Advertise on podcast: Facing Mel's Music - The Singing Psychotherapist

A captivating conversation with Bill Houskeeper - American actor, producer and filmmaker, who shares his experiences of navigating the entertainment industry with refreshing honesty, humour and insight. Bill reflects on growing up in Utah, his early achievements and setbacks as an award-winning acting student, and the resilience required to keep pursuing his ambitions. He recalls studying under Hollywood legend Jeff Goldblum, whom he describes as the best teacher of his life, and shares the story of an early opportunity to perform on Broadway. We delve into the fascinating psychology of acting, exploring Bill’s attraction to darker, complex characters, his desire to portray people he doesn’t necessarily understand, and his approach to bringing authenticity and emotional depth to a performance. Bill also offers invaluable advice to aspiring actors, particularly around communicating with directors, trusting their instincts and having the courage not to hold back creatively. What makes this conversation particularly engaging is Bill’s raw honesty and willingness to reflect on his experiences, the challenges of the industry and the lessons he’s learned along the way. An insightful, entertaining and inspiring conversation, especially for young aspiring actors looking to find their way in the industry. 🎙️ Facing Mel’s Music with Mel Golding A ⁠⁠Meltopia Network⁠⁠ production. © 2026 Meltopia Ltd. All rights reserved.

A fantastic conversation with Gregg Lee, frontman of rock band Paisty Jenny. Known for their high-energy sound, Paisty Jenny deliver hard-hitting rock that pushes towards the heavier edges of the genre. Gregg’s strong, dynamic vocals and commanding stage presence are at the heart of the band’s electrifying live performances. With years of experience and dedication behind them, Paisty Jenny are back with a vengeance — creating new music and preparing to take it back on the road. In our conversation, Gregg opens up about the two sides of being a musician: the person behind the performer and the wild, uninhibited version of himself that emerges on stage. He describes performing as a chance to let loose and truly “come alive.” We also explore how the music industry has changed over the past decade. Gregg talks about the shrinking distance between artist and audience, and how social media has made musicians more accessible, creating a new sense of connection between performers and the people listening to their music. A great conversation about music, identity, performance and an industry that continues to evolve. There’s plenty more to come from Gregg Lee and Paisty Jenny. Watch this space! A ⁠Meltopia Network⁠ production. © 2023 Meltopia Ltd. All rights reserved.

Award-winning singer, actor, recording artist and songwriter, Brian De Lorenzo features here with an exclusive interview sharing some of the most sensitive moments in his career. This Boston-based artist on the rise to fame tells us of his pilgrimage in music as he worked on his mental health and survived a rare form of cancer. This wonderful, sweet and genuine soul not only survived but surpassed his challenges as his love for music cut through the traumas leading him where he is today. Brian talks of the pandemic unleashing the songwriter from within. He tells us of his development in this field leading to his latest single ' Things Will Get Better'. This is a fabulous interview and a must-see for all interested in cabaret and musical theatre performances. Brian is an inspiration for overcoming many adversities he faced on his musical journey. Tune in for a great chat! A ⁠Meltopia Network⁠ production. © 2023 Meltopia Ltd. All rights reserved.

A chat with Tony West, singer-songwriter and frontman of BLACKLIST UNION. Tony was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He discovered his passion for music at five and knew that music was his way forward. As a child, Tony faced severe struggles with abuse that shaped him. His lyrics today reflect with honesty the journey he endured. His approach to recovery is highly inspiring as he speaks of overcoming his pain and obstacles through finding spirituality. Tony reveals deeply personal topics as he talks of the passing of important people in his life and the impacts of his loss. Tony West is described as an open book as he shares his past traumas taking us to where he is today. Their brand-new single, "The Queen of Everything' is a powerful and emotional rock song that will tug at the heartstrings. BLACKLIST UNION has been hailed worldwide as the next big rock band. A ⁠Meltopia Network⁠ production. © 2023 Meltopia Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lyricist Veronica Furman shares how she met Germany-based metal vocalist Andreas Ohnhaus and multi-instrumentalist Pascal Wieck. Veronica shares the moment when the magical fusion of their talents culminated in the rise of ‘Geister Deck’. Heavy and full in production, the band's impact speaks for itself! Veronica is proud of their teamwork and can’t speak highly enough about the professionalism involved in the creation process. Her approach is fascinating, drawing on philosophy and her background in psychiatry to create intense lyrical content. Their first EP includes the release of ‘The Pain Within’, a power ballad strong in sound and high in emotion. Geister Deck is making a mark in the industry, showcasing broad appeal and reaching metal/rock fans worldwide! A ⁠Meltopia Network⁠ production. © 2023 Meltopia Ltd. All rights reserved.

A lovely, fun chat with actor Nicholas John Brennan. This budding star appeared in Halle Berry's 2019 movie 'Bruised' and talks about his love of movies and acting. Starting with his favourite actor, Sean Connery, and the classic Bond movies, Nick is also drawn to horror and describes the experience of playing characters and leaving his true self behind.  Nick talks about the realities of the film industry, having faced drawbacks and challenges, but sees perseverance as the key to success. Nick's movies include 'Benita', 'Black Night', and 'The Meadows', as well as the commercial 'Hilltop Nissan'. Nick is about to explore his musical career and develop himself as a vocalist as he works on original rock material. This is an exciting time for Nick and his journey within the performing arts. A Meltopia Network production. © 2023 Meltopia Ltd. All rights reserved.

A lovely, fun chat with actor Nicholas John Brennan. This budding star appeared in Halle Berry's movie 'Bruised' in 2019 and talks about his love of movies and acting. Starting with his favourite actor, Sean Connery, and the classic Bond movies, Nick is also drawn to horror and describes the experience of playing characters as he leaves his true self behind.  Nick talks about the realities of the film industry, having faced drawbacks and challenges, but sees perseverance as the key to success. Nick's movies include 'Benita', 'Black Night', and 'The Meadows', as well as the commercial 'Hilltop Nissan'. Nick is about to explore his musical career and develop himself as a vocalist as he works on original rock material. This is an exciting time for Nick and his journey within the performing arts. A ⁠Meltopia Network⁠ production. © 2023 Meltopia Ltd. All rights reserved.

Victoria Simmonds Singer-songwriter and actress Victoria Simmonds guests on this show and talks about her career in music and acting. This talented young lady gained a degree in theatre which has earned its place in her career today. Victoria shares her experiences of placing emotions in her lyrics and explains how the lyrics are enhanced by her music which completes the message.  Her passion for music and performing arts is clear as she shares the role of the arts in her own life. The latest release is 'October Girl' which can be heard via the link below.' Tune in for an entertaining chat! Victoria Simmonds - October Girl https://open.spotify.com/artist/71J40Bvar7RSwVLv6aSQiP Support the show

A chat with Tony West, singer-songwriter and frontman of BLACKLIST UNION. Tony was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He discovered his passion for music at five and knew that music was his way forward. As a child, Tony faced severe struggles with abuse that shaped him. His lyrics today reflect with honesty the journey he endured.  His approach to recovery is highly inspiring as he speaks of overcoming his pain and obstacles through finding spirituality. Tony reveals deeply personal topics as he talks of the passing of important people in his life and the impacts of his loss.  Tony West is described as an open book as he shares his past traumas taking us to where he is today.  Their brand-new single, "The Queen of Everything' is a powerful and emotional rock song that will tug at the heartstrings.  BLACKLIST UNION has been hailed worldwide as the next big rock band.  https://blacklistunion.com/ Support the show

TV Show A fantastic duo comprising two wonderful and successful artists who both excel as musicians in their own right. Between them, they take the roles of singers, songwriters and producers, creating quality music and content to be enjoyed by the family. Together, Swaddley & Dean have created a TV show for children with a strong appeal to adults as lyrics cleverly tap into inner child content.  Drawing from their musical inspirations, The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel, these videos are lively, bright, educational and emotionally intelligent, guaranteed to entertain and inform.  Swaddley and Dean have carefully crafted their songs, paying attention to the diphthong, the phrase and the rhyming and have been described as extremely precise. These two musicians have spent time on the details and taken the project seriously to ensure that messages are perceived by the public as accurately as they were conveyed.  You can hear snippets in this podcast! ULTRA SWADDLEY & DEAN are the adult version of this outfit. Explicitly aimed at adults, they are to release their single on the 16th of December, ‘Are You Worried’. These professionals play their single for us here in a live acoustic version as they pick up the guitar and perform it here in this show. A real treat! Tune in now! https://swaddlyanddean.com/ Support the show

A chat with the lovely Frank Blair of the rock band DROWN AGAIN.  The Band DROWN AGAIN just released their first single and music video entitled 'Measure of Man'. From their upcoming 10-track album ‘EMERGE’, this single is an emotional rock song, with a music video that tugs at the heartstrings. The band formed internationally during the COVID-19 shutdown of the last year and a half, with members in Ireland and the USA. This was an extraordinary meeting of two dads with autistic sons. Singer of Scar For Life & Boneyard Dog, award-winning producer Rob Mancini, and Guitarist Frank Blair of Neverwas and Chlorine Dream met after Frank, and his son had recorded some music together and needed a vocalist to finish off the song. Rob Mancini accepted the request to do vocals on the track. Rob also has a son with the affliction and was eager to work on the project. Frank and Rob hit it off immediately and started working on new material after finishing the song. Support the show

Monique began her career at the tender age of six years. Entering the world of ballet, her artistry grew as she developed her taste and interest, starting with the piano. Her lessons culminated in a Major in piano performance. The foundations of her vocal training lie firmly in the style of opera and musical theatre, and she is described as sounding similar to Kate Bush. Her influences extend to rock artists and bands such as Queen and Evanescence. Monique enjoys writing and creating “freely”, as she talks around the rules of classical music and feels her way is to be free. Monique draws plenty of natural inspiration and implements this into her music videos.  Info on live performances can be found on her website, Monique loves to connect with people and feel the energy in a room with live audiences. Tune in to get to know this lovely lady! https://www.moniqueangele.com/ Support the show

Aishvan Jeyapalan - R&B/Pop Singer-Songwriter A chat with the lovely upcoming artist 'Aishvan Jeyapalan', based in Ontario, Canada. Aishvan tells us about his journey in music and how he engaged in vocal development.  This twenty-one-year-old artist started singing at around three years of age and has performed in talent shows, local competitions and recitals. At sixteen, he released his first single, "Completely Incomplete", and debuted two independent projects, including his most recent effort 'NONE OF THIS WAS EASY'. Tune in for a lovely chat at Facing Mel's Music! www.aishvan.com Support the show