Rising Stars: Meet Melanie Burckes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Burckes.

Hi Melanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started seriously pursuing my passions after high school. Whether it was music or modeling, they have become one of my biggest loves. With modeling, I get to connect with so many creatives and make amazing art. With music, I have inspiration to be myself and create music that’s authentic to me. It makes me so proud to be able to be part of this world. To get to express myself through concepts, my music, my unique style, etc. Living in LA, to begin with, is a blessing. It’s given me free rein to design my dreams and the energy I need to go after them! 

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?
So, to start off, I am independent when it comes to being a music artist and a model. There are pros and cons to being independent. When it comes to modeling, some obstacles could be the consistency. It isn’t like a 9-to-5 job where it’s guaranteed work all the time. So, seeking out jobs and continuing to put effort into creating my own personal projects has helped me create momentum as I am ready for new opportunities to come my way! As for music, my main obstacle is finding the right people who are both professional and musical partners. For the fact that creating songs can be very vulnerable. I would have to find the right people to help bring the vision to life and be people to trust. Which is a bit harder to find, but when I do, it’s great! Anything can happen in a day. So, there’s no use in giving up! I remind myself that I have this gift for a reason, and I’m meant to share it. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an independent singer/music artist and a model. I have always been a singer since I was a little girl. I loved to perform for birthday parties and be the center of attention. So, it manifested into a show choir in middle school and high school. I performed in front of so many people and didn’t get stage fright. I enjoyed the rush. I loved the idea of working so hard towards one goal. Tweaking it and making it better until it’s amazing. The choir has taught me discipline and constructive criticism. I love it; it challenges me to be better because I know I can. Also, the understanding that it takes a village to make a show happen. So, I’m grateful and respect anybody who works towards the same goal. I’m proud of letting myself shine. I’m proud of believing in myself to create amazing friendships and connections in the industry on my own. Simply by being my truest, kind self. I’ve always loved beauty, but I didn’t know I could model due to my height. But boy, was I wrong! I’ve shown myself that this just isn’t the truth, and I can make anything happen. What makes me different is my constant hunger for improving, learning, and inspiration. I gain inspiration and follow it with action. I am in love with what I do. I am beyond grateful. 

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Human connection is so valuable and irreplaceable. The connection with oneself was in dire need of deep introspection. I let myself get bored and think of ways to entertain myself and plan for the future. That’s when I got to know myself in deeper levels than I did before. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanie.burckes/
• Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/Melanieburckes?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=ff66cd16-6e7f-4dfd-994b-945c6e857ec7
• Twitter: https://x.com/meluhhnayy?s=21&t=glVXklp9MOqpppRcYh8lvA
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@melanieburckes?si=518LDMoS7ABu7uCi
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Vao8v3LWgv1LBYVYUXW4T?si=ZWYbDSNoTSmYxP_VX5kw_A

Image Credits
@ahudotsky
Tyler Hagen
Michael Donovan
Carianne Older
Augustine
Giovanni Miles
Autumn Jacobsen