Meet Mel | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mel, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Art has allowed me to ground myself in so many ways as a human. It felt like a calling to me. While recording my first song I was told that I should consider songwriting as a career, and that’s when I started to take the songs I would write alone in my room seriously.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For music what excites me the most is that it has no bounds. If you treat your craft like an art there really are no limits. Creating is an experience that at times I can’t put a word to. With my music I aim to push positivity in a world where positivity at times doesn’t feel rewarding to show, but I push for positivity no matter what.

My mother sang and penned songs. This is where I believe my passion for singing, songwriting, and playing guitar began. I remember as a child driving for hours to pick up my mom from the studio in New York and editing her music videos for her at home. At times she would also bring me to the studio she went to in Atlanta. My cousin, a producer, likes to suggest that music runs in the family. I believe he’s right. My dad, brother, grandpa, and I all play guitar.

I began by making music about my feelings, generally alone in my room or in the restroom. Then, after recording my first song in a studio for the first time, the studio engineer encouraged me to pursue music or songwriting professionally. He claimed that it’s possible to build a career out of songwriting. Then he referred me to my college’s NCEG (National Collegiate Entertainers Group) music competition club. This is where I finally learnt how to perform and market myself as an artist.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Atlanta has such an authentic culture. My favorite spots in Atlanta when I was going to college in midtown had to have been Rock Steady, The Boogalou, the High Museum of Art, Peters Street, and the Atlanta Contemporary. Rock Steady is a restaurant/club. One restaurant Big Boss has tasty food. I filmed there for my upcoming music video “Mr. Elevator ft. Diego Magenta”. Definitely check that restauarant out if you like Asian Food. For scenery in midtown, I recommend Westside Park. The grass is so green.

Now that I’m less of a partygirl I’ve been more around Decatur. I recommend a trip to Little Five Points whenever in the area. The Plaza Theatre, Criminal Records, and so much more are there. I think of Decatur as the alternative creative’s dreamland. The arts scene is such an experience. Decatur fashion is also a sight to see. Decatur is currently my favorite city in Atlanta.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I give a shoutout to any artists who have encouraged me to show my music to the world. The creative scene is an ever-evolving and blossoming community. I’d shoutout mostly to one of my producers Diego Carabello, my photographer Lidya Dereje, and my graphic designer Kavya Jade. They are the music team that pushes me to continue my craft, and I am inspired by them. I also shoutout my friends for supporting me, and my mom whose spirit is always with me. Shoutout also to the Most High, God, for keeping me healthy and safe on the earth to share light in this life.

Website: https://bio.site/melisena

Image Credits
Photographer: Angel Tirado