Melissa Axel

Biography

Passionate about projects rooted in inclusion and belonging, Melissa Axel is an L.A. based lyricist/songwriter and creative producer fueled by the joy of infusing every story with meaning and magic. Be it animation, musicals, TV, or film, Axel weaves words into each narrative work with the instinct of an artist, the skill of a craftsperson, and the care of a close friend.

With a background in producing film concerts for Disney and more, including A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF ALAN MENKEN, Axel has a keen ear for sonic quality and a thoughtful approach to collaboration. After writing lyrics for and helping develop the Emmy-nominated variety special SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES, uniting the biggest names in film and TV music to raise money for MusiCares’ COVID-19 Relief Fund, Axel co-wrote the show script for the Golden Globes virtual grants celebration and co-directed its finale: a new version of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN’s “This Is Me” featuring new lyrics co-written by Axel, performed by over 50 different young artists.

Axel co-wrote 11 songs for DRIVEN: MODERN MUSICALS ABOUT L.A. ARTISTS, also serving as “script doctor” and co-producing a concert reading of these mini-musicals.  Axel also wrote lyrics and created the concept for the animated short CATS OF PARIS, contributed songs to the award-winning LGBTQ+ film WHO'S AFRAID OF VAGINA WOLF? and co-wrote end credits songs for a series pilot and five Easterseals Disability Film Challenge shorts, including WHITNEY’S WEDDING (BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM, Focus On Ability Film Festival).

With a deep love for bringing emotion to life through music, Axel is always excited to write with new voices and share fresh stories with the world.