Pronunciation: [məlˈɪsəɹ ˈɔːf dˈɜː mˈɔː] (IPA) 
The spelling of "Melissa Auf der Maur" can be tricky for non-German speakers. The correct pronunciation is /məˈlɪsə aʊf dər ˈmɔːr/, with emphasis on the second syllable of "Melissa" and the first syllable of "Auf". The "der" in her surname should be pronounced as "dər" and "Maur" as "ˈmɔːr". While the spelling may seem daunting, mastering the pronunciation of this talented musician's name is worth the effort.
Melissa Auf der Maur is a Canadian-American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known for her roles as the bassist and backing vocalist for the alternative rock bands Hole and The Smashing Pumpkins. Born on March 17, 1972, in Montreal, Canada, Auf der Maur has made significant contributions to the rock music scene through her distinctive bass playing and powerful vocal abilities.
Auf der Maur’s musical career took off when she joined the successful all-female rock band Hole in 1994, replacing Kristen Pfaff. She played on their critically acclaimed album "Celebrity Skin" (1998) and toured with the band before leaving in 1999. This marked the beginning of her collaboration with The Smashing Pumpkins, where she played bass and sang backup vocals on the album "Machina/The Machines of God" (2000) and its subsequent tour.
Apart from her achievements as a bassist, Melissa Auf der Maur has also pursued a successful solo career. In 2004, she released her self-titled debut album, which showcased her songwriting skills and darker, grungier sound. Her subsequent albums, "Out of Our Minds" (2010) and "Matriarch and the Wrong Kind of Flowers" (2019), further consolidated her reputation as a talented solo artist.
Throughout her career, Melissa Auf der Maur has garnered recognition for her musical contributions, receiving critical acclaim for her bass playing and vocal versatility. Her artistic versatility and ability to captivate audiences with her performances have solidified her status as an influential figure in the alternative rock genre.
