Essential 8: Melissa Ratley

Longtime favorite here at TDC, Denton, Texas singer-songwriter Melissa Ratley recently released her new EP, These Moments. The five song project captures moments experienced by Ratley over the past few years that listeners will find truly relatable. Here, she answers her Essential 8 and talks about the project, the road, her mentor J.R. Byrd, and more.

Is there a story behind your album’s title?
‘These Moments’ simply refers to moments I’ve either experienced or witnessed in the last few years since my debut album came out in 2015. All of them are very personal to me, and hopefully people will find some moments to connect themselves to the songs as well. 

Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did?
The five songs I picked are ones we’ve been playing on the road for a few years, and I really wanted to get them recorded with the guys I’ve got in my band now (Nik Woods on Guitar, Jake McCandless on Bass/Organ, and Matt Van Hiel on Drums) because they play the hell out of them every single time. ‘Fast and Free’ is a song I co-wrote with my best friend and writing partner Caroline Schmitz. It’s a personal song to both of us in so many ways. ‘I Fall’ is a song I wrote to make fun of my perpetual single status, and is so much fun to play as well. ‘Hard Livin’ is my attempt at more poignant songwriting; I was 50/50 about putting it on the album, but I’m so glad I did. 

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
When I was six years old, I only wanted two things in the world: play the Grand Ole Opry, and win a CMA award. Obviously my priorities are a little different now (lol) but doing those two things would be cool. I’d love to play certain venues, like Billy Bobs, Eddie’s Attic, Red Rocks, etc., but getting my band to the next level is probably my biggest ‘bucket list’ item at this moment. 

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What has been your biggest success thus far?
I think success is measured by being truly comfortable and content with where you’re at in life at a particular moment. I’ve felt moments of contentment for sure, but I’ve always been weary of being comfortable in success, because that leads to complacency, and that’s a killer in this industry. You can certainly work toward being comfortable, if that’s a financial or goal-based thing, but I know that I’ll feel comfortable once I know I’ve done all I can and learned all I can about being the best musician/singer-songwriter I can be, and that’s a lifelong pursuit. 

What do you love most about being on the road?
I love so many things about being on the road; the friendships made, the scenery, the spontaneity…and the feeling of being able to spread your music outside of your local area. Whether it’s traveling solo or with my band, there’s always fun to be had, memories to be made, and the opportunity to spread your musical wings even further than you could imagine. 

Do you have any touring tips?
Pick a direction, and start booking as early as you can, even if venues don’t book out very far; it’ll at least get you in the forefront of their mind. Follow up at least two days after your first phone call/email, and don’t be afraid to continue following up until you get an answer. Most venues get TONS of emails all year long, so make sure you’re sticking out to them in the best ways possible, and stay on top of your online presence (update website, social media, etc.). Most of all, don’t get too bummed out if they say no. Just keep plugging away and you’ll find the room you were meant to play eventually. 

Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you?
My musical mentor was J.R. Byrd; he passed away in October 2017, after a brief battle with colon cancer. He really believed in me when I was starting out, and would invite me out to a place called Willhoites in Grapevine, TX, which is a well-known biker bar/tough crowd, and he’d let me sing a few songs on Sunday nights. He was one of the guys whose talent was so supreme, and so well crafted, but somehow didn’t make it to the top. I miss him everyday, and think of him when I play gigs often, regardless of any circumstances (size, crowd involvement, etc.), because it was his favorite thing to do. 

What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
Play as much as you can, and go to as many local open mics as you can to make connections with other local musicians/singer songwriters. Support those friends that you make by showing up at their gigs (if possible), and promote yourself at least weekly. Just be a good person. 

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