Real. Melodic. Sincere. Groovy. Hopeful. These words best describe the music and attitude of Chicago’s Melanie’s Waiting, a rock/pop band of four singer/songwriters. Formed originally in 1998, they have changed and evolved over the years, but always keep to the foundation of rock and pop music that is entertaining, intelligent, and accessible, with no gimmicks or egos in the way.
The current foursome of Jeff, Ellen, Joe, and Jen trade off on writing and lead vocals combining substantive lyrics, pop melodies, as well as beautiful and soaring harmonies. They have been influenced by many musical greats, from the Beatles and the Pretenders, to Neil Finn and the Indigo Girls.
They started by writing and playing a folk/rock opera called “Beyond Existing Borders” for an artist friend’s gallery opening, and soon warmed to the idea of becoming an original rock band, with Ellen and original member Mark Burns as the core writers. Their practice space was the basement of an old convent that was being used as a social activist community. They soon landed on the north side club circuit, and threw in performances at local benefits along the way for groups they cared about. Social problems don’t go unnoticed and at times wind their way through the group’s music, in ways that explores the depth and complexity of these human issues.
They resist the influence of the drugs and excessive drinking that seem to go hand in hand with the club “scene”. The band members do not use drugs and keep music and alcohol separate in all facets of their work.
They have done rock, they have gone unplugged, and they have currently gone back to rock and pop with a new passion and excitement The core group of Ellen, Jen, and Joe has weathered the storms of change, from losing and gaining different band members, to dealing with the relationship challenges that come up in any creative enterprise. Their persistence and commitment to each other and their original music is steady and true. In spring of 2005, locally known rocker disguised as folkie Jeff Churchwell was welcomed into the band.
Ellen on drums and Joe on bass keep the rhythm tight and groovy. Jeff and Jen layer flowing and often intricate guitar work. Together they create music with easy clarity and infectious rock ability that comes forth with abandon. Their music is lively and aggressive at times, and it never loses accessibility.
They are no strangers to the studio, having one EP to their credit, “The Band Next Door” released in 2004. They also have a rock/pop album in progress. Chicago area venues that they have played include The Heartland Café, Uncommon Ground, Beat Kitchen, Gunther Murphy’s, multiple Borders Books and Music locations, Phyllis’s Musical Inn, and various Chicago neighborhood festivals.
They have an impressive and varied library of songs now, and are making forays into the larger music industry. They have made progress towards song placement in movies and television as well as writing on demand for various projects. They have designed and built their own studio and are continuously working on new material to record and perform.
Melanie’s Waiting is…
Ellen Goode-lead and harmony vocals, drums, percussion
Joe Nemec-lead and harmony vocals, bass, acoustic and electric guitars
Jennifer Byrne- lead and harmony vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, bass
Jeff Churchwell- lead and harmony vocals, 12 and 6 six string guitars, electric guitar
