Melissa Auf der Maur (Hole/The Chelsea)

Name: Melissa Auf der Maur
Born: 17th March, 1972 (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

Profile: She is a Canadian rock musician of Swiss-German ancestry. Her career has included as bassist with the band "Hole" and "The Smashing Pumpkins". She is also a published photographer.

History: She was immersed into the music scene at an early age thanks to her mother (1st female rock DJ in Montreal), who would show young Melissa interviews of rock stars like Frank Zappa and the "spreading the word" aspect of rock & roll intrigued her. She started by taking piano and trumpet lessons and had experience as a choir singer and she tackled the bass by teaching it to herself, thanks to a dream she had about the band "Kyuss".

Melissa jammed with the punk band boys, with the confidence that she would make it as a bassist and started a band called "Tinker" with her best friend and boyfriend, which their often played in a nightclub in Montreal. She then met with Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins) at the same nightclub.

In 1994, Melissa joined "Hole" (where Billy Corgan introduced her to Courtney Love) after the death of their previous bassist Kristen Pfaff and recorded an album with them, she then left "Hole" after the end of her 5 year contract. While busy with "Hole", Melissa briefly toured with Ric Ocasek "The Cars" contributing bass and background vocals for his solo album. In 1998, she also contributed her amazing vocals to childhood friend Rufus Wainwright's album which she appeared in his video "April Fools".

In 2000, Melissa briefly toured with "The Smashing Pumpkins" and collaborated with French group "Indochine" on their song "Le Grand Secret", singing a duet in French with Nicola Sirkis. In 2002, Melissa joined a band called "Hand of Doom", in which she performed as lead vocals and in the same year, she also formed "The Chelsea".

In 2004, Melissa released her first solo album, garnering airplay on modern rock for the singles "Followed the Waves", "Real a Lie" and "Taste You". Melissa was part of the 2004 "Love Metal tour" also featuring "HIM" and "Curiosa". In 2007, she appeared on the "Fountains of Wayne" album singing backing on the track "Someone to Love".

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender Precision bass

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdRvcoD1uMY