Melia is a musician that I have been a fan of for years! She is, without doubt, one of the most talented and hard-working musicians that I have followed since my early “tweenage” years. Today, I am very delighted to post this interview that I’ve had with Melia, as we spoke about her musical journey and her views on many matters.
Hello Melia! It’s wonderful to chat with you. How are you doing?
I am doing good! It’s wonderful to chat with you also! 😊
Thank you! I think anyone who follows you on social media would associate you with the guitar. There’s rarely a picture of you that doesn’t include one. How did this unique relationship between you and the guitar begin?
I have always grown up around music. My grandfather was a professional musician and my grandmother sang. I always wrote lyrics and messed around on my grandfathers piano even though I was just making noise. Once I hit a middle school that bond with music really hit a whole new level. I started getting more into rock music. Especially Green Day and My Chemical Romance. I was bullied pretty bad. It really pushed me to a breaking point when I was being told to go kill myself by multiple people. It was just something I’d never been prepared for as a 12-13-year-old. I knew people could be mean but it hit a whole new level. I always felt like an outcast. Rock music was my outlet. It really helped me through that dark time. I just wanted to play guitar, sing & write music so badly after that.
That’s a brilliant story. We’ve seen you cover some Rock icons like Jimi Hendrix, and also you’ve released original material. How would you describe your sound to a reader who hasn’t got the chance to listen to your music yet?
I would describe it as very guitar-heavy. There is a lot of guitar work & guitar solos but melodic vocals & deep, metaphorical lyrics. I really hear a mixture of all my influences which are vast but I’d say 90’s rock meets heavy shredding solos.
In order to get to know you better, and to have some fun, how about we play a game? I will set up some alternative universes and give you a scenario and a question about it. Are you ready?
Sounds good to me!
In a universe where you find yourself the queen of a kingdom, what would be the first legislation you’d make?
Music artists make more money off their music since they’re the ones writing, creating, touring etc.
In a universe where humans are born with superpowers related to their personalities, what would your superpower be?
My superpower would be to pause time so that I can get as much done as possible. I am very busy & creative. I want to do so many things so I would really utilize that superpower.
Tom Venner
I’m going to ask this, but I think I already know the answer. In a universe where you’re the statue of liberty, what object would you be holding instead of a torch?
Guitar!
As expected 😂 In a universe where people pay for things they buy by making people laugh, not money, how rich would you be considered?
I suppose I’d be wealthy. There is definitely never a dull moment especially with those closest to me.
In a universe where the sense of taste and sense of hearing got somehow mixed up in the human body, what food would Melia’s music taste like?
Sometimes my music starts soft & sneaks up on you with heavy rock guitar. I would say hot wings because it leaves some kind of an afterburn.
Thank you for playing, Melia!
Do you remember the first time you performed in front of a live audience? How did it feel?
I do. It was at my high school. It felt exhilarating to prove everyone wrong. Nobody thought I’d be able to shred the guitar and I did.
Are you planning for any releases in 2022 that you can tell us about?
Yes. I am going to be heading back into the studio to record my next EP.
That’s great news. Have you ever been treated in a sexist manner? How would you have sexism and what advice would you give to young people who deal with any kind of discrimination?
Oh absolutely. From the second I said I wanted to play lead guitar I was told by a male friend of mine among many other guys that I couldn’t because I was a girl. I think it’s something that has continued in my career in many ways in many forms. Needless to say, I’d be here a while with stories lol. My advice to younger artists facing discrimination is to use that as your superpower. Turn the negative into positive & prove every single person wrong.
C7 Photography
Thank you for the interview, Melia. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I just want to say thank you so very much! I really loved your questions & I am so grateful for the support.
Great interview! It’s good to get a little history on Melia!