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With an entrancing mix of modern and classic soul with a dash of EDM ambience, Brooklyn based songstress Melany Watson is a breath of fresh air. She recently released her debut EP ‘Lilith in Virgo,’ it’s a defining release for the young artist who is finally coming into her own, transcending the boundaries of her influences.
GroundSounds recently caught up with Melany to talk about her latest release, musical inspirations and more, check out the exclusive interview below.
For those just discovering Melany Watson, can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started making music?
Let’s just say my introduction to music was all over the place. My mother singing me to sleep was how I went to bed every night, and I couldn’t fall asleep without being sung to. Shortly before my parents divorced, the movie “The Bodyguard” was released along with Whitney Houston’s smash hit, “I Will Always Love You.” I was in the 4th grade and was immediately drawn to her voice. I took comfort in music, and I wanted to know more. I started my very own living room concert series for my family, which led to singing in front of my Girl Scout troop and eventually to competing in every talent contest in South West Texas. My mother used to take me to the neighborhood bar JUST so I could sing karaoke in front of a crowd. I was 11 years old in a bar full of drunks singing only Whitney Houston. Karaoke bars and drunks are probably not the most appropriate things for a kid to be exposed to at that age, but man, did I feel like a star. When I was 12 years old, I made it all the way to the Teen Finals for “StarMania” (a knockoff “Star Search”) in Las Vegas. I didn’t win anything that trip, but my direction was definitely defined. Music was my calling, and I wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way of my dreams.
What do you enjoy most about NYC?
The energy. It seems as if the city runs on the dreams of dreamers. You really feel in the hustle and bustle. You smell it in the roasted almonds on side of the street in SOHO. You hear it in the late night trains passing over your apartment. You see it in the sunset lying like a blanket over the city skyline. One of my favorite music venues is Rockwood Music Hall. You could go there on any random night and know that you’re hearing the next best thing. I love the frightening uncertainty about the city, because it keeps you on your A game. It pushes you to be better, and that’s what I enjoy the most about NYC. It’s home.
Can you tell us about working on and bringing your debut EP ‘Lilith in Virgo’ to fruition?
This EP wasn’t planned out like most projects I’ve done in the past. I had just been eliminated from “The Voice” and felt as if I was thrown for a musical loop. It lit a fire in me, and I just started writing nonstop. I went back and forth from LA, Nashville, and New York trying to get in as many writing sessions as possible. In the course of 6 months, I had written about 3 EPs worth of music and there was she was, “Lilith in Virgo.” The writers on the project are Dani Elliot, Ross Bridgeman, John Flanagan and Chase Foster. Ross started out building the tracks and demos, but I loved working with him so much that I ended having him produce the entire project. It all just fell into place.
What made you decide on the EP name ‘Lilith In Virgo’?
I definitely wanted to call it something that would make people think, “What the heck does that mean?” Therefore, leading them to Google the answer for themselves. The title comes from an astrological transit that happened during the creation of this project. Lilith is a goddess that teaches us to “feel the fear, do it anyway.” When she is in Virgo, it leads a person to various high places in their career, calling and life. I am a Virgo, and this EP represents me being bold and making the music I’ve always wanted to make but never thought I could. I always played it safe and stayed inside the box. “Lilith In Virgo” is me breaking out of my shell musically.
What is it about the mix of modern and classic soul with a dash of EDM dubbed as “soul tronica” that attracts you to this sound?
It’s interesting, because I’m attracted to all types of music. I listen to everything and can write all genres ranging from pop to old country music. When making this project, I never wanted it to be exactly like the pop music you would hear on the radio. I wanted the music and lyrics to be more complex like all of my favorite classic soul arrangements. However, when listening to the music off this EP, it’s the furthest thing from that sound. The music doesn’t have any live instruments other than guitar, synth, horns and vocals. Everything is programmed which takes a little of the “soul” out of the tracks. I wanted to create something different for myself as an artist as well as something that shows all of my childhood influences.
Can you tell us about the writing and creative process involved with your track “Illuminate?”
I wrote the lyrics and melody with my friend Dani Elliot. Dani and I met in New York and had previously played a few shows together. “Illuminate” was the first song we wrote together, and it was magic. I love writing with people that can finish my thoughts. I had just broken up with my long time on-again/off-again boyfriend, and I was devastated. I questioned everything and wanted answers. I played “Flash” for Dani and told her I wrote that song with him and didn’t understand why our relationship kept ending when it felt so right. It seemed like our lives revolved around each other, but at the same time something always felt off. Our relationship started and ended the same way every time. This song is about searching for what it means to actually be someone’s soul mate. We later pulled Ross Bridgeman on the song to build the ethereal track and add chords to the melody and lyrics.
What musicians/bands are you currently listening to?
I really love Lianne La Havas and Emily King. They are so cool, and I think they have a great sound and vibe to their music. I could listen to them on repeat and never get tired of their music. I’m also a huge fan of Snarky Puppy, Chris Stapleton, Troye Sivan, Birdy and the beautiful Tori Kelly. Music in 2016 is not disappointing!
What was the inspiration behind your track “Lottery?”
I was in the studio with John Flanagan and Ross Bridgeman, and we were stumped on a writing idea. We all had major writer’s block, and then out of nowhere a guy I had been crushing on called me. His call made me light up, and John said, “Girl, you look like you just won the lottery!” We wrote the song in one hour. The song is also a HUGE tribute to my favorite artist, Whitney Houston. We wanted to throw it wayyyyy back with the production. It’s my favorite song on the EP.
What’s next for Melany Watson? What can fans look forward to?
Fans can look forward to a tour! I am currently working on booking a fall tour for the west coast. They can also look forward to more music. I will be releasing a bonus track off of “Lilith In Virgo.” I’m excited to hit the ground running on music!
Stay in touch with Melany Watson: FACEBOOK | WEBSITE
