Melanie Waldman is a multi-talented singer with a passion for the Lord. In her words, she loves “creating intimate moments for people to connect with God.” Not only does she lead worship, but she's also a songwriter and a speaker. She says music has always been a big part of her life, so it made sense when she felt a push to use that to glorify the Lord.
Melanie has been writing and performing songs since she graduated from college. She was a member of the group, Mercy Shore. Now, she has her own solo project with five singles under her belt.
I spoke with Melanie about her music, creative influences, musical inspiration, future, as well as her latest single, “Our Father.” Not to mention the COVID-19 pandemic.
Introduce yourself to our readers.
I live in New Jersey—and part-time in Nashville—with my husband of four years, Scott. Together, we have three children. I'm devoted to writing and leading songs that point people to Jesus. I love creating intimate moments for people to connect with God. I was previously a worship leader with Mercy Shore and for Liquid Church. I now lead several small groups of people on their journey with Christ. I travel to churches and conferences, combining songs with the story of God’s miracles in my life.
Why write and perform Christian music?
We know music has a way of connecting with people on a more intimate level. For me, personally, I have been singing and making music my entire life. Years ago, I was restored by the blood of Jesus. He gave me a new life, and He gave me new songs to sing. I try to create songs that glorify God in response to all He has done for me. And I share those with others on my mission to love people.
What are some of your creative influences?
You know who has impacted me greatly? Eric Peters. He was the first Christian songwriter I knew who also paints. He offers his paintings and prints at his concert events, and he also makes no apology about lamenting. I remember when I first heard him share his music. I was like ‘this man is not afraid to mourn and do it in public for all of us to see.’ I learned a lot by following him.
I follow speakers Danielle Strickland and Judah Smith. Most everything I’ve heard these two speak to audiences is like water in the desert to me. It’s either speaking directly right to my heart or taking the words right out of my mouth. They encourage me that I’m on the right path.
Musically, I think I may have far too many influences to mention. But, the top contenders are The Beatles and Cat Stevens. Simon and Garfunkel shaped my early music listening, along with classical music by Mozart and Handel. I had Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant memorized to sing at the top of my lungs as a child.
My ears still chime to Baroque music, but also a The Killers or Coldplay tune. I love a beautiful turn of phrase. I can listen to David Leonard’s “The Wait” on repeat for many hours; and before that, Andrew Osenga’s “The Painted Desert.” People say my music reminds them of Nichole Nordeman, which is quite a compliment to receive.
Tell us about your latest single, “Our Father.”
The Holy Spirit sometimes leads me to specific songs I need to write. “Our Father” was very much like that. I was setting out to write a song based on a prayer I had written years ago. It wasn’t based on any particular scripture, but whenever I would sit down to write, Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord’s Prayer) kept coming to mind. I was excited to get with collaborator and co-writer Michael Farren to bring this song to the world.
As COVID-19 restrictions continue, what do you miss most about performing live?
I miss gathering together in person. I love people. Actively listening and relating to others is important to me. I can still do that now, but it’s just not the same.
At the beginning of quarantine, I started going live online when COVID-19 hit. There was so much unknown happening around us. So, I felt going live online was the perfect way to help center my congregation. So, every weekday in quarantine, I went live with worship. I reminded everyone of all the things we have been saying over the years as believers. It feels like if ever we, as people, needed to stand on the truth, now is that time. I have a few live events planned for the fall, so I'm remaining hopeful that I will still be able to do them.
What’s the biggest challenge you face as a newer artist?
The biggest challenge is probably getting my name to the public. I previously released music with Mercy Shore. We got to play many venues and festivals, including the Creation Festival. Bu,t going out on my own is, in some ways, like starting again. I was on staff as a worship leader for four years. And, at that time, I was given the heart to write songs for the church. So, today, I’m writing new material, partnering with new people; I’m stepping out in confidence knowing the Lord has called me to share my testimony with the world, as well as to share songs telling of the incredible work of restoration He has done. I'm moving forward in obedience—one step at a time.
What’s next? How can we be praying for you?
I’m continuing to work on sharing my testimony in more and new ways. I am continuing to co-write and I hope to record some new songs this autumn. Please connect with me on my mailing list. I would love it if you could pray that God would open more and new pathways for me to share my testimony.
Kevin McNeese started NRT in 2002 and has worked in the industry since 1999 in one form or another. He has been a fan of Christian music since 1991.
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