Melissa Tkautz

Template:Infobox musical artist 2 Melissa Natalie Tkautz (born January 24, 1974) is an Australian actress, singer, songwriter and model of Austrian and Maltese heritage.

Early career

Born in Sydney, Tkautz began her career at age 3. She appeared in television and print commercials and later began acting in soap operas Richmond Hill and Home & Away in the late 1980s. Tkautz also had a supporting role in the mini-series The Girl from Tomorrow. During this time she attended the Academy of Dramatic and Social Arts in Sydney, graduating in 1991.

E-Street

At age 17, Tkautz was cast in the role of Nikki Spencer on the hit Australian soap opera E Street.

Nikki Spencer had moved to Westside (the fictitious Sydney suburb where the show took place) with her brother Zac. She was sent there to live with her aunt and uncle, George and Martha Sullivan. Nikki soon became involved in a relationship with the local police constable, Max Simmons (played by Bruce Samazan).

Tkautz soon became one of the show's main stars due to the popularity of her character. In 1991, she was voted as the hottest female on the earth by readers of TV Hits Magazine. Due to this popularity, the producers decided to have Tkautz record a song, which would be used in the show as part of a dream sequence, where Nikki had dreamed she was a pop star. This resulted in a recording career for Tkautz. However, due to the pressures of juggling two full-time careers, Tkautz left E Street to concentrate on her music career.

In 2007, a New Idea magazine article revealed Tkautz had relationships with E Street co-stars Marcus Graham and Simon Baker. Baker also appeared in the video for her single "Read My Lips".

Singing Career

"Read My Lips"

The idea of recording a song (as part of a dream sequence for Tkautz's character) was put forward by the makers of E Street. Tkautz was signed to the record label, Westside Records, that had been created by the show's producers, and recorded the single "Read My Lips". The single was launched via the show and soon shot to the number one position on the ARIA Charts, the highest selling single by an Australian artist in 1991. A music video was released for the song and the single was available on CD, Cassingle, 7" and 12" format. "Say Goodbye" was the B-side of the single.

The song was so popular that Gina Riley, Kim from Kath & Kim, parodied "Read My Lips" on the comedy show Fast Forward. The sendup was titled "Pout Your Lips".

Since 1991, Tkautz has re-recorded "Read My Lips" twice, the first version as the "Electro Pushers Remix" which was to be included as a bonus track on her unreleased third album, Glamorous Life. The second and newest version of the song is the "Neon Stereo Remix" which was performed live by Tkautz on Channel 7's Morning Show. This version features strong electro beats and keyboards, bringing it up to date with current dance music. This version will be used for promotional reasons and live performances only.

Read My Lips was featured on Channel 9's "20-1 Celebrity Chart Floppers" and came in at number 11.

"Sexy (Is The Word)"

Due to the massive success of "Read My Lips", a followup single--"Sexy (Is The Word)"--was recorded, and like the first single, it made its debut on an episode of E Street. Released in 1991 also, the song reached number 3 on the Australian charts. A music video was released for the song and the single was available on CD, Cassingle, 7" and 12" formats. "My Favourite Room" was the B-side for the single.

At the end of the year, Tkautz performed "Sexy (Is The Word)" at the 1991 Rugby League Grand final, and also sang parts of Tina Turner's "The Best" with other performers, it being the Rugby League's anthem that year. Also in 1991, Tkautz toured the country as a support act for C+C Music Factory's Australian Tour.

In 2005, Tkautz re-recorded "Sexy (Is The Word)" and it featured as a bonus track on her 2005 album Lost & Found as both a radio edit and a club mix.

Fresh

In 1992, having left E Street, Tkautz's debut album Fresh was released. Containing 10 tracks, including the hits "Read My Lips" and "Sexy (Is The Word)", the album peaked at number 13 on the ARIA Album Charts. The single "Skin To Skin" was released and became a top 20 hit. Tkautz also performed a national tour showcasing her talents and the album. Due to her diverse fan base, Tkautz would often perform two shows a day, a show during the day for her younger fans, and then evening concerts for her adult audience. Fresh was released on CD and cassette format.

Tracks included:

Sexy (Is The Word)
Let's Get Pumping
My Imagination
Skin To Skin
If We Live Forever
Read My Lips
Tonight's The Night
My House
Something About You
Ain't No Saint

"Skin To Skin"

Tkautz's 3rd single, "Skin To Skin," was released in 1992 after the debut of her first album Fresh. "Skin To Skin" peaked at number 16 on the ARIA Charts. A music video was released for the song and the single was available on CD, Cassingle and 12" formats. "Take It From Me" was the B-side for the single.

"My House"

Tkautz's 4th single, "My House," was released in 1992. "My House" failed to chart on the ARIA Charts, due to limited airplay. A music video was released for the song and the single was available on CD single format. "Let Me Out" was the B-side for the single. Jon Manu Bennett featured as an extra in the video and later played Tkautz's love interest in Paradise Beach.

Return to E-Street

In 1993, Tkautz decided to return to E Street. Producers of the show and fans were thrilled to have her back, and Nikki’s return to Westside was one of the show's main draws and major focuses for the lead-in to the 1993 season. However, despite the good ratings the show was delivering, the show had declined in storylines and due to budget issues the network decided to cancel E Street in May 1993.

"Is It..?"

In 1993, after E Street ended, Tkautz decided to re-spark her music career. She released a new single, "Is It My Body" commonly known as "Is It...?" The release of this single launched a new direction for Tkautz. She had a new look and a somewhat funkier sound. The single was received well critically, but due to limited airplay and mismanagement of her career, the single peaked at #39 on the ARIA Singles Chart. "Is It...?" was to be the first single from her second album, which was scrapped. This was her last commercially released single until 2005.

Paradise Beach

Around 1992/93 Tkautz also appeared as a special guest on Paradise Beach, playing Vanessa Campbell, the manipulative ex-girlfriend of Sean Hayden (Ingo Rademacher). Her role lasted several weeks and she also returned some months later when she was involved with Kirk Barsby (played by Jon Manu Bennett). Strangely enough, he had previously appeared as an extra in the music video for Tkautz's "My House."

Pacific Drive and other series

In 1996 Tkautz joined the series Pacific Drive, where she played a model named Bethany Daniels. Dubbed as an "Australian version of Melrose Place," the series was filmed on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Despite the series never really taking off, this role was a major career move for Tkautz, playing the first ever long-term HIV positive character on Australian television. The series has since gained a cult following.

When the show was cancelled after 2 seasons, Tkautz then joined the cast of Medivac as Nurse Evie Morrison. Tkautz later appeared in the series All Saints and Echo Point. She also continued working as a model, doing local and international projects.

Lost And Found, "The Glamorous Life" and "All I Want"

In 2005, Tkautz relaunched her music career with a new single, a cover version of "The Glamorous Life", a song originally performed by Sheila E and written by Prince. Tkautz's re-working featured heavy guitars and a strong electro beat, but its release was marred by another cover of the same track by fellow Australian, producer Mr Timothy featuring Inaya Day on vocals.

Naturally having two versions of the same song released at the same time compromised airplay, but Tkautz toured the country promoting the single with her dancers gaining the track some success on the charts. It debuted at its peak position - #31 on the ARIA charts top 100. It also reached #6 on the ARIA club chart, #8 on the ARIA dance chart and #8 on the ARIA Australasian chart.

It had been a 15 year gap between album releases for Tkautz, yet her second album Lost & Found was released on December 4, 2005.

Tkautz's second single from this era, "All I Want", was released in November 2005, and peaked at #72 on the ARIA charts. The video for this single was not released, yet the song gained much attention in clubs around Australia with its various remixes.

Meanwhile, the single "Glamorous Life" had success internationally, and in July 2007, the single was released in parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands.

"Easily Affected"

Tkautz travelled to Sweden in early 2006 to work with the pop writing sensations 2N. Whilst there she recorded "Easily Affected," "Fake It Good" and "Not Enough." "Fake It Good" was to be released as her new single, however "Easily Affected" was considered more popular, thus it was released on 21st October. "Easily Affected" peaked at #86 on the ARIA chart. A music video was released for the song and the single was available on CD single format. "Easily Affected (12" Extended Version)", "Blink" and "The Glamorous Life (D.O.N.S. Remix)" all featured as extra tracks.

Glamorous Life album

Tkautz released "Easily Affected" which was to be the first single from her third album, Glamorous Life. The new album was to feature "Easily Affected," "Fake It Good" and "Not Enough" (3 songs recorded with 2N in Sweden) as well as reworked versions of select songs from Lost & Found. The album was also to feature a rare recording of "Read My Lips (Electro Pushers Remix)". This album was never commercially released, presumably due to "Easily Affected" peaking at #86. However, bootlegs and burnt copies have been quietly circulated by Tkautz's strong gay supporters. Little is known about this project, however some of these songs may be released commercially in the distant future.

"I Want Your Love"

In 2008, Nick Skitz and Melissa Tkautz teamed up to create a cover version of the Transvision Vamp song "I Want Your Love."

Track Listing:

Radio Mix
Mark Rachelle Mix
Disco Nexxion Remix
Bohn & Kasten Remix
Kamikaze Kid Remix
Al Storm Remix

After only one week of sales the single debuted at No.60 on the combined ARIA singles charts, and No.26 on the physical singles sales charts on 14 April 2008. A CD and DVD single were released.

Revolution

In 2008 Melissa announced that she would be starring in a lead role in the new TV Pilot 'Revolution'. Yet to be picked up by a network, Revolution is the first project run by Glamour Girl Productions (created by Emma Paige Langley). Described as a mix between 'Veronica Mars' and 'Gossip Girl', if picked up by a commercial network, Revolution will be shown sometime during 2009.

Recent projects

Tkautz performed at the Annual Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day in February 2008. Her set included 4 songs: "Easily Affected", "True Love" (from Tkautz's Lost & Found album), "Read My Lips" (Neon Stereo Remix) and the new single "I Want Your Love". Tkautz also performed at Brisbane's Big Gay Day, held at the Wickham Hotel in Fortitude Valley on March 9. She performed "The Glamorous Life," "Read My Lips" and "I Want Your Love." She also just recently appeared on an episode on the Australian version of Celebrity - The Singing Bee where she placed 4th.

New Album

During 2008 Melissa went overseas to work with D.O.N.S. Melissa has been back in the studio recording songs for a new album which will surface during 2009. Her 3rd awaited album will be predominatly dance music aimed at the international market. Fans are hopeful that 'Fake it Good' and 'Not Enough' will be salvaged for the new Album. More information on her new music is yet to come.

Discography

Albums

1992 Fresh AUS#15
2005 Lost & Found
2006 Glamorous Life (unreleased demo CD)
2009 new album scheduled for release

Singles

Year	Title	Album	Australia ARIA Charts Positions
Year	Title	Album	Singles Chart	Australasian Chart	Dance Chart	Club Chart
1991	"Read My Lips"	Fresh	#1	#1
1991	"Sexy (Is The Word)"	Fresh	#3
1992	"Skin to Skin"	Fresh	#16
1992	"My House"	Fresh	Failed to Chart or Peak
1993	"Is It...?"	Single Only	#39
2005	"The Glamorous Life"	Lost & Found	#31	#8	#8	#6
2005	"All I Want"	Lost & Found	#72	#19	#10	#28
2006	"Easily Affected"	Single Only	#86	#17	#11
2008	"I Want Your Love"	Single Only	#60	#18	#8

Misc

Compilations

Compilations containing Melissa Tkautz songs:

1991: 100% Hits - "Read My Lips"
1991: 100% Hits Volume 2 - "Sexy (Is The Word)"
1992: 100% Hits Volume 4 - "Skin To Skin"
1993: E-Street The Music (TV Soundtrack) - "Read My Lips", "Sexy (Is The Word)" and "Skin To Skin"
1995: Take 40 No. 1's - "Read My Lips"
2005: Pepsi More Music - Best Of 2005 (DVD/Video compilation) - "The Glamorous Life"
2006: Wild Summer 2006 - "The Glamorous Life"
2006: Stonewall The Addiction (Mixed By Luke Leal) - "All I Want"
2006: Dance Hits Vol.2 - Eurodance Music Videos (Russian DVD/Video compilation) - "The Glamorous Life"
2006: Stonewall - The Addiction - "All I Want (Lost Knowledge Remix)"
2006: Clubworx 2 - (South Africa DVD/Video compilation) - "The Glamorous Life"
2007: Video Hits 20 Years of Australian Hits - "Sexy (Is The Word)"
2007: So Fresh Summer 2007 - "Easily Affected"

Awards and recognition

Year	Award-giving Body	Award	Result
1992	ARIA Award	Highest Selling Single (Read My Lips)	Won
1992	ARIA Award	Best New Talent (Read My Lips)	Nominated
1991	Logie Award	Best New Talent (E-Street)	Nominated

References

"CelebritiesTime.com". Biography information. Retrieved April 23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
"Talk About The Music". Information. Retrieved April 23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)

External links