Interview: Melanie Fiona
We had the pleasure of talking with singer/songwriter Melanie Fiona about her new album, her influences, and plans for touring. Check it out below!
As an artist new to the music scene, how does it feel to be releasing your first album?
Melanie Fiona: I’m soooo very excited!!! I’ve been working towards this my whole life…it feels great to achieve this goal. I’ve wanted to share my love of music with the world, and now its finally happening. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.
If you could describe The Bridge in three words, what would they be?
Melanie Fiona: Classic, Soulful, Universal.
Is there a certain message you’re trying to convey with your music?
Melanie Fiona: I think the message in the music speaks for itself… its real- real topics and real music. I go through and relate to the same things most people do. I wanted people to know that as an artist I wanted to do something different and take the boundaries out of the music. I wanted to make a sound that would appeal to everyone.
Which song has the most meaning to you? Why?
Melanie Fiona: ‘Ay Yo’. I was driven to write this record as an anthem to express how I was feeling at the time. FRUSTRATED. I wanted to take what I was feeling about being faced with obstacles and flip it to empower anyone whose ever felt the same way. I envisioned people singing along at my shows, with their hands in the air. I wanted to see that come to life.”
At what age did you start writing your own music?
Melanie Fiona: I was a teenager, around 16. I started exploring with recording and writing… it was how I really started to understand first hand the creative process of all the songs I loved.
Was there an album that you heard growing up that really changed your life and convinced you that music was your future?
Melanie Fiona: So many songs, individually, did. But I would have to say the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill really put things into perspective for me. It was such an amazing body of work that was quality from top to bottom, and made me believe that it was possible to make an album of substance.
What other artists have inspired you?
Melanie Fiona: Sam Cooke, Sade, Whitney Houston, India Arie.
I saw that you toured in Europe last fall. What was that experience like?
Melanie Fiona: It was amazing!!!! The best experience of my career so far…being able to perform for ten’s of thousands of people, and touring with Kanye West was such an honor and adrenaline rush. I LOVE to perform, and for me, that was a dream and a great learning experience.
Do you have any plans to tour this year?
Melanie Fiona: Absolutely! Once the album drops, I hope to be everywhere promoting it. We’re getting the schedule to together now.
When you’re not working on music, what are your favorite things to do? Any must see television series?
Melanie Fiona: I’m pretty simple. I like to eat and spend downtime with loved ones. I used to be addicted to the TV show Heroes, but I don’t’ have much time for TV anymore.
What’s next for you?
Melanie Fiona: I’m gonna do my best to prepare the road ahead. My debut album is coming out and I just wanna enjoy the ride of being a new artist, cause I’ll only be here once. I hope to be happy healthy and successful, and to see as many countries in the world through my music.
Interview By: Jessica Mahn
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