Meet Melissa Lucciola | Musician & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Lucciola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a creative career because nothing else seemed to make much sense to me. I’ve never been actually satisfied with any other type of work except maybe gardening. I never liked to sit at a desk or liked knowing exactly what I’d be doing on a certain day next year, so I knew I needed something in my life that would keep things exciting for me. Plus when I am working really hard on a song, I just feel completely alive and energized instead of other work which tends to deplete me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a multi-instrumentalist and a songwriter. I currently play in two bands, one that I sing and play guitar in (Francie Moon) and another that I play drums in (Gustaf). What people usually tell me sets me apart from others is my voice. I am most proud of all the songs I have written and been apart of over the years. Writing a song is still just as exciting for me as it was the first time I did it when I was a kid. It has been a really long road to get to where I am today professionally. I have been in many bands and been on many tours for months and months at a time. I went on my first tour 11 years ago and since then have toured the US many, many times and finally started touring internationally last year. I have missed countless birthdays and holidays and get togethers and have lived out of my van and done seasonal work to make it all work and keep going. Currently I don’t live anywhere because I’m on the road so much it doesn’t make sense to pay rent anymore! But for me it is all worth it because I get to do what I love and also travel and see the world. What I’ve learned along the way is if you want to do something you just got to get up and do it – “there ain’t nothin’ to it but to do it.” So many people say they are waiting for their opportunity to tour. Sometimes you have to just get up and make the opportunity happen for yourself. Get some music together, plan a route, find venues or bars or bands along that route and email them, before you know it you’ll be packing your car up and going on tour. And the more you do something, the more you end up doing it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok – I’m going to answer this for where I’m from – but if you were to come visit me in the country in NJ/NY/PA I would first take you on a super fun rafting trip down the Delaware River. Then I would take you to get the best icecream in the world at The Creamery in Port Jervis, NY. A little later in the day we’d drive to Stokes State Forest and drink the freshest spring water of your life and then we’d head up to Sunrise Mountain to watch the sunset. We would then head to Milford, PA on a Thursday and watch the Waterwheel Blues jam that has been going on for years and years. Then another day I’d take you to one of my favorite trees and we’d climb it all the way to the top and talk about life. I would take you to the Tamerlaine Animal Sanctuary where we can become friends with a ton of awesome and happy animals. Later that day we’d head out and get some of the best smoothies on planet earth ever at Get Juiced in Sussex.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who could fit into that category but today I’d love to give a big shoutout to my mom. I think she played a huge role in me becoming a musician. She has always been extremely supportive of my music and never disrespected my decision to pursue it. She taught me keyboard when I was little, which was my first instrument. She never cared how much noise I made in the house growing up, which I think gave me a huge container to express myself. She bought my sister and I a drumset when I was 10 (while we lived in an apartment building!) and took us to lessons…and she bought me my first guitar. She loves music so much she can sing every Allman Brothers guitar solo note for note, which eventually led to me singing them with her. Still to this day when I leave and come home from tour, she’s the one who picks me up and drops me off at the train station. I’m so grateful for her support and know I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today without her!

Website: https://franciemoon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francie_moon/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franciemoonmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjaTQCn1OXetkNoj1cIy5SQ

Other: Gustaf info – https://www.gustaftheband.com/

Image Credits
Cheryl Pallaghy, Matthew Canals, Michelle LoBianco, Claire Kulaga