Melissa Yamello

I was born and raised at the Jersey shore and love music of all kinds. I try not to take life too seriously, but I am a passionate person and put my heart into everything I do. I remember making up songs and playing them for my grandmother when I was about five. She'd clap and make a big deal when I was finished, even though they were terrible. It wasn't until much later in life that I became serious about writing and singing. I was pretty shy growing up, and didn't have to confidence to do anything with music until after I had my two kids. I would sing to them when they were babies, and they seemed to like it - I mean, they didn't cry or anything! When they were old enough to talk, sometimes they would even tell me I was good ;0) They are just little extensions of me, so I felt safe singing to them. One day I finally just decided to get over my fear, and decide to sing for my mom and husband. It took many baby steps and it was scary, but exciting. I entered a contest and won an opportunity to sing live on Fox Good Day NY. I've done lots of other 'scary' things since then and I don't plan on stopping any time soon. Never realized how cool it is to overcome fear. When I'm not writing songs or playing guitar/piano, I do freelance graphic design work, refinish furniture, draw, paint, sketch and sometimes even make dinner (when there's food in the house). I'm also the PR Coordinator for The Dream Factory of the Jersey Shore, an orginazation that raises funds to make dreams come true for chronically and critically ill children. My son was born at 3 lbs and I've always felt very fortunate that he did not have any long-term problems. This is my way of giving back and I love every minute of it. You can help too! Check out our chapter's FB page at: https://www.facebook.com/DreamJerseyShore