MELANIE FIONA  (January 2011) | Interviewer Todd Davis

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Interview was done in January 2011

Questions Asked By: Todd Davis

Dubcnn: First things first, congratulations on taking home the trophy in the Best New Artist category at last month's Soul Train Awards' ceremony! You definitely deserved the win! With that said, do you remember the first thing that entered your mind when you heard your name being announced?

Thank You. I was completely shocked...I really didn't anticipate winning 'cause there were so many great artists in the category with me. I was like, "Really?? Me??" I never anticipate a win when I'm nominated for anything...Too much pressure takes the fun out of being nominated.


Dubcnn: Yeah, I bet. Also, I noticed in your acceptance speech that you thanked Roc Nation -- What's your affiliation with Jay-Z and his imprint?

I'm currently co-managed by Roc Nation. Aside from business, Jay is one of my favorite artists. I admire the empire he has created for himself. It's pretty cool to be affiliated with that.


Dubcnn: I agree. Now, it is my understanding that you are currently working on the follow-up to your successful solo debut, The Bridge -- Thus far, what can you reveal or divulge about your forthcoming second LP? I'm hearing that John Legend may already be involved in the creation process...

I'm still in the process of creating and defining it, but I can tell you its called The MF Life. Its definitely a growth from The Bridge, and I want people to feel that. It's bigger music, it's better stories. John and I did a song for his latest project called "Wake Up." During that time, we got in studio and wrote some songs, not for any particular project...Just to get in and create together. I'm still finalizing the records, but I'm definitely looking to have some collaborations this time.


Dubcnn: What actually prompted you to title the record The MF Life?

It's a different life for me now, and nothing of what I was expecting. That's the fun part. My life happens in balance. For every high, there is a low. And it's the thing that keeps me grounded. Sometimes in moments of frustration, all I can say is, "Life can be a MF'er!!!" That paired with my name being Melanie Fiona...It was the best way to put it.


Dubcnn: That's classic! So, how would you say The MF Life measures up to that of your first album? How does it either differ and/or compare to The Bridge?

The Bridge is definitely an album I wanted people to connect to on a global level. I mixed a lot of different genres so people would accept me for a universal artist and not for one type of sound or demographic. Now that I've established a fan base all over the world, it's important for me to take them on this new journey with me. One that's more personal and tailored to me. I'm hoping that it will continue to reach new audiences.


Dubcnn: Are there any other planned collaborations, from either an artist and/or production stand-point?

I'm definitely still working with Andrea Martin, (a) writer and producer on The Bridge, and would like to collab with some of my favorite artists right now, B.o.B or Bruno Mars.


Dubcnn: That'd be so dope! Well, do you have any particular favorite song(s)? If so, why that/those one(s) specifically?

I'm really in love with my first single "Gone & Never Coming Back." I'm always about making music that people can relate to and emotionally connect with. This song is about the hurt of what it is to lose someone, or something. I've been performing it lately and have seen how people are moved by it. Its super emotionally and musically charged. I can't wait for the world to hear it.


Dubcnn: Let's go back to your early beginnings...When did you first fall in love with music?

According to my parents, from birth. I couldn't fall asleep in my crib without the radio. By age 3, I was singing and able to say with conviction, "When I grow up I wanna be a singer."


Dubcnn: I'm guessing here, but when you started taking your craft more seriously was when you became part of a short lived girl group, X-Quisite -- So, how then did the whole transition to soloist come about?

Truth is, I had never envisioned myself as a group artist, but the opportunity presented itself and was a great way for me to get my feet wet and learn some much needed lessons of the music industry. The transition was very simple. One day there was a group and the next day there wasn't. When one of the members wanted out, I refused to go on. I didn't want to be in some manufactured group with interchangeable members. There's no integrity in that. So I left. And shortly after, I met my executive producer from Titlenine. I jumped right into my solo career.


Dubcnn: You also went on to write for other artists -- Can you give me a quick down of your songwriting discography?

I've written on songs for Rihanna, Kardinal Offishall, Stephen Marley, (and) Stress, (a) Swiss artist.


Dubcnn: And, now that you have a successful recording career of your own, will/are you (gonna) continue to write for other acts?

Absolutely! Writing is a lifelong career...Even beyond being a singer.


Dubcnn: A lot of people may not know this, but you recorded a track, "Somebody Come Get Me," using a pseudonym, Syren Hall, for the Reggae Gold 2008 compilation -- Is there an all-out Reggae project in your future?

Reggae is in my blood because of my Caribbean culture. It's something I definitely want to do in my career at some point. Once people are familiar with my first projects, maybe I'll switch it up and go back to roots.


Dubcnn: To date, what has been the ultimate key to your success?

The support and upbringing from my parents and family. Inclusive of my management team, I have genuine people who truly have my best interest at heart. They support me staying true to who I am, and bringing that vision to life in a unique way.


Dubcnn: Do you have any additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from the entertainment industry?

Not many people look at it this way, but having a family is one of them. I think because I'm so close with my family, I can't wait to create those memories with my own. I'm building something for myself right now, but one day I hope my kids are inspired by the legacy I've created. I hope it sparks a new generation of dreamers.


Dubcnn: On a more serious note, is it fair to say that you're happy with the current state of R&B/Soul music?

Truthfully, no. I think there are so many amazing R&B/Soul artists out there, but the forums for people to receive them is dying. There's so much pressure to make dance/pop music that a lot of artists succumb to that just to fit in. The beauty about music is that it comes in so many vessels. I hope people continue to make "Real" music, so the genre can continue to be the one that feeds the soul.


Dubcnn: Looking ahead, what's next for you, Miss Melanie Fiona? Is there a release date yet for The MF Life? Any tour plans being worked out?

Next, I'm gonna be touring...Mini touring to promote The Bridge and warm people up to The MF Life. The new album will be released (in the) Spring. The new single (is) "Gone & Never Coming Back."


Dubcnn: Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention? Any message for our readers?

Just wanted to say thank you for the interview. I always appreciate publications and media outlets who are interested in sharing my music and story with their audiences. It's a blessing. And to my fans, you are the reason I'm here. I thank you for all the support and love. I will continue (to) do my best to make music for US! Live your MF life!!

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