Southern rock has deep roots in Fallon’s Religion. Vocalist Melanie Fallon says, “It tugs on the heart strings…it feels real to me.”
At age six she began singing in school choirs, eventually falling in love with Southern rock. The genre is inspired by blues, country, and southern gospel.
She recalls enjoying her time in both Bucks County Community College and Temple University's music departments. It was at Temple that Fallon met her songwriting partner, Dan Bell.
After college, they continued writing music and later began recording cover projects. Meanwhile, Fallon saved all their original work. She realized in order to get their music out there, they needed all of the players, and they needed to start performing.
Fallon emphasizes the challenge it is getting a handful of adults together for rehearsal. With everyone working on other projects, she prides the group for making time. She beams, “I have great players.”
In addition to Fallon’s vocals and Bell’s guitar, the group includes Kevin McDermott (bass), Scott Kohlmorgen (drums), Tasha Ree Rudolph (vocals), Neal Carson (keyboard), and guitarist, keyboardist, and producer Larry Chaney.
Meeting Chaney, a long time touring and recording guitarist for Edwin McCain, was a pivotal moment for Fallon’s Religion. Chaney is a Nashville-based musician and Fallon appreciates the different background he brings to the group, as well as helping with writing and producing.
Merging each member's unique musical path creates a special and balanced style. Newer member Neal Carson brings his Billy Joel essence into their Southern rock and gospel roots.
Fallon says, “It’s fun, it’s different and it’s good for us. It keeps us on our toes to play with different people. It’s that yin-n-yang of writing music.” She finds inspiration within her own journal, allowing her personal moments to evolve into something greater.
Fallon’s Religion recently performed at ARTWRKD’s Fall SPEAKeasy Series collaboration in December. Performing in front of a crowd of fellow musicians, artists, and poets was a memorable experience for the group. Fallon felt that everyone was truly listening to their work.
Another unforgettable performance was playing live on WDVR New Jersey radio station, this past November. Fallon says, “People were emailing in and calling in, saying ‘Oh, we really liked that song!’ It was so old school.” She reminisces on the experience, proud that she didn’t make any mistakes.
Fallon’s Religion is known for their merging of genres and their signature harmonies. The writing process for her and Bell is laid back, often just stumbling onto something that they like and running with it. She says, “I love working with Dan, he really pushes me…” She laughs, “And sometimes I get mad.”
Songwriters can get stuck in “demo love,” when a song comes together in the studio. After listening to it a thousand times, the artist is comfortable with that version. Fallon continues, “You’re not stepping outside to explore a different melody or different words. You get attached to it like a relationship, and Dan has this great way of pushing me out of my boundaries to try something new.”
She is looking forward to their next performance in New Hope. They will be returning to Cary’s Music Room on April 11th. Fallon’s Religion will also be making another appearance at this year's Ambler Arts and Music Festival.
Fallon is grateful for the many wonderful experiences the group has had, and continue to explore. She says the best part about being a musician is watching everyone's individual journeys come together. She marvels, “When I’m at a gig or at band practice, I’m singing my part, and I look over at Dan playing guitar, and I look over at Neal; we’re all in our own little worlds, but working together. It’s this cosmic and beautiful magic. Music is magical.”