Born in Tenerife in 1995, Melissa Salazar is a Franco-Spanish singer/songwriter. After graduating with a degree in Vocal Jazz from a school of contemporary music in France, Melissa recorded her first EP As Long As I Live in 2018. Soon after this, industry professional, Bob Leone, encouraged Melissa to write original songs, five of which were recorded in NYC with Robert Cutarella. We speak with Melissa about her latest single ‘How It Never Started’ and much more!
Why did you enter the music industry?
First of all, it’s my passion. I always wanted to sing because that’s what I enjoy most in life. It’s a very complex world so passion also becomes a challenge if I want to get my goal.
What can you tell us about your new single ‘Like It Never Started’?
I had the great honour that ‘Like It Never Started’ came out with Live and Dangerous Records, Distributed by Spinnup/ Universal Music, it was written as a testimony of a true story; a story that I lived. I am particularly proud of its songwriting. I remember when it was recorded in New York, the refrain did not exist yet. Bob Cutarella (my producer) and I were looking for an idea in the studio and I had a very quick intuition and in just a few seconds the song had a soul.
What was the writing and recording process like?
I went to New York to record the music after I was discovered by music legend Bob Leone (who discovered Lana Del Rey and managed Lady Gaga). This was the start to one of the most incredible experiences in my musical career so far as I worked with my producer, a two-time Grammy winner, music legend and music executive Robert Cutarella (Joss Stone, Cyndi Lauper, Eric Clapton, EMI, CBS Sony Music).
Everything was so fluid and so natural when we worked together, and I believe this is why people have really loved what we created. I had an incredible feeling that I found my sound and my musical identity and I think it is slowly showing.
I have several ways of composing my music. Either I start with the melody or with the lyrics and often I am alone to avoid anything disturbing me. Sometimes I listen to the music in a loop; it allows me to concentrate better.
What do you hope people take from the single?
The most incredible thing about music is that when we love a song, when we listen to it this moment remains fixed in time. The song becomes part of our lives and when we listen to it later we remember what we felt and experienced. I hope ‘Like it Never Started’ will be part of the lives of those who have listened to it.
What is more challenging for you – melody or lyrics?
Lyrics with any doubts. I love building a structure and making rhythms. The melody is very instinctive. The melody comes naturally. I would say that the hardest part of songwriting is finding the right subject, writing about something that really deserves to be said, something which tells a story to the ones who are going to listen to it. The infinite richness that the mixture of words and the possibilities that language offers is a treasure.
Describe your music in three words.
Intense. Deep. Real.
What do you think is the best way to discover new music?
Playlists on streaming platforms or sometimes go to a random concert without having listened to the artist before. It’s sometimes surprising and a great discovery.
What advice do you have for any person planning to become a musician?
Try to learn about the reality of the music industry. Go to a good music school to get solid training. Don’t be afraid of hard work and push yourself out of your limits.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Thank you so much for reading this interview. You can find my music on my Spotify or many other platforms. Also, follow me and let’s get connected on my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Leave a Reply