From the Steel Mill to the Airwaves -- After Mill Bankruptcy Steelworker Forges Career as Singer-Songwriter
After losing his pension benefits just before his scheduled retirement displaced Steelworker, Angelo Melasecca trades the steel mill for the steel strings on his guitars and makes waves as an indie singer-songwriter; hear him perform his Steel Workin' Folk 'n Blues live during two US - FM radio broadcasts; simultaneously streamed via the internet.
(PRWEB) October 17, 2005 -- When the steel mill's bankruptcy cost him his 30 year pension 6 months before his scheduled retirement, Angelo Melasecca tossed his hardhat, and reached for solace in his guitar. Using the unwelcome twist of fate, as a muse of sorts, he began penning songs for a debut CD, and instead of retiring Melasecca found himself starting a second career. This summer he made his European Debut; received a standing ovation at one of the US's largest free music festivals, the Johnstown FolkFest; and his CD, apply named Far From Home, is getting FM airplay. With influences including Ry Cooder, Duane Allman, Chet Atkins and Leo Kottke, Melasecca brings to life an eclectic, acoustic collection of earthy Folk and Blues. Tune in to hear him perform during two live broadcasts with simultaneous web cast: 4:30 pm Oct. 17 and 7:00 pm Nov. 30th on 91.9 FM WNTI - Hackettstown, New Jersey-US and streamed at www.wnti.org.
An accomplished finger-style and slide guitarist who also plays Dobro, mandolin and harmonica Melasecca, who performs under the name Angelo M., shelved the idea of being a full-time musician years ago to raise his family with the security of a day-job. That was until mid-2003 when an ironic turn of events left Melasecca and thousands of other steelworkers to watch the security they had labored for dissolve with the bankruptcy of steel giant, Bethlehem Steel. Melasecca had just 6 months left to meet retirement eligibility on a 30 year pension when Bethlehem closed its doors taking with it his seniority, pension benefits and chance to retire. Faced with starting over with the company that bought the mill, or finding work elsewhere, Melasecca at 48 traded the steel mill for steel strings.
Working independently on a shoe-string budget, Angelo M. went into the studio in the spring of 2004 and self-produced a limited-release, demo-version of Far From Home. Then using this all-original CD to gain access to new venues he began touring in the summer of 2004. And audiences are liking what they hear: "I just saw Angelo at the Johnstown FolkFest! He was the very best act there. What a major talent…" -Vicki DiGuardi; "Wow, got the CD and heard you at the J-town FolkFest. You were the highlight of the festival this year..." -Gregory Rys. Though, not intended for airplay, his limited-release of Far From Home was unexpectedly discovered by several international DJs in early 2005 via the on-line CD store, CD Baby, and it is being enthusiastically played on several FM stations in 3 European Countries, as well as, in Mexico. "* * * * Very good guitar playing, beautiful voice and great songs! I really enjoy listening to this CD... my favorite cut is Thirty Years. Well, he's got a hit in this one!..."- Przemek Draheim, Blues & Gospel Radio Host, (PL); "Lost, produces goose bumps with a brilliant slide and acoustic guitar, this song all alone justifies the purchase of the album." -Francois Braeken, DJ/Rootstime Reviewer (BE).
Using sales from the limited-release of his CD Angelo M. financed a re-mastered, retail-ready version of Far From Home that he released during his European Debut in Ireland's notable music venue, Dolan's Warehouse. Currently, he is distributing this newly-completed version to independent and college radio stations across the US. NPR Station WNTI FM in Hackettstown, NJ has embraced Angelo M.'s music, offering him several on-air performance opportunities in 05 along with playing his CD. "....Angelo M. plays the blues from the heart. - Armed with his Dobro, Angelo M. levels the playing field"- Mickey Spillane, WNTI; "Angelo M. has a great sense of style…Switching careers & focusing on music at this stage of his life was exactly the right move!" - Mel Thiel, WNTI. So stay tuned to hear more from this steelworker turned performing songwriter as he forges ahead in his new career.
To request interviews or a CD for airplay or music review please contact Jody Murphy (717-556-2559) for more information on Angelo M. including biography and show schedule please visit www.AngeloM.com
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