Interview with Dutch singer-songwriter Melissa Janssen

Melissa Janssen talks about her musical inspiration, experience during The Voice and future plans.

ML&L - For those who might not be familiar with you, can you introduce yourself and give us a brief insight into your music and art?

Melissa - I’m 21 years old, born and raised in Holland. I’ve been singing since I was 11 years old. I started with a Dutch song from an artist called Jan Smit, but my second song I’ve ever performed was Ben from Michael Jackson. I started doing talent shows. And one of them was “The Voice Of Holland” 2015-2016. I made it to the half finales. After that I started singing a lot of covers but also started my own band called “Lady Johnson”. We are very busy writing songs. Our genre is Rock/Pop with an electric vibe. I hope soon you can hear more.


ML&L - What inspired you to post your first video on YouTube? When was it?

Melissa - After the Voice I’ve been performing a lot on stage with covers. And during that I saw a lot of young artist posting video’s. And I really liked that. So, I thought why not share a few covers in a beautiful video.


ML&L - How has that decision affected your life?

Melissa - I get a lot of positive reactions. And that is really cool. On Instagram you have those accounts who make short movies about different stories. One of the short movies had my cover as the background music. That was awesome!

ML&L - What do you look for in a song when you're thinking about covers?

Melissa - I’m always trying to make a song my own. I don’t want to sound like the original artist. But my favorite songs are the ones who have a lot of power in it. Like Tina Turner or Prince.


ML&L - Is there anything you'd like to leave the "Voice" audience with?

Melissa - It has been a great experience. I’ve learned a lot during the show. It has been tough too. It takes a lot of time and energy. But I’ve got to work with amazing people from the industry. I’ve met Seal, Charlie Puth and Ellie Goulding. But also, great artist from Holland.


ML&L - Did "The Voice" teach you anything you didn't know before?

Melissa - I’ve learned to not let anyone tell you what to do. If you believe in yourself and in your music then do it! Music is also taste. One person loves Rock and the other one loves R&B. You got to do what your heart tells you to do. Cause isn’t it amazing to be able to do what you love every single day.I’ve also learned how to put my emotions in a song. I’ve always kept my feelings inside. And with singing you got to let the audience feel what you feel. That was tough for me. Opening up to such a big audience. But I’m still growing in that part.

ML&L - And is there anything you are particularly excited about for your own future? 

Melissa - I’m working really hard on writing my own songs. My dream is performing with my own band in front of a crowed, where everyone knows the lyrics to my song.


ML&L - What would be some final inspirational advice for the aspiring artist?

Melissa - Like I said, follow your heart. Do what you love! You got to listen to advice from other people. But you decide what you are going to do with that advice. And hard work pays off. I sound cheesy. But you won’t reach the top sitting on a couch.