Interview: Melissa Pettignano
Award winning recording artist, songwriter, author and inspirational speaker Melissa Pettignano released a recreated version of the song 'Dear Lord Jesus' last year, hitting #1 on the Christian Radio Charts. Louder Than The Music chatted with Melissa to find out more about her music, her inspiration, and the message she tries to convey to her listeners.
Tell us about your song 'Dear Lord Jesus' and what the inspiration behind it was?
I am a strong down to earth woman I love family and friends, fans and everyone ! I am a devout Christian and love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I own my own company CEO / Founder / Owner of MPettignano Enterprises, LLC it is both a book publishing / record label! I am award winning in both the literary and entertainment industry! I am a recording artist / songwriter / author / inspirational speak / humanitarian.
I help persecuted Christians which include former Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhist, atheist etc. I also help Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhist, atheist, etc who want to fight for good and against wrong even within their own communities!
I got involved in making music at a very young age! I come from a family that is so very musically inclined. My father Raymond Pettignano Sr is a singer /musician / songwriter and I learned a lot from him early along with other family members from both my mothers and fathers side.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
My song Dear Lord Jesus is about a young male or female who is speaking to our Lord Jesus, but also speaking to his or her brothers and sisters about our Lord Jesus and what HE can do.
The inspiration behind it was I wanted to create a song that really would touch everyone who heard it! Everyone who can connect to it. Who would know they aren’t ever alone. That who we need is right there and HE won’t ever leave us or forsake us.
Do you have any plans to release more songs soon?
Yes I do! I am currently working on a new single titled: Blessed Lord Jesus and it should be releasing at the end of April and full release going into early summer. I am working on another Christian single and Christmas song.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
The message I would like people to take from my music is that every time I sing I am singing not only from experience, but truth and I want them to feel they know they have someone who is there to help them and love them no matter what they face they will overcome and the light is as always at the end of the tunnel.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My style of music is unique it is a combination of contemporary Christian / Gospel / Inspirational, but it has flavor a of a lot of styles of music as well. When you hear it you don’t just hear one style you hear other styles in it and that’s what I love.
My influences are Lord Jesus, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Elvis Presley, Kelly Clarkson etc! I have so very many influences!
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I would love to work with many songwriters, but one of the songwriters I would love to work with is Kelly Clarkson because she is someone who is real and write's from the heart not fake.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
I would define success as being true to myself and doing what I love. Helping people and seeing their being who they destined to be.
What is your favourite album of all time?
I have so very many favorite albums, but one of my favorite albums of all time is Mariah Carey Music Box song, Hero.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
If I was stuck on an Island and only could listen to one track over and over it be Soon and Very Soon Gospel Christian hymn.
What does the next year hold for you?
The next year holds a new single release, some more announcements of releases, song releases, awards, etc.
