Hiya folks thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
Well, I grew up in a family where mom, dad, and older brother were all playing instruments, singing, and writing music. I decided to pursue it as a career because nothing else gives me this deep sense of peace and connection to all things.
Introduce us to your musical history?
I grew up in a family of musicians, and I started singing and writing my own lyrics and melodies at 14 years old. I eventually learned a bit of piano, and began releasing my music in 2004 as “Melissa Trinchere”.
Name me your 3 favorite Albums?
That’s an impossible question to answer! Haha! “The Idler Wheel..” by Fiona Apple. “Boys for Pele” by Tori Amos. And “Violator” by Depeche Mode.
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
“Caught a Lite Sneeze” by Tori Amos.
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, How do you feel you are doing?
I can’t really think about that anymore. When I used to think a lot about how I was doing, I had to take long breaks, and I contemplated giving up entirely. Now I view it as – this is the way that I express myself. I am progressing if I keep writing and recording music. And when I do that, and I love what I’m doing, I like to share it with as many people as I can.
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
It’s a terrible thing. We should all be looking out for each other. And anyone who is preying on vulnerable women at gigs NEEDS TO STOP.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
I wish I knew the answer to that. I know that I hear new music from interesting sources. Like, subliminals on YouTube. I listen to subliminals to manifest an amazing life, and I’d love to have my song in one of these videos!
Tell us Two Truths and a Lie about you.
I was born left-handed, and forced to switch to my right hand.
I have astigmatism in my left eye.
I hate the rain.
(The last one, big lie!)
What’s your thought on Spotify’s monopoly on the music industry?
It’s very disheartening. I feel that the only way we as artists can change this, is to take a massive stance against them. There are alternatives popping up, and they look way more fair and reasonable. If we ALL left the platform and had principles and integrity, then things could be different. Trouble is, there are many artists that still benefit – so we will all continue to do nothing.
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
No. Not really. But, the thought of an Illuminati is pretty funny (and not super crazy).
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
Not in the pandemic – but every other year, yes! Hahahha!
What was the worst experience on stage?
When I decided to be brave and sing a cover song as an A capella…then I had a brain fart and completely spaced on the lyrics. I stared blankly into the audience, and had to stop the song and move on to the next! Mortifying!
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
People seem to be surprised when I say that I am an awkward dork. I’m surprised to know that so many see me as a “cool chick”, when that is the furthest from the truth!
What makes you stand out as an artist?
In my opinion, any artist who writes confessional-style songs stand out to me. When someone pours their heart out, raw, for everyone to see and judge – it makes them stand out. So much of music is for show or entertainment. The artists that use it as a way to connect with others who feel the same, are more interesting and relevent to me.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
I have a new single out on March 31stst, called “Torch”. I say it’s new, but it’s actually a song written almost 20 years ago. I also have an 8 song album called, “Lovesick” out on May 12th. I’m very proud of this project and I’m so excited to finally put it out there!
Talk me through the thought process of the new tunes.
It’s really a collection of my favorite songs that I’ve written over the years. They all have a theme of desire and heartache. I have these strong connections with other humans, they “fail”, and during the process of swimming in those emotions, I’m usually very motivated and inspired to write music. It usually starts with the lyrics. I need to get my feelings out into words and then the music is secondary – but not always.
What was the recording process like?
It was mostly a pleasure! I did a lot of remote recording with my producer, Claudia Mills, who is a total jet-setting bad-ass! I would record the vocal tracks at my other producer, Guiseppe D’s home studio, and send Claudia the tracks to mix. And I worked with another mixer and mastering engineer remotely! All the session musicians I hired were also all done through a site called, SoundBetter.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Having patience is always my biggest lesson to learn. Having deadlines associated with the music business caused some panic and had me rushing through some things that I would have taken time to perfect if I had more money, and more time.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
That is such a difficult question to answer! The technical side of me says, yeah. I would go back and re-do things. I would tweak things. But, really, it gets to a point where you have to just be done. Let it go. Let it live the life on its own as this awesome and magickal piece of artwork. And move onto the next with the lessons learned from this time.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Always try to come from a place of love, rather than a place of fear.
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