Funky Media Magazine - Malissa Whitehouse

Malissa Whitehouse releases her third solo single ‘SIMPLE’

Malissa Whitehouse releases her third solo single

‘SIMPLE’

London born and bred, Singer-Songwriter Malissa Whitehouse has had a whirlwind year since reaching number 6 in Mike Read’s Heritage Charts as a feature vocalist on a cover version of Minnie Riperton’s ‘Lovin You’.

Her first solo single ‘Dear Diary ‘ was released last March with her follow up single ‘Wine and Roses’ in July. This was a huge success worldwide. Playlisted on over 800 radio stations and featuring as Single of the Week in various territories such as Europe and America. This lead to PR and radio interviews worldwide and her own take over show in the US. Malissa is now cohost on the talk show Out Loud with American on air personality DJ Steve Benz the show is now syndicated worldwide on over 40 stations.

Malissa is currently writing material for her first solo album as well as for a number of new breaking artists from shows including The Voice She is also developing scripts and soundtracks for her first live action TV drama.

Malissa’s first break was at 16 after becoming a finalist for Songwriter of the Year in conjunction with Capital Radio and CocaCola. This led to Malissa performing on Channel 4’s cult TV show The Word landing Malissa her first recording deal.

The success of the TV show and appearance along-side TV host Jonathan Ross, opened an introduction to a top industry manager, which led to Malissa becoming lead vocalist of 90’s pop indie band The Morgans where she started to write, record and tour extensively headlining at legendary venues such as the Cavern Club and Subterania, London.

Releasing their first independent material in the 90’s with their cover version of Hawkwind’s Master of the Universe. Malissa left the Morgans to pursue her career as a solo artist where she was introduced to an in-house producer at Soul II Soul

This creative partnership opened further opportunities writing for a variety of new artists and launching a successful music venture at their recording studios suite at Britannia Row in West London.

Malissa has worked in various areas of the media industry, including MTV and Capital Radio, where she worked alongside legendary Radio Executive, Richard Park. Launching artists such as Craig David (debut album ‘Born to do it’) with Capital Radio in conjunction with Wildstar Records.

Malissa’s third single SIMPLE will be released and available for download via Distrokid on all worldwide platforms from 10th March 2023

Interview Questions

How did you get started, and what has led up to where you are today as an artist?

My first break was at 16 years old when I was a finalist for song writer of the year in conjunction with Capital Radio London and Coca Cola. This led to a debut on Channel 4’s ‘The Word’ after I was invited on to the show by the executive producer to do an access all areas live performance with my band and be interviewed by Katie Pukrick.

Who do you feel has influenced your sound the most?

Growing up in the 80’s I was a massive fan of Madonna. I recently went to see her live show at The Palladium in London and was simply blown away. A huge inspiration. In lockdown I listened through my old album collection of favourite female artists such as ‘Madonna’‘Kate Bush’‘Dido’‘Janet Jackson’, Diana Ross & Sade to name but a few. These sessions really inspired I decided to finally set up my home studio. I have found some of my recent works are very influenced by the 80’s and 90’s. I love radio friendly pop tracks with great hooks and melodies.

What has been your biggest challenge and what do you feel you have learned from it?

I think tenacity has been the key for me. If I stopped after all the No’s I’ve had I would never have made it in this industry. It’s hard as knock backs are challenging for anybody but I’ve always managed to make a negative in to a positive and always gone back even when doors have closed. I also feel that if those answers had been yes at the time then the timing wouldn’t have been right. It’s only when you look back at situations that you realise you have to learn your skill. Working in so many areas of the industry has helped me to progress to the artist I am today.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My signing to Peer Publishing was a fabulous moment for me. To know that my work was being taken seriously as a songwriter and also the opportunity that I has managed to create with my TV writing too. Pre lock down I filmed my first TV pilot with an array of celebrities which landed me a production development deal for my first TV show. This has been a labour of love but hoping that things will blossom over the coming months with recent discussions.

What advice would you give to anyone new coming into the industry?

Just because someone gives you there advice it doesn’t always mean its the right advice! Surround yourself with positive light- minded people that you can connect with and have freedom with your music expression. Many times I was guided down the wrong roads and ended up going full circle. That still happens today but sometimes its a progression of the project and how things development. As I’ve got wiser with knowledge I think going with your gut reaction is the key.

You’ve been travelling with your music how is your music being received abroad?

I’ve been very blessed to have support in the USA with the last two singles with airplay.

This has given me a great platform to connect with fans across the pond and to visit Nashville, Chicago and LA with my music. I also have a weekly feature as the co- host on a USA Syndicated Talk Show ‘Out Loud’ with on air personality Steve Benz. The show is now syndicated worldwide to over 40 stations and growing. My two first singles ‘Dear Diary’ and ‘Wine and Roses’ were also well received in Europe making single of the week in 12 countries.

How can fans find you

You can find me on my twitter platform @malissawhiteho1 or on my website www.londongirllife.co.uk www.outloud.funkymedia.agency/ Radio Page link