MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you Melanie, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us.
What motivated you to start creating music? What age did you begin?
Melanie Taylor: I used to ask my mom for “LaLa” before I could really even speak! It was one of my first words so I guess it’s kind of always been in my soul to do it! I started doing choir at a really young age like 6 or 7, always did theater, but then didn’t really take it on professionally until after college.
MuzicNotez: Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you create?
Melanie Taylor: I listened to a ton of Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Alanis Morissette, and No Doubt growing up so I feel like that pretty much explains my music – soulful, pop, with a little rock thrown in.
MuzicNotez: What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?
I definitely want to use my music as a platform to raise awareness to maybe the simplest thing in the world, yet maybe also the hardest for some people – and definitely the most important. And that is doing what you love. When I see someone truly passionate and inspired doing what they are doing, it inspires me. So more than anything I want to inspire people to live their dreams by living my own!
MuzicNotez: What’s the greatest concert you’ve ever been to or performed?
Melanie Taylor: I still remember when I saw Macklemore perform at the Troubador before he had really blown up – his stage presence was so captivating, and everyone in the room could feel what a huge star he was. At the time – I wasn’t really even into rap all that much – but again, he was so inspired as he was performing it was inspiring to watch.
MuzicNotez: You have won a lot of awards already, how does it feel to be rewarded for your craft?
Melanie Taylor: It is amazing to be recognized as an artist especially when there are so many hard things that go on behind the scenes that no one has any idea about! I feel extremely grateful to be doing what I love, and so it’s even better to be awarded for it!
MuzicNotez: How does your background in musical theater affect you as a performer on stage?
Melanie Taylor: Well I think my live shows are probably a lot more theatrical and dramatic than most because of all the musical theater and show choir I used to do in high school. A lot of people comment on my energy onstage, and I think so many years of being trained to do specifically that really helped get me to do what I can do now.
MuzicNotez: You have released your debut album ‘All About Today’, expand beyond the title what this album means to you?
Melanie Taylor: You never know what day may be your last – so the title “All About Today” symbolizes that concept and living every day to the fullest. For me personally it also represents me coming out w/ my debut album and this being my time after so much hard work!
MuzicNotez: You just performed in the Artists In Music awards, how did that go?
Melanie Taylor: It was incredible!!! The audience was awesome and I got to use my dancers this time so that always makes it a lot more fun. I love the stage at Jon Lovitz because I could play to all 3 levels of the audience, which is a fun dynamic as an artist. It was especially awesome because I got to accept Best Pop Artist right after we had performed, so it was just a great feeling! A lot of my friends and family were there as well and it was a very special moment to share!
MuzicNotez: Working on anything new? What can we expect from you in the future?
Melanie Taylor: I’m extremely excited to say that the music I’m working on for my upcoming EP is in a much more defined direction and I am very happy with it! I’m taking a lot of the music I listened to in childhood and a lot of the music I love now, and combing my favorite elements. It’ll still be pop, but with a little more soul and a little more rock. Definitely different from anything on the market right now 🙂
MuzicNotez: Anything else you wish to say about yourself or your music? Any message for your fans?
Melanie Taylor: Just thank you so much for your support and love! I’ve never come to respect people as much as I do when I’m being an artist! People are the reason I do everything I do so I truly hope my music and performances can touch and inspire the people listening! Come to a show! I’d love to connect w/ you!
