Welcome Letter

I'm so glad you're here!

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Welcome to Melody and Memory, an online portal to, and archive of, the music, writings, and creative world of me, Colette Jones. I made this site as a way to showcase a full spectrum of creative expression, and connect with followers in a way that feels authentic, artistic, narrative, and deep. I envisioned it as a step back (for myself and others) from the mindless scroll, clickbait, and time trap that is the social media paradigm. While I still intend to utilize social media, I want to show up online in a way that feels less like “content” and more, well, real. I’m inspired by nostalgia for the early blog-era of the internet, and the idea of a personal website being a cohesive, living entity one may stumble upon. Someplace full of scrapbook/love letter/polaroid ephemera, made into something like a digital coffee table book (with your new favorite indie-folk artist as the soundtrack, iPod optional). I will post an article each week, as well as timely updates on music releases and news. 

So allow me to introduce myself. I’m Colette, a musician, artist, writer, historian of American roots music and culture, storyteller, and mother (primarily, and amongst other things). I love dried flower bouquets, books, myths, animals, singing, things that sparkle, and tall trees. I was raised near the Salish Sea, on and around peninsulas and islands in the Pacific Northwest. I recently spent four amazing years fulfilling my dream of living in Nashville, before relocating back to the land of gray skies, crisp air, and ferry boats. While the life I have settled into back here in Washington has made me the most content I’ve ever been, I am so grateful that my journey brought me to Tennessee. 

While in Nashville I recorded two albums, the first of which is out now, with the follow up currently in the can (as of the time of this writing). I also brought back with me so many memories, and know that whenever I return to visit I’ll feel right at home. While I maybe didn’t accomplish every daydream goal I had for my time there, I am proud of my achievements, grateful for every friend I made, opportunity and experience I had, and just for doing it at all, especially with a family in tow. I squeezed as much as I could out of that time, and am still chasing that rainbow–working hard at my craft and at this business of show. 

Origins

As a child I was sensitive, introspective, and thoughtful–pragmatic and perspicacious. I loved puzzles, talked to plants, and hated being infantilized more than anything. I longed for people to tell me stories, and had an adolescence surrounded and shaped by musicians and artists. At different times as I was growing up I thought I’d be a painter, a writer, or a farmer. Entrepreneur, rockstar, librarian, and curator also crossed my mind. As a certified “gifted kid” of the 90s, I was only mildly intrigued by the gospel of Bill Nye, Magic School Bus, and the new and exciting world of computers. They made for a fun aside during the school day, but science was always boring and a bit too existential for me. I liked to imagine myself as an old-timey wayfarer in the wild west, a Dutch master chasing sunsets on canvas, or a hobbit. I dreamed of a life where I could use my hands and my senses and my imagination. Something where I could brood and muse and analyze and synthesize the thoughts and art of other creatives and the beauty of the green earth around me and make things of my own. 

But in music I found my north star. Singing and sharing stories and fellowship through musical expression is my life’s highest purpose. It is the conglomeration of my passions–storytelling and narrative, history, art, beauty, creativity, and more. I feel a deep yearning to do so many things. I wish I could personally hear every human’s life story, and help write them all down. I wish I could listen to every song and read every book. I don’t wish to know what lies beyond our galaxy or need all the answers to the universe. I like my feet planted firmly on the ground and I like to feel alive. Connecting with others, touching grass, joining voices in harmony–these are the things that make me feel alive. 

If any of this has struck a chord with you (pun intended), or whether you’re just here for the music, or the vibes, I hope you stick around. Subscribe to this newsletter or follow on socials for updates. Upcoming topics include essays on the stories behind the songs, travel journals, narratives, discussions about music, and will include photos, art, and more. 

*Because it must be said, I will never use A.I. to write my posts, or my songs for that matter. I would humbly ask that my likeness and work is also never used to create A.I. content. I know there are algorithm bots and whatnot happening in the background in ways I can't control, and no one is perfect. But when it comes to my creative content, this is a space for human minds and hands to tap into that great cosmic wellspring and see what kind of legacy we can leave behind. I hope you can find inspiration here.

Topics: folk music, storytelling, nostalgia, creative content