Mel Bampton
Mel Bampton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Melissa Bampton |
| Occupation(s) | Radio presenter, Music editor, Yoga therapist |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Known for | Triple J radio presenter, creator of Like a Version segment |
Melissa "Mel" Bampton is a prominent Australian radio presenter, widely recognized for her contributions to the Triple J network. She began her tenure in 2000 as the producer of the Drive program, collaborating with personalities such as Costa Zouliou, Myf Warhurst, Nicole Fossati, and Charlie Pickering. By mid-2002, Bampton stepped into the role of co-host, taking over from Fossati.
Career
After significant programming restructuring at Triple J in 2004, Bampton introduced her own music-centric show titled Mel in the Mornings. This program shifted its emphasis away from current affairs towards music, artist interviews, and live sessions. She originated the Like a Version segment, where bands perform cover versions of songs; this segment has since produced nine compilation CDs and remains a key feature on Triple J's breakfast broadcast.
Bampton ended her presenting duties on 26 January 2007. Later that year, she took on production and presentation responsibilities for the second season of Triple J's Producer Series. This series showcased influential producers including Steve Albini, Michael Beinhorn, Trina Shoemaker, Jim Abbiss, Tony Cohen, Squeak E Clean, Ewan Pearson, Dave Catching, Tim Whitten, and John Agnello.
In 2008, she was responsible for producing and presenting The Album Series on Triple J, which focused on four significant Australian albums by artists such as Sarah Blasko, The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus, and Regurgitator. The following year saw Bampton produce and present the third season of the Producer Series, featuring guests like Alan Moulder, Scott Horscroft, Dave Fridmann, Harry Vanda, Philippe Zdar, and Diplo. A printed version of The Producer Series was planned for publication by HarperCollins in 2015.
From 2008 through 2012, Bampton held the position of Music & Books Editor at the women's publication yen. Additionally, she acts as Director of a media company based in Byron Bay that partners with the Soundwave Festival and collaborates with artists including Ash Grunwald and Dune Rats.
Personal life
Bampton is married and has three children, with her youngest born in 2012.
Under her married name, Lissie Turner, she practices full-time as a Yoga Therapist and instructor at The Yoga Shack. Trained by Dr. Natesan Chanderasekaran MD and Lance Schuler, she has been engaged in yoga practice since 1995.