Melissa Etheridge has been making an impression on the national music scene for nearly 40 years; her debut album dropped in 1988. Fifteen Grammy nominations — including two wins — and an Academy Award later, she’s still creating new music and connecting with audiences.
In support of her latest album, “Rise,” Etheridge will make a stop on Wednesay, April 15, at the Chevalier Theatre in Medford as part as her current tour. Limited tickets are available by visiting https://www.eventticketscenter.com/ and searching “Melissa Etheridge.”
In a phone conversation with Wicked Local, Etheridge, who attended Berklee College of Music, said she’s looking forward to being back in Greater Boston.
“People in Massachusetts know how to rock and I’m here for it,” she said.
Passionate and personal storytelling through song
Known for her smoky and raspy vocals, Etheridge was embraced in the early 1990s with her songs, “Come to my Window,” and “I’m the Only One.” From there it was an avalanche of accolades, nominations, awards and life in the spotlight.
The music was always there, something that had been a constant in her life since childhood when she picked up her first guitar.
Her first studio album of new material, “Rise,” was released earlier this year. The 11-track album features the fiery lead single “Matches”; a duet with Chris Stapleton on “The Other Side of Blue”; the deeply personal “Call You”; and the uplifting opener “Bein’ Alive.”
“I hadn’t really written or created songs, and I sat and analyzed life and put these thoughts down,” said Etheridge, who turns 65 next month. “I sort of witnessed the world and I wanted to write songs to inspire people and inspire myself. I wanted people to know it can be alright.”
Many of her songs are about life, through her filter.
“It’s life, as it happened to me and for me, and I realize everyone’s life is full of loss, trying to understand things about yourself,” said Etheridge, who has been married to actress Linda Wallem since 2014. “That’s what I wanted to reflect. I write songs for people who are getting to know themselves and who want to put some music on in their car when they’re alone and be inspired and feel like they’re not alone.”
Keeping the personal connection
A mother of four — she lost a son to opioid addiction in 2020, something she has talked about publicly — Etheridge does not consider creating new material, touring and performing to be “work.”
“I feel so blessed to be able to sing and play music as a career; one that has been so rewarding,” she said. “I love to do it. I keep it fresh by creating new music and am totally jazzed to be out here working the new album.”
Being on the road gives Etheridge a sense of “routine” that she said simplifies her life for half a year.
“My life gets really small — you do a show, you get on the bus and head back to the hotel, eat, then get ready and go to the soundcheck, then have dinner, then the show,” she said. “I like that. The other half of the year I’m kicking back with my feet up watching football.”
Live performances are about the energy, Etheridge said.
“I want to share the new music with people and love seeing the response to the brand new songs,” she said. “And I love to sing the old songs that touch people’s memories. I like that connection with people.”
As for what’s ahead, Etheridge said there’s usually a routine of going out on the road and then coming home and unwinding.
“I’m not sure right now what’s ahead,” she said. “I’m kind of just waiting to see. I’ve got things in the pipeline, dreams and hopes, but right now I just don’t know.”
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.wickedlocal.com ’
