Melissa Auf Der Maur — Biography
Born on March 17th, 1972, Melissa Gaboriau Auf der Maur is a Canadian artist whose musical journey began in 1993. While pursuing her studies at Concordia University, she co-founded the indie rock outfit Tinker. Her distinctive bass playing caught the attention of the American alternative rock band Hole, who enlisted her in the summer of 1994. Auf der Maur contributed to several of Hole’s recordings, notably appearing on their 1998 album, Celebrity Skin.
After her tenure with Hole concluded in 1999, Auf der Maur transitioned to a temporary role within The Smashing Pumpkins, serving as a touring bassist for their 2000 tour. This period paved the way for her solo endeavors. In 2004, she unveiled her self-titled debut studio album, Auf der Maur, through Capitol Records. Her subsequent album, Out of Our Minds, arrived in 2010, released independently via her own label, PHI–MAdM Music. Throughout her career, Auf der Maur has also lent her talents to collaborations with notable artists such as Indochine, Rufus Wainwright, Ric Ocasek, and Neverending White Lights.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Auf der Maur is also a skilled photographer and has made occasional forays into acting. Her photography has been featured in publications like National Geographic and displayed at prestigious venues such as Sotheby's. Her acting credits include roles in the films How to Make the Cruelest Month (1998), Beyond Borders (2003), and Collaborator (2011). In 2009, she orchestrated the ambitious multidisciplinary project Out of Our Minds, which encompassed an album, a single, a film, and a comic book. For this project, she took on the responsibilities of film and record producer, collaborating with her husband, filmmaker Tony Stone. Together, Stone and Auf der Maur lead Basilica Hudson, a vibrant arts and performance space situated in Hudson, New York. In recognition of her impact, VH1 ranked Auf der Maur at number 68 on their 2007 list of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll, and her solo works have consistently garnered positive critical reception.
After her tenure with Hole concluded in 1999, Auf der Maur transitioned to a temporary role within The Smashing Pumpkins, serving as a touring bassist for their 2000 tour. This period paved the way for her solo endeavors. In 2004, she unveiled her self-titled debut studio album, Auf der Maur, through Capitol Records. Her subsequent album, Out of Our Minds, arrived in 2010, released independently via her own label, PHI–MAdM Music. Throughout her career, Auf der Maur has also lent her talents to collaborations with notable artists such as Indochine, Rufus Wainwright, Ric Ocasek, and Neverending White Lights.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Auf der Maur is also a skilled photographer and has made occasional forays into acting. Her photography has been featured in publications like National Geographic and displayed at prestigious venues such as Sotheby's. Her acting credits include roles in the films How to Make the Cruelest Month (1998), Beyond Borders (2003), and Collaborator (2011). In 2009, she orchestrated the ambitious multidisciplinary project Out of Our Minds, which encompassed an album, a single, a film, and a comic book. For this project, she took on the responsibilities of film and record producer, collaborating with her husband, filmmaker Tony Stone. Together, Stone and Auf der Maur lead Basilica Hudson, a vibrant arts and performance space situated in Hudson, New York. In recognition of her impact, VH1 ranked Auf der Maur at number 68 on their 2007 list of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll, and her solo works have consistently garnered positive critical reception.
