Melanie Blatt

From Freepedia

Melanie Ruth Blatt is a British female singer, born 25 March 1975 at University College near Euston and is named after Melanie Safka. Melanie is 1 m 62 (5' 3"), has a French Jewish mother and a Jewish father whose ancestors were from Poland and Russia [1] and a younger sister called Jasmine Blatt. Melanie has been raised in both England and France. Melanie has one daughter, Lily Ella, with former partner Stuart Zender, one-time bassist with Jamiroquai.

Melanie made her name as part of top UK girl group All Saints, but following their split has launched a moderately successful solo career. Her musical style is influenced by Blackstreet, Stevie Wonder, R&B and hip-hop [2]. Her outlook is also influenced by being the daughter of hippy parents [3] who - when Melanie was six - camped out at the Glastonbury Festival for three days [4].

Melanie went to Fitzjohn's Primary School where her musical talent was immediately noticed by the head teacher, David Joyne, who encouraged her parents to send her to a stage school. In 1986 Melanie went to the Sylvia Young Theatre School where she met Nicole Appleton [5] and the two ladies became best friends. During this period Melanie also played Ebony in Les Misérables for six months. [6].

In 1986 Melanie was diagnosed having Scoliosis. Since her parents weren't satisfied with the treatment methods in the United Kingdom, they decided to move back to France were a specialist decided that the best way to treat it was to put three metal rods in her back.

In 1993 Melanie started out singing with Guillaume in the band Drive and they recorded Curfew together. She also did backing vocals and her first television appearance was with Deadzone doing backing vocals with Denise Van Outen. [7]

Later that year Melanie met Shaznay Lewis at the Metamorphisis recording studio in All Saints Road, London and they proceeded to record together. Together with Simone Rainford they formed the band All Saints 1.9.7.5 which was later renamed to All Saints when Simone left and Nicole and Natalie Appleton joined Melanie and Shaznay.

Her solo releases have been of variable success; her most successful release being TwentyFourSeven, a collaboration with The Artful Dodger, peaking at #6 in September 2001. She has also tried her hand at acting, playing Phillipa in London's Burning in 2001. Her new album is being written and recorded with Matt Hale from Aqualung and will feature See Me, which was included on the "Robots" soundtrack (2005).

Melanie is currently playing small venues in the UK which will feature songs from her forthcoming album, since she currently has no contract. Songs to be performed include In your arms, I don't mind, I'm Leavin' , Now you're gone, No Lullaby and Love Sweet Love [8].