and abroad. 

Details and links to live footage can be found here: 

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=2113886&blogID=363528756 

  

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METHOD TO MY MADNESS LYRICS

METHOD TO MY MADNESS, BY MJS
Written Jan 30, 2008



They say we're all a bit crazy
I'm no exception to the rule now, baby
I'm no saner than the next girl
No wiser than the next fool
Living in the real world

It's true, I dare to be different
People say a tad obsessed
But I'll use it all to my advantage
You see, There's method,
Method to my madness, madness
Method to my madness, madness
Method to my, my, my, my
Uh huh uh huh a yeah yeah yeah


They say we're all a bit daring
Showing our asses with the whole world staring
Everybody wants their 15 minutes of fame
There's always a price to pay

Seen under a microscope
None of us shines like a newly minted dime, no sir
Prepare to be cross examined
I'm not worried 'cause there's method,
Method to my madness, madness
Method to my madness, madness
Method to my, my, my, my
Uh huh Uh huh a yeah yeah yeah

Bridge:

The truth can be so unkind
I'm forced to defend my peace of mind
Let me have my delusions
Don't jump to the right conclusion

-----------

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THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG

Well, it's been quite the crazy weekend here in my little corner of the world--with events both good and bad sending me on an emotional rollercoaster ride.  

It started on a real high note. Early Saturday, I emailed and uploaded the new song and video for "Method To My Madness"  and you wouldn't believe the response already. Although the video is hardly the best it could be (As my videographer friend Rok once tactfully informed me, I'm a "singer, not a film-maker") people tell me they think the song's the best work I've ever done. A few confessed when they first heard the song they thought it was Brittany Spears-esp given the lyrics. The talented but troubled starlet did help to inspire the song, which makes light of life in the spotlight and the innoccuous side effects of fame. Although I've been spared stardom worthy of such onslaught, poor Britany lives with a reality that could be compared to flagging down a firing squad. (How can anyone live like that, under such scutiny? How can she heal in peace when the media reports every time she takes a shit?  It's cruel I tell you. Would they treat her this way if she were suffering from cancer rather than mental illness? We need to do away with the stigma attached to it. Half the planet is off in one way or another. I know I am, suffering from at times crippling anxiety and a milder but still frustrating obsessive-compulsive disorder. I'm quite honest and upfront about it, hence my song. I can talk about it, laugh about it. The more people understand about such things the better off we will all cope. I do the best I can, which is all any of us can do with our individual challenges. Unfortunately for the very famous, their stumbles occur on the public stage. Though I'm sure I'll take my own heat for doing it, I must second Chris Crockers lament to "Leave Brittany Alone!"  Enough is enough people. Have a heart. Rant over.) Further, I recieved an email inviting me to perform in a big music festival in NYC. 

The bad news that brought me down like a malfuctioning spy satellite was that the sweet guy I've been talking to was in a car wreck last night--while on his way to visit me. He's thankfully unharmed, but his shiny new sportscar didn't fare as well. He hadn't had it two weeks. Suffice to say, it spoiled the weekend.  

9:53 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

OF MUSIC & MEN FEB 12, 2008

A friend pointed out to me that I hadn't blogged in two months. I cheekily responded "Oh, it's been a lot longer than that." To which she slapped me on the shoulder and told me to go update my 'public' on my current projects. I didn't know I had a public, unless you count the few whinos and stray cats who seem to follow me around. I always assumed it was the left over limburger cheese sandwiches I have in my pockets. Any looks and music talent I may or may not also possess remains a matter of drunken debate. Have another beer, please.

Okay, apparently at some point, I slipped off my rocker but if you smiled at my farce, it was worth the venture. 

I've spent the past two nights reading Shakespeare so if I'm wordier than usual, blame the bard. 

So, what hath I endeavored to do these past two months? 

Enjoyed the holidays, though they were quiet; recorded the first single for my new 2008 album: the funky "Method To My Madness". I've been dating. I finally feel comfortable moving on.

2008 is already shaping up to be a year of new beginnings. 

5:46 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

DID YOU KNOW OR WORK WITH JIMMY COOK?

DID YOU KNOW OR DO YOU REMEMBER MY BIRTH FATHER JIMMY COOK AND HIS MUSIC? 

He had two careers, one as a recording artist and another as a businessman and record company executive: He was a country-bluegrass singer-musician and founding member of The Grand Ole Opry, best remembered for his work Roy Acuff—with whom he recorded "Wabash Cannonball", Ferlan Husky—with whom he recorded "On The Wings Of A Dove", and Hank Williams Sr.—with whom he recorded "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain", in addition to his boyhood friendship with Elvis Presley. He also founded both a record company and radio station WJDC in the 1950's. He also owned a roofing company in  Florida. 

I am reseraching his life and career for a new book and would love to know anything anyone remembers, good or bad. 

Thank you! 

Please contact me via myspace mail or comments, and thank you in advance. 

6:45 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

WOO HOO! MY TWO NEW CD’S RELEASED TODAY!

I'm excited to announce that my SHY NO MORE album is being released today, by Funusual Records, and my JAZZY LITTLE CHRISTMAS ALBUM is also being released today, independently! 

You can buy the CD's and related merchandise here:

http://www.cafepress.com/shynomore.198130494  

http://www.cafepress.com/jazzylittle 

http://www.cafepress.com/jazzylittle.194294066    

Also, last Thursday four photos of the ice storm taken by my son Christian were aired on the Fox Primetime News at 9.  He was so proud. :-)  

2:28 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment