Life & Work with Melanie Gillott of Hollywood, CA

 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Gillott

Hi Melanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Coming from a musically inclined family, from an early age I knew I was passionate about music and the arts. My childhood was really defined by my creativity. I spent countless hours singing, diving into books, and writing my own short stories in the sanctuary of my room. Those were the activities that brought me joy and helped shape who I am today. Throughout my childhood and high school years, I was active in my school’s music department, performed in numerous community theaters and 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 acting earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting-Performing Arts at AMDA 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 into wanting to pursue a career in the arts. I’m also very grateful for my parents, teachers, and peers who have helped me get to where I am today.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is a rollercoaster, but I’ve learned to enjoy the ride. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to face as well as many other students throughout the country, was navigating my education/training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being a college student in the middle of your program not knowing what is going to happen and then having to transition from all in-person classes to an online format was very frustrating. While I was fortunate to have had opportunities to perform during the pandemic virtually, I missed human connection. While I am grateful that I was able to graduate in-person with my peers, it still wasn’t the same. The pandemic has given me a new perspective on life and how precious it truly is.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer, songwriter, and actor. I love collaborating with others and creating. In December of 2022, I released my first single, “When Christmas Is With You” which I co-wrote with Brian Donovan. While working on my holiday single, I developed a passion for songwriting and the creative process. Since my first single, I have released my debut EP: “Unpredictable” as well as my most recent singles, “Delusion” and “Stronger Again” which are available on all platforms. My debut EP: “Unpredictable” which was released on November 3rd, 2023 is about embracing the unpredictability of life, the highs and lows of love, and the beauty that lies within these experiences. I am so proud of “Unpredictable” since I had wanted to release an EP for a very long time. As an artist, my ultimate goal is to help others through art and storytelling, whether it’s through the medium of music or acting. I believe that stories possess the unparalleled capacity to heal, inspire, and bridge divides. I am committed and dedicated to using my talents to uplift and resonate with others, guiding them through shared human experiences and emotions.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout and thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey. Your support means the absolute world to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melaniegillott.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniegillott/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniegillottofficial/
• Twitter: https://x.com/melaniegillott?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvrAAMppchyx5WVnxMbWWew
• Other: https://linktr.ee/melaniegillott

Image Credits
Jeff Ellingson