Today we’d like to introduce you to Melisena.
Hi Melisena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Really, I’ve always had a love for music. My parents growing up, would put me onto artists such as Celine Dion, Brandy, Toni Braxton, and even more of a wide variety. Them being singer/songwriters themselves influenced me greatly. For example, my late mother sang and songwrote, while my dad did that on top of playing guitar. This is what I believe cultivated my love for singing/songwriting and playing guitar myself. My cousin, a producer himself, likes to say that music runs in the family, my grandpa having died with a guitar in his hand.
In college, I started to take music more seriously my senior year of college. Though I’d written and produced many beats and lyrics beforehand, I found myself writing two songs that I felt confident enough to release and show my friends. After recording the song, I had people encourage me to take music more seriously, even if it were to just be songwriting. That day, I was referred to a music competition club at my school, NCEG (National Collegiate Entertainers Group). This is where I finally learned to perform and market myself as an artist. Before that, I hadn’t even known how to put a song up for streaming, so I grew a lot in that club.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road at all, as is the case for most, especially in my age range. I was really shy and quiet growing up, this led to me getting bullied a bit. Most significantly though, my mother passed away from cancer my senior year of high school. This had and still affects my mental health greatly to this day. Many of the beats I produced actually are inspired by her passing. Not having access to or being aware of therapy during this was tough. At times when I felt the emotions too much to bear, I’d make a melody in a Garage Band to cope with it all. After that, I’d write some lyrics on top of it. At first, I would only write when I was having a negative feeling, whether heartbreak, betrayal or loss. However, I learned to write music to express myself in many ways, more than my inner turmoil. Now, I write songs about the human experience, love, and light. Not to say I don’t have my days where I write a sad song, though.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a self-taught singer/songwriter for the most part. However, I also am an instrumentalist, composer, and producer. I specialize in songwriting and guitar, though I plan to go to school further for music. I’m definitely known for by my friends and fellow artists by my lyrics and cadence, on top of my melodies. Naturally, I have a soft, smooth voice that I would say is mostly influenced by Brandy. I wish I could brag, but I really got my singing skills from my mom.
I am a deep thinker, and this definitely flows into my art. I like to make music that makes people cry. I like to make music that has people dancing. I like to make music that has people reminiscing. I am a storyteller, and my music is my poetry.
I’m most proud of my songwriting as well as building the confidence to share my love for music with the world. I went from singing in the shower and bedrooms to performing in front of friends and family. Now, I perform at shows. What sets me apart from others is probably my voice and lyrics. I read so many books when I was a shy recluse. I remember reading at the lunch tables when I had no friends. This definitely helps me when writing verses. In addition, I don’t make music solely to sell, I make music as an expression of myself.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Ha, not really. I would say the universe has put me in places and had me meeting the right people. Even with the first producer I worked with him referring me to a music club at my school and telling me to take singing/songwriting has me so much farther than I ever would have expected myself in music. I never would have thought I would be performing and having people complimenting my work. It’s humbling, and I am forever grateful, honestly. Before music, I felt kind of lost. Now, I’ve found myself and my passion. A reason to push on each day. When I’m doing music, I feel most at home.
Take a listen to a song I created with a talented artist Diego Magenta. It’s called Soul Serenade. Link below.
Contact Info:
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- Website: https://bio.site/melisena
Image Credits
Photographer Credits: Curtis Bryant
