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

Hi Melissa, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I think the general public is unaware of how much work goes on behind the scenes, whether it be photography or music. While they both utilize different tools behind the scenes to create art, they both require you to wear different hats. You have to learn about marketing, networking, graphic/poster design, building a brand and a reputation, organization, leadership/managing people, business relations and preparation, just to name a few. In music, you must first learn and master your craft (your instrument or your voice). Each show you put together requires a certain amount of rehearsal time and preparation, time management and working well with a team. In photography, you must learn how to use the tools of the camera to create the art you want to create. Then there is editing each image that turns out well .
There is a lot of attention to detail and work that goes into art of any kind.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am blessed to have talent in many things. I am grateful that I can carry a tune well and have spent the last 25 years trying to sing along with some of my favorite female vocalists, like Janis Joplin and Susan Tedeschi. I am not technically trained but have learned to sing by ear. I am really proud of the work my band, Sweet Melissa’s Blues Revue, is doing. We are writing new songs and playing out about as much as I want. We really have something special. I am also proud of my growth as a photographer. My mom bought me a camera kit for Christmas a few years ago and I am really growing in that art as well. I just recently have taken pictures at two festivals and some amazing landscape this year and I am excited about watching both of these projects flourish in the upcoming years.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You can always find love and amazing music at Music on Mainstreet in Lilburn. Scott and Alicia Mecredy have treated me like family and have done so much for our community., so we would definitely go there for a magical experience. I may also take them to Northside Tavern. There is great music there every night of the week.
Also, the Moonshadow Tavern in Tucker and Will Henry’s Tavern in Stone Mountain have great bands, good food and cold drinks.
My favorite places to eat around Lilburn are El Torero for good Mexican food, Summit’s for great wings and Burgers and Enzo’s pizza in Tucker, so we would have to stop at those places.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to thank the BadAsh Allstar team for help on my musical journey. The Bad Ash Allstar Team is run by Adrian Ash. They put on a themed jam each month where musicians can sign up to play in a show. I joined in on an Allman Brothers jam in 2016 and met so many amazing musicians and people. I have built my bands from people I have met through these jams. It has given me stage time to work through some of the fears of being on stage and an opportunity to continue to work on my voice. Without this group and the connections I have made, the things I have learned along the way, I would not be anywhere near where I am today.
In photography, I have looked up to many local concert photographers and spent a little time with Ian Rawn, learning about how he creates his art. His help and encouragement has helped me continue on with my journey of learning the art of photography.
I have a strong support system with my family and friends who encourage me and give me good constructive feedback too.

Instagram: Sweetmelissa_music_art, Sweetmelissabluesrevue

Twitter: Melmoe64

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissagoehnermusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: @sweetmelissasbluesrevue2341

Image Credits
Jon Schlanger for the first picture, Andy Estes for the rest of the pictures of me and the last pictures are my photos (Melissa Goehner)

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