Hunters and Healers:
For those of you whom I’ve met at OOOM events, or somewhere along the way of music, you may know that, other than participating in the ritual of rock music and art making, I love to connect with humans!!! Talking to you after a sweaty show or in the aisles of comic stores as of late (or hanging with #classofhope2010 during a volcano!) is the most heart moving part of what I do.
You are the BEST clan a woman could hope to have listening to her siren calls… Until you build me a time machine I will not be able to be in all of your conversations, but there is this Internet machine for now. The force known as Willing Enabler recently pointed out that in fact I could talk with you all via a HEARTLine.
Enter: On Line, Heart Line Experiment:
At 9pm EST on the full moon this Thursday May 27 2010, I will be live via video stream thing (my first web cast!! Ha! How very 21st Century of me…) to answer the questions submitted by all of you in these next few days.
What kind of shampoo do I use? What color was the pyramid in my dream about 3-D sound? What year is the Viking truck in OOOM Film? Anything your heart desires… Ask me.
To send a question via Twitter- include #HEARTline in your tweet
Or ask the question on my Facebook wall
Or comment on this blog entry
Reach for the full Moon with me this Thursday.
Huntingly yours,
xMAdMx
P.S. What I love about you out there is, you are EVERYWHERE, so I picked a time that is comfortable for me, but may not be for all of you. If your are sleeping or working at that time, it will be up on the blog after the fact. Get working on that time machine someone please!!!
You’re the BEST, did you know that?
Kuddos to Willing Enabler, by the way!
Let me see. Can I ask two questions?
- Do you ever think about how you’ve come to affect and influence so many lives through your art? How does it feel?
- How the FUCK do we get you to come to South America?!?!? HA!
Oh, I’m not giving up on having a conversation with you at some point in our lives, because I need, I want and I will do it.
I have always regretted not speaking to you that night in Leeds, UK after your gig at the cockpit, when you passed me and my friends.
My question is, Do you ever have any fear about the things you do creatively, and how do you overcome that fear when putting yourself out into the world?
Also come back to Leeds in th UK at the 02, it would be a sell out!
Hellen
X
Thank you for doing this Melissa!
My question: what happened with your sparkly silver bass? Do you still use it or did you donate it to a Hardrock Café somewhere in the world?
X Jorien from Holland
This is a great idea!
My question: As a talented bass player what do you think I should say next time some ignorant guy says female muscians suck!
Just wondering about your inspirations when you began playing, and if you had any specific musician/performer favorites from pre-1960 show biz. Keep on chooglin’!
Dear Melissa
As I already posted on FB, I am very thankful for OOOM, because it has an answer to most of the questions that are occupying my mind. Thank you for that. I still have one that remains unanswered;
how do you write your songs? Do you play guitar, bass, piano? Do you just sing? Do you know the words before you know the music?
I really wonder because your songs are so elaborate, yet touch the bottom of my heart.
I wish you all the best and much love, support and success for this and any other project. Please, always let us know what you’re up to. The world needs artists like you.
Greetings from a fellow pisces in Switzerland!
BB.
PS: I am working on a solo album myself. It would be a big dream for me to work with you on a song or two… Someday. Or tomorrow.
If you had a time machine and could go back, or forwards, in time, where would you visit and why?
i love your song out of our minds
you are the of my GF lol
I wish you all the best
i love your song out of our minds
you are the drugs of my GF lol
I wish you all the best
Hello Melissa I added the photo on your facebook profile … concert rome … I would be very happy if I accept it or ask the friendship on myspace … I’m your big fan … compliments have much value even by myself
I really like your music … I am also known as Italian bassist 
http://www.myspace.com/antonioripa
I can’t describe my feelings when I listen to one of your songs for the first time
I just can say that your music gets me high !
thank you for sharing it
I can’t stay online too long, so let me take you on just a little journey. I don’t normally follow blogs as I’m too busy (preoccupied by my own life) and the whole placing someone on a pedestal because of looks (so they got lucky when they picked their parents, big deal) or because they have a job that some people view as cool is no big whoop in my books. For me to show an interest in someone or what they do they have to have a lot deeper qualities than that. From what’s come across about you Melissa via your blog (what you’ve said and the images you’ve married to what you’ve said) leads me to believe that there is the possibility that you may have some of these deeper qualities and as such I’ve decided to cast an occasional eye to your blog and turn an ear to your music. I downloaded your single (via your website of course!) and on the strength of it I have decided to listen to your previous solo album and some of the Sabbathy stuff you did. I’d say guessing by your website that I’m a bit older than a great deal of your listeners (33). The way I found your website was as follows: I was looking on the net to see what bands might have covered Thin Lizzy songs (as I am a fairly big fan)… I saw you had covered This Is The One… et violà (as you might say)! Saw your performance on the old Youtube and decided to investigate further. It was good as a Thin Lizzy fan to see someone perform it as opposed to the usual few Thin Lizzy songs that are covered by bands… so good in fact that it stirred the blood enough to finally get me to look into getting a bass guitar for myself after putting it on the long finger for so many years. I guess it partially comes from realising that I’d be waiting forever and a day for someone to cover all the songs I like (but if you ever decide to cover, o I don’t know, say Waiting For An Alibi or Johnny or Little Girl In Bloom I will not stop you)! By announcing to you that I’m thinking of getting a bass guitar might actually drive me enough to do it – if I do I know my interest would be in learning primarily the songs of bands that have a bass guitarist as the lead person/writer as these songs usually have a certain feel to them. I’m the only person I know, well, personally, that liked some of Type O Negatives stuff (the songs My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend and Everyone I Love Is Dead most so). Guided by you I have started to give certain bands who I already liked some songs of a further listen e.g. Mastodon. Define irony/fate: me, a guy from (and living in) Ireland discovering you, a red headed girl born on St. Patrick’s Day who likes Thin Lizzy – who lives all the way out in the wilds of Canada! Is is a tad strange that you like so much a band I like so much… say… you’re not one of those female stalkers are you? I won’t be online to see your webchat thingy but if you pop it on your web-site I’ll get a look at it at some stage. If in six months time I’m in my room playing a bass guitar (probably a blue Ibanez – with a mirrored scratchplate, if they still do such a thing!) it will be thanks to you. I haven’t thought of a name for it yet… guess it’s like naming a pet – you should live with it for a few days first before naming it. If you come up with any suggestions let me know. I guess you could say that Philo has gotten you another listener.
Got to go, have to be up early, stuff to do.
Bye for now,
John.
I would love to know what do you do to fashion your hair. Curlers, shampoo, conditionator… whatever you do!
Hi Melissa!
Nice thing to do, this webcast thingy.
What I always wanted to ask you is; how do you record the bass guitar? I had a couple of tries but it’s kinda hard to get a good solid sound.. On your new album the bass is much more present and I wondered how you got those very nice bass sounds on track.
One more question.. Do you think it’s difficult to write and record songs without having a real band/having all these guest musicians? (although you do have great taste in guest musicians!)
Thank you for everything!
Pim (from Holland)
Hi Melissa! As a storyteller, I’m curious about the story behind “22 below”. It’s a powerful and mysterious song, can you tell us any more about where it came from? xx
Hi Melissa,
Wow, I hope I’ll be able to get online Thursday night! I’ve been a fan of yours since Spring 2005, when I first saw your photo in a Spin magazine article about Hole. I have seen you in concert 3 times now, and last October I actually got to speak to you after your Knitting Factory show. You are such a brilliant artiste. Your music has driven me on through many hard times. You have no idea how many times I must have listened to your first album, and now OOOM.
Here’s a question: In “1000 Years” it sounds like you are saying “All you felines and boys” (as leaders, as those who will “bring you there” etc.). Felines are cool, but why boys specifically, not ladies? Or are felines inherently feminine (even tom cats)??
Ugh- in my comment above I meant I’ve been a fan since Spring 1995 (not 2005)!!
Greetings from Winnipeg,
My question is: During a lengthy tour, how do you keep the songs fresh after playing them so many times? Do their meanings change for you over time?
Thank You.
Your music reminds me of thunder storms. Hope to hear some in Winnipeg in the future! Keep bringing the ethereal thunder…
The creative scope of OOOM is indescribably awesome, and therefore the merchandizing scope of OOOM is, in my opinion, totally cutting edge and– the wave of the future.
As a music fan, do you have a favorite album from the past that you would have liked to have seen fleshed out in a similar multidimensional fashion? An album that you wish you could have had MORE of?!
It’s wonderful to know that you will do this. I wish I could have time to make you a fell questions *.*
Or maybe just make this silly one: When you will have time to make a show here in Brazil? Maybe you should come to watch our “Woodstock Brasil” and make a little presentation, what you think? Oh, I can dream with that ^^
Hello Melissa – Queen huntress and healer amongst the stars. I have so much to ask you but you know that already
“To know my favourite albums is to know me” – in the same vein what albums best describe you and why?
Blood is central to the written, visual and audio vocabulary of OOOM but tell us something about the importance of water in music and in the film. In the OOOM film I see water as the element that binds and flows sequences. Does that resonate?
What is your favourite book?
My final one….sorry I can’t help it!:
What do you do to relax and when are you coming for tea?
K xx
Hi Melissa,
This is a very exciting idea indeed. I would like to ask you;
What made you pick up the bass in the first place (as opposed to another instrument) and what was your first bass guitar?
Thanking you.
oh, and a cheeky last question if possible; where can i get hold of a copy of you and Karen’s version of devils plaything? (preferably on hard copy)
wonderful question holly! I would also love to have a hard copy of devils plaything. It’s a phenomenal cover!
melissa… do you have any pets? if so, what kind and what is/are the name(s)?
xoxo
brandon
one more question… what’s your favorite film of all time? horror film?
Hi Melissa!
I’ve been watching the way you speak, and the certain contexts in which you put certain phrases, especially those about nature, the moon, and other imagery of the like. I was wondering, if it isn’t too personal for me to ask:
Are you, in fact, a Wiccan? (Or, at very least, a witch?)
(Love)
Gregory
where do we go to participate in this fantastic opportunity?
-=i’m going to see IRON MAIDEN in cleveland in july!=-
Hello,
2 questions:
1. When are you coming to San Francisco, or when are you doing your next tour? I couldn’t make it to the last one
2. I am a clothing artist just starting out. I would love to send oyu some samples. Mostly because it would be really inspiring for me to think of such an awesome person like you wearing them! Is this possible for me to send you something? I promise I;m not a creepy stalker or anything…..
XOX Izzie
1) Explain your songwriting process?
2) Have you ever had a crowd turn on you?
3) What would your fans be surprised to hear that you listen to?
4) What are some of the best experiences you’ve had on this journey so far?
Peace & luv, amal
That’s it. We ARE having a conversation in the future, and it’ll be over a couple of Dr. Jaggers! =)
Hi Melissa, I would ask you… With so many unbelievable experiences under your belt (ahem, Danzig!)–what is left on your “must do during this lifetime” list?!
Thank you again for the amazing music!
It seems some of my questions were already asked..so…Coke or Pepsi? Pizza Hut or Domino’s? I know they’re simple guy questions, but you said anything. Oh would you ever try to bring the Chelsea back if it were a side project? ( if the other members wanted to anyway). Anyway thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and here’s hoping you come to Texas in the near future.
J.C.
p.s. I loved your wardrobe in “The Everlasting Gaze”and “Real A Lie” videos. Gorgeous!
Can I add two more? Pleaaase!
- Is that a tattoo we see in the back of Carol Ann at the end of the film?
- Is it a coincidence that Carol Ann is standing in front of a grave with the name Stone carved in it?
THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
Wow, good questions and great questions so far–
If you’re comfortable with telling us, what’s your rising sign? I would guess Aries first, that or another cardinal sign like Cancer.
I had to wonder, were you always deliberately planning to launch a personal project while Jupiter is in Pisces–arguably the best time for a Pisces to do so–or was it more serendipity that the time it took to develop the elements of OOOM ultimately worked out that way?
Hello Melissa, I’ve loved the entire OOOM project, I can’t wait for you to develop the next installment! I have a couple of questions for you;
First of all, I love that you worked with Paz Lenchantin again, along with The Entrance Band, was this particular collaboration something that happened organically, with you jamming with Paz or did you know right from the start that they were the only band from the project? Usually your collaborations are simply you with other individual musicians but this time it was a fully formed band, how did that dynamic challenge you as a musician and aid the development of the songs and storyline?
And secondly, did you record the film sessions in Rancho de la Luna or did you record something else there?
Hi Melissa,
Always so wonderful to see you…so glad that you’re doing this (and thank you in advance).
2 Questions and 1 comment..
Question 1: Do you listen to the band “The Sword”? They are one of my new faves of the last few years and have a very heavy viking vibe to me at least…I thought you might be into them. They have 2 albums out currently…both are awesome.
Question 2: Is Steve ever going to come back to play with you? He is such an awesome presence and I really miss seeing you guys on stage together…when it happens, it’s magical!
Comment: 22 Below is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard in a long time. I LOVE it…it’s haunting live and recorded…I’d love to see a video for it!
Hi Melissa,
Unfortunately I won’t be on line to speak to you tonight.
First of all let me congratulate you for doing all your promotion on your own without a Major.
Now here we go the questions:
1/ Is OOOM inspired by the Ancient Egyptian philosophy where what they call “The Intelligence Of the Heart” is everything?
2/ What are the name of your felines?
3/ When are you coming to play to Birmingham the birthplace of Blacksabbath?
Merci for answering my questions.
Hello,
I always think the Precision Bass, especially the way you play it, has a kind of red sound to it; and that maybe a lot of two pick-up basses, like for example what Rick Danko played, have a kind of mustard-coloured sound. Do you ever think things like this?
-Charles
Hello Melissa *-*
I must say that you had a huge influence in the fact that I adopted two beautiful cats after reading that extremely beautiful and sincere blog entry about your cat Thor. Of course I’ve always wanted to have a cat but after that I just knew needed it. And I want to know when and how you met (again) your cat Isis?
And if you ever took bass lessons? Or didn’t because you had already learned the scales and all musical stuff with the trumpet?
–
There are lots of fishes here in Brasil wanting to see you play live, come by anytime and take care.
** That making off OOOM made my head spin, serious.
I am sorry, just one more question…
Will the score of OOOM be avaiable to buy?
bye, bye
Hi, Melissa,
Should I get a small bass clef tattoo or not?
Also, any tips for a somewhat obsessive 45-year-old novice bass player?
Hello Melissa! I’m not sure about the link to the webcast. I know it’s late but can you share it again? I don’t what to miss this event!
Melissa!! I was so thrilled when I met you in L.A. at the Viper Room, I was speechless, I wanted to tell you how inspiring you are to me, in terms of your music but also as a powerful female. You, more than anybody, have inspire me to play the bass. I guess my question will be, what advice can you tell us (me) about getting into this world of music??
lots of love from Mexico!!!
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Firebush,
lol..sorry bought the magazine…
Bass Heroe(s)?
What amps u use onstage?
OOOM rocks!!!
Regards,
Just wanted to say, fuck yeah! Thank you so much for saying my name right! You don’t even know… never met another girl with the same name. Webcast was great. It was informative as well as entertaining! Looking forward to the next one!
(It’s probably too late, but I’ll add it anyway… Bonus question: I’m doing amateur stuff at the folk fest this year and I’m just starting to sing my songs [as opposed to just playing guitar] in public. How did you get over your stage fright?)
The first HEARTLINE session kicked ass! I wish you could have felt my heart pounding as you answered my questions and read my test-test tweets to check the audio.
Looking forward to hear about how that phone call goes next week. Please, keep us posted!
THANK YOU!!!
hello melissa!
I would like to tell you that i’m a big fan too of your music, your work..
I’m french and i have never had the chance to see you in France ( I have not been able to see in Paris on April )
and I really hope to see you soon!!!
so, I would like to know if you will return to France one day, or in Belgium ? ( for festivals or other things… )
Melissa, I like your music(both albums) . I enjoyed your webcast, the fact it was informal and a little “on the fly” made it entertaining. Look forward to another one. Also wondering if you will try a show in Chicago again? Maybe nature will allow this time.
in the next video … I would be very happy if you were talking a little in Italian … for me and for Italian fans
” Ciao Antonio Ripa ”
I love you so so much … Come soon in Italy
A Big Kiss from taranto apulia italy