Something About Melissa

Melissa Tkautz was once the darling of E-Street, then she had a #1 with 'Read My Lips'. Now she's back with a new single, and a part in the cult comedy show Swift and Shift Couriers.

Melissa, between 'Read My Lips' in 1991 and your new single, 'Something About You', what have you learnt about yourself as a singer and about the industry?

I have learned so much over the years. I'm now at a stage where I can enjoy every performance and not only deliver but bond with the audience on a more personal level. I guess I've just reached a part of life where I feel much more confident and happy in my own skin... it's a good feeling.

What tips do you have for the contestants on the X-Factor, Idol, and such shows?

Have a thick skin! This industry can be tough and you have to stay in it to get anywhere. If it's your passion you have to keep at it and follow your dreams! I'd say one piece of advice is to definitely listen to the judges' feedback, they have all been in the industry and are such great teachers that you have to listen to their advice and they will give you tips not only for the competition but for life. Also, connect with the song and most importantly enjoy the ride!

What has given you the most satisfaction in your life: music or acting?

For me it's always been about music and acting, I've never been able to say I enjoy doing one more than the other. I love them both equally, I get something different from them both.

Which gives you the most fun?

It depends on the day, the script or the audience. I'm very blessed to be able to juggle the two.

You left E-Street to concentrate on your music career. What are your memories of E- Street?

I had to grow up very quickly on E-street. I was very young; I knew nothing about the industry or about life and had to learn everything very, very quickly. That being said, it was an amazing experience and I feel so fortunate to have been on such a successful show that opened up a lot of doors for me. It was a great time in my life!

What's been you most enjoyable acting gig?

I would have to say Pacific Drive was incredibly rewarding as I played the first HIV positive character to appear on Australian TV and I felt it was my responsibility to educate people about HIV and develop awareness. I did a lot of research and met a lot of people who had HIV and I felt their strength and courage to be truly inspirational. It was such a rewarding character to play.

Did you have good experiences in the entertainment business when you were starting out? Did your management look after you well?

Yes, I like everybody else in the industry have had both good and bad experiences, but they have all made me who I am today. I've had a lot of great managers and a lot of managers whom I like to call sharks! [laughs].

Given you've acted and been in the charts, do you find you have different groups of fans?

Yes definitely! Of course my gay fans have been constantly loyal but I have noticed a wider demographic of late because of the acting side of my career. I'm very lucky to have such a wide fan base.

What's been your experience of the LGBTI community – I know you've performed at Mardi Gras, for example.

As an audience they are electric! They are the best audience there is and I mean that from the bottom of heart! They have always showed my loyalty, love and appreciation. I love the community they have always embraced me and I'm so forever grateful for their support.

I was watching Couriers last night. Is the show as much fun to shoot as it is to watch?

Yes! The show is definitely an acquired taste but it was a laugh a minute on set. So glad you enjoy it as much I enjoyed making it!

The secret of the show is that it's politically incorrect, would you agree?

Absolutely! But that's the key to the show I think. Paul Fenech is definitely the glue that holds the show together. He is the director, the producer, the writer and the editor – it's his baby, and he does such a great job!

How would you describe Melissa, your character?

She is very different to me. She's trying to climb the corporate ladder and will do anything to get there! [laughs].

The second series of is only just airing even though it was shot in 2009. Why the delay?

As far as I know it had something to do with SBS scheduling, it was nothing to do with the show.

You are now a mother, how has that changed your perspective on life, on your career?

So much! It has made me enjoy my career more, I don't take myself so seriously any more. I seem to enjoy being onstage even more than I did before. I guess I'm just a happier person all round and my daughter has just everything 1000 times better.

Will you be concentrating on music again now that 'Something About You' is out? Is there more acting coming up for you in the future?

I absolutely can't wait to get back into the studio – we are actually looking at songs now for the next single. As for acting, there are a few other shows in the pipeline and one in particular houses due out soon. I think the fans will be shocked to see my character in that one, it's very different to anything I have played in the past!

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Website melissatkautz.net

Melissa performs at DnM Bar on October 15, 2011 – Check Facebook for details.