What’s your artist name, and how long have you been singing? 

Melanie Taylor, and literally since before I could speak! My mom said I would sing along, well in baby gibberish, to music all the time when I was little. I did my first musical when I was 8 and the rest is history.

What’s the origin of that name, is it your real name? 

Melanie is my given name, but Taylor Is actually my grandmother’s maiden name. I always knew I would change my last name since it was kind hard to pronounce and I never saw it being a “stage name.” One day I just felt inspired to start playing around with last names and also started looking into the numerology of names. My dad was actually the one who suggested it since Taylor came from his mom, and she was always the closest relative to me before she passed away. I loved the way “Melanie Taylor” sounded, plus it consequently had the exact numerology I had wanted – so I took it as a sign and have never thought twice about it!

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I mainly write the melodies and top-lines but I like to co-write with the producer I'm working with as well. I prefer collaboration because there's something so special about working off another person's energy and perspective that I wouldn't be able to get by working alone. The main themes of this upcoming album are really just about the things that were/are happening in my life - so they will definitely be sure to change! I didn't really realize it as I was writing, but the album kind of became my journey of saying goodbye to one love, loving myself, and then welcoming a new love. As a songwriter, when I write things for other people it doesn't have to be personal so I try and make my songs relatable to things I've been through.

What acts are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

I always loved Alanis Morissette for her strong powerhouse energy, and so I pulled from a lot of that influence in this album. Michael Jackson will always probably have a part in the music I'm making as well. As for current pop acts, I've been really inspired by Tove Lo, The Weeknd and for her performances, I just discovered this artist who I love named Gavin Turek.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start making music? 

Michael Jackson all day. I was an only child with a single working mother so sometimes I'd come home earlier than she got back from work and would just put on the Michael Jackson music videos on repeat. I was so enthralled with everything about him.  I would literally just mimic his moves and pretend I was on stage singing with him! From then on I knew that's what I wanted to do.       

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

I definitely do my vocal and dancing warm ups, and I try and make sure I've been drinking enough water all day so my vocal chords are hydrated! It also really helps me to run earlier so my lungs are more open.  And then I just say a prayer, do a little huddle with my band and go out there and leave it on the stage.

What has been the biggest highlight of your artistic career so far?

I think my latest single Inta My Heart in its entirety of both the song itself and the video has probably been the biggest win for me so far as an artist. I had wanted to create songs that just felt good more than anything and I feel like Inta My Heart really achieves that. The video was also a reflection of my maturity as a woman and artist, being able to express feeling comfortable in my skin.  It’s also obviously great when a label can come on board and believes in what I’m doing enough to distribute it. Overall I got to work with so many talented and amazing people just from this one song, which is why I love music!    

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

I have a lot of different bands and artists that I really respect right now so that’s a hard question! For past acts, other than my now known obsession for Michael, I was also obsessed with Amy Winehouse and think she would have been amazing to tour with because she never sang anything quite the same. Presently, I would love to tour with female acts like Jessie J, Demi Lovato, Tove Lo, or Katy Perry. They’re all such strong and inspirational women and also happen to be amazingly talented.  I also just think my music would be a good fit with them and I know I could learn a lot from their awesome shows! 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Look out for a new single and music video I’ll be releasing soon before the album drops this summer!

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