Like the valley, so are the people. Hard and delicate, wild and quiet, snow-white and colourful. It is the closely interconnected contrasts of the Lesachtal Valley that have shaped Melissa Naschenweng from birth.
Birnbaum is the name of the village. 66 inhabitants. In front of the Naschenwengs’ house there is actually a pear tree. Naschenweng, the name says it all, and so it is not surprising that the little blond whirlwind with the melodic first name Melissa was almost able to bury himself in grandma’s Kloatzenkrapfen. “Kletzen are called Kloatzen here. The dried pears are boiled and served in the dough with cinnamon, butter and sugar – that was really cool,” says Melissa and the emphasis is on was. In general, she thinks a lot of things are really cool, but today she gives up the doughnuts with a heavy heart. “Hits quite a bit,” she says and remains steadfast. On stage, at her show, she needs strength and endurance. Every kilo too much, that costs stamina. With more than 100 performances a year, that makes a difference. And the number of performances is currently growing rapidly.
Today, Melissa is one of the most sought-after, hot young artists in the music business. She gained experience on cruise ships, at television appearances, at mini-shows as well as at the Musikantenstadl, on large and small stages. She is on the road a lot, travels all over Europe with her harmonica case. “I never want to have to say that I didn’t give everything for my music,” she says, and her determined look makes it clear that a young woman is in the process of going her own way.
Mental strength at the right time, emotional outbursts at the wrong time are what make Melissa a person. When the tears run because she doesn’t feel understood, then they just run. What the heck!? And when she’s happy, she lets her audience share in her happiness. She can’t and above all, she doesn’t want to be different. You are a human being and not a singing and playing doll. It is precisely this openness, this genuineness that people love about her. She is the way she is and as hard as the business is, the fun of joy outweighs it. “I have chosen music. I see my future in it,” she clarifies and leaves no doubt that she, this delicate person, does not have the strength to go her own way.
Melissa Whirlwind. Blonde with pink harmonica. Hard and delicate, wild and quiet, snow-white and colorful. His Melissa is just like the valley!
