Malissa Whitehouse Talks New Single, Her Voice And More

Singer-songwriter Malissa Whitehouse knows what it means to get back on the horse — both literally and figuratively following a life changing accident in late 2020. During her six-month recovery Malissa found healing in writing new material for her long-awaited EP and was offered the opportunity to write for The Voice Artist Kalon Rae, mentored by Sir Tom Jones. Her latest single ‘Over A Lifetime’ is out now and she kindly spoke to us:

 

When did you begin songwriting?

I began songwriting at around 14 years old when I started to take part in weekly acting and singing workshops at the Bob Hope Theatre in Eltham London. I pencilled my first track and sent it off for a Songwriting competition with Capital Radio, Evening Standard and Coca- Cola for songwriter of the year. This was televised on ITV and out of 10,000 I came second in the competition.

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

Listening to my mum singing to Motown at home. My house was always filled with music and even now I have to have the radio on. It’s a must and make me feel happy!

 

You have your new single ‘Over A Lifetime’ out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

My own life experience and healing if I’m honest. Putting pen to paper was part of my therapy. We all experience that time in our life when we need to walk away from a situation to save ourselves and that was my moment.

 

Where did you record the song and who produced it?

I recorded the initial rough demo at home and took it to my composer Jon Brooks who is based in Cheshire.

With a pad in hand and a two hour train journey ahead, I pencilled some more ideas and by the time I got to the studio Jon had laid down the most amazing keys and was ready to record my vocal and build the full production. The track was very organic and came together very fast. This song means so much to me as a producer and writer. It’s not every day you meet your dream writing partner and after a chance introduction, the rest was history.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the song’s recording sessions?

I think Jon made me laugh when I saw the studio supplies in the kitchen for the lock in session needed to get this song recorded as we only had a small window of time due to distance. Thankfully with the song coming together so fast we didn’t have to break in to the emergency Jaffa cakes!

 

Who were the musicians who performed on the song with you?

This song was written and produced by myself and Jon Brooks.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

In all honesty, the studio set up was very organic as Jon writes for film and TV.

The only thing that was really important was getting the right piano sound with the keys. We did try a few variants and again this came together very quickly. We wanted the track to be haunting and heartfelt which we feel we achieved.

 

Did you collaborate with anyone on the songwriting?

The collaboration is between myself and Jon Brooks and we are excited to say that we have some more tracks already written.

 

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

‘Over a Lifetime’ means so much to me and a song journey that touched my heart when I wrote it. I love its universal sound as so many people can relate to it.

I always say that’s my Adele moment. To write a good honest song that resonates, I feel you must experience the moment.

I would say my newer songs are much more emotional then my older material as I’ve been on a huge journey over the last few years and have found new ways to express myself with my music.

 

Do you have any future music releases planned for 2025?

Absolutely. The next part of my journey is building a bigger team to support the next stages as I really want to perform live.

 

Was it a difficult song to write?

No. It was one of the easiest I think I have written. The melody and the lyrics came to me so quickly and with Jon’s magic in the studio we created the perfect music and lyrical chemistry. We knew from the first playback that we had something special.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

That the audience enjoyed every moment and shared the journey with me. It’s always so important to be in the moment as it all goes so fast. I’ve learnt to enjoy the process more over time and walking off stage to hear people singing your songs and that applause is the ultimate feeling for any performer.

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

In all honesty, my live set is in its early stages as it’s been some time since I toured. I’m in early conversations with my team of how to take these tracks to a stage performance as ‘Over a Lifetime’ is a big orchestral track to perform live.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I’m a London Girl. So, London to me in 5 words would be Enchanting, Vibrant, Diverse, Alluring, Majestic.

 

How do you look after your voice?

 

I do my best to rest my voice as often as I can as I also work in radio too.

Vocal exercises are key. Along with good speaking and singing posture. Diet and drinking lots of water is key too.

 

Who designed the single artwork?

I did the artwork as I have with all my videos too. I love that part as a creative and have penned some pilot ideas for TV. I love being behind the camera and in front.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

It would have to be ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ a childhood favourite for me.

The story is so enchanting and magical with so many lessons to be learnt. I just love that line ‘You’ve always had the power my dear to make it back to home.’ We all have challenges in life and sometimes all you need to do is believe and make it happen. To write a score to such a powerful novel would be an amazing process to take from words and music to picture.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I have such an eclectic soundtrack of songs in my library it would be hard to say. I’m a huge fan of Christina Perri and love how she writes her songs along with Diane Warren who is my inspiration as a songwriter.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

This is being discussed at the moment but am hoping to do some live dates this autumn.

 

You also have your own show called ‘Just A London Girl’. When did you first have the idea for the show and what does it entail?

I have had my brand ‘Just a London Girl’ as my production company for many years. The transition to radio was after I left my co-host job on my transatlantic show ‘Out Loud’ from Chicago and decided to launch my solo show. This has been a great success and is syndicated to 40 stations worldwide. It’s a magazine type feature show on radio covering Beauty, Travel, Music and everything London… well, I am the London Girl after all.

 

What makes Malissa Whitehouse happy and what makes you unhappy?

Happiness is finding balance. That’s what makes me happy. Being around the right people that can support and lift you in the good times and bad. You’re only as strong as the team that surround you. I love to support others, and it makes me sad when I hear sad stories where someone has been let down or mistreated. There’s enough room for all creatives in the industry and healthy competition is a good thing.