Born on July 30, 1994, near Stuttgart, Germany, I am Melissa Kross—a passionate performer with a lifelong connection to music and the stage. Being the daughter of a musician/singer and songwriter, I found my love for the limelight and being in front of the camera early in life, eventually becoming a child model for Germany’s renowned children's magazine, "Pumuckl," at the tender age of 5.
At 16, I marked my television debut on the popular Sunday afternoon music program, "Immer wieder sonntags." In 2011, my talent was recognized with the Wasenstar-Award during the TV broadcast of the opening of the Cannstatter Wasen, an iconic event in Stuttgart akin to Munich's Oktoberfest.
My artistic journey took a formal turn in 2011 as I embarked on a 3-year training as a musical performer at the Stage & Musical School in Frankfurt. Post my diploma, I directed my focus to crafting my own musical productions and delivering solo shows, predominantly in the enchanting landscapes of France, particularly Provence, where I called home for 10 transformative years.
Currently residing in Stuttgart, Germany, I center my energy on concert programs that span the realms of French Chanson, Swing, Jazz, and Pop, while also venturing into the creation of my own musical compositions. In 2021, I achieved a milestone by winning the German music competition, "Deutscher Rock & Pop Preis," with my captivating pop ballad, "Different."
Since 2022, I've had the privilege of collaborating with the esteemed Swedish microphone company, EHRLUND, further enhancing my sonic journey.
In the summer of 2023, I embarked on an exhilarating tour with a Swedish big band called Succéorkestern Astoria in Sweden, bringing my music program „La Chansonette“ on stage. June 2023 marked the release of my first original composition, "Dancefloor," a celebration of rhythm and melody. As I continue to evolve, my commitment to music remains unwavering, and I look forward to sharing more of my artistic endeavors with the world.
Very early on through my father, who is a musician himself (guitar, vocals). I was already on stage at the age of 3 and wanted to take part. First I started to dance flamenco because we often went to a Spanish club with friends. The stage just attracted me. Later I sang along to Beatles songs with my father.
MM: Looking at your CV, you can see that you are inspired by many artists from different genres. From the Beatles and ABBA to Judy Garland and Dean Martin. To what extent do these musicians influence your music and in which genre do you ultimately feel most comfortable?
That's right, I'm very fascinated by the vintage years from Disco to Jazz and also French Chanson. It's hard to say which genre I'm most comfortable with. I would say it depends on the situation. However, I'm a "showgirl" and feel my best when I can put my soul into songs. I like to sing theatrical chansons like "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" by Edith Piaf, and also jazz songs like "Cry Me A River", but also mood-enhancing Swing or Pop songs.
MM: After school you did an apprenticeship at the Stage and Musical School in Frankfurt. What were you trained as and where did the decision to become a musician come from?
I am a trained musical performer, which means I studied dance, acting and singing for three years. Even if I see myself more as a solo singer than in musicals, it was important for me to learn the basis of my three passions. Because of the many musical films from back then, such as with Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, etc., I really wanted to do something like that.
MM: In lockdown you started writing your own songs. This resulted in the song "Different", which was awarded the German Rock & Pop Prize. What is it about?
"Different" is about couples who are simply different and are not accepted by society. When I wrote the song, I kept in mind that true love should never be judged. Since I was always a little different than many of my generation, due to my love for these vintage “Old Hollywood” years, I often felt misunderstood. That's why I thought that it's certainly the same for many couples in love.
MM: “Different" is a ballad your other songs have more of a dance sound. What genre of music would you like to try?
I think I'm still trying out a lot of directions, so now I've done something different from dance music with my own songs, which I enjoy a lot. Maybe I would like to find my own style even more. Something between vintage and modern.
MM: Your next goal is your first album. Do you already have an idea what it should look like and in which direction it should go?
My first self-composed songs are a lot in the pop-dance style, because I just felt like getting people to dance at that time. But there are also a few ballads like “Different” and others that I'm still working on.
MM: We’ve already talked about your fascination with Dean Martin. In fact, you formed a friendship with his daughter, Deana Martin. How come?
The fascinating thing about music is that it brings people together. That's how I came across Deana Martin over the internet two years ago because she started doing live stream shows every Friday. She then asked us to write to her about how we came across her father's music. I wrote to her about it and also sent videos of myself and she answered me right away and took me to her heart. She now talks about me several times in her shows and has invited me to sing with her. It really means a lot to me and she gives me so much courage. I admire her for her skills, her discipline, and above all for her humanity, she is a good role model and I am very grateful for our close friendship.
MM: What are your goals for the future?
To learn as much as I can. Sharing my music with as many people as possible and doing something good with it. I still have many goals like going to America to meet Deana, and I hope to get also to New York, the city of dreams, as it says in the song “if I can make it there, I’m gonna make it anywhere”, but also to Sweden, to my friends who are the founders of the microphone company EHRLUND and who also support me.
