Melanie Penn is a Manhattan-based artist, writing pop songs at the crossroads of faith and culture. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Falls Church, Va., she began singing and receiving formal vocal training at a young age, and even competed as a classical vocalist through high school. She transitioned to songwriting after several years as a mainstay in New York’s musical theater scene – a turn that included playing Sandy in the Broadway National Tour of Grease! She is best known for her original concept album Immanuel, which is about the Christmas story. More Alive Vol. 1 is her fifth studio album, produced with Cason Cooley and her longtime collaborator Ben Shive.