Beatz Magazine X Melissa Steel | Interview

L E E T S A S S I L ME

er the impact of h n o s te ra o b a ll e ... a Steel s For Breakfast se ce birth, Meliss is n K si s y m o jo n rd e a e st r why sh Destined fo her music and in h it w e g ta ri e Jamaican h

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ailing from Bradford originally, what do you love about the hustle and bustle of London?

I just love the fast life right now. I’m only 20 years old, so I am loving it. Obviously all my work is down here. I have actually been coming to London since I was 15 recording so I am used to it now. It feels like my second home.

Even though this is your debut single you are by no means a new artist. You have been performing since you were 11 years old…

I recorded my first ever song when I was 11 and thats when I started performing at different venues. At around 15 I began doing Youtube videos, and that is where I started getting recognition in London. From that I started building relationships with different people and getting into recording studios in the city, but it took a very very long time.

You have got a half Jamaican heritage, how did you come up with the concept of tying in your routes with a modern fusion sound?

That just naturally happened. When I heard the song Kisses as a demo at first, I thought it was just perfect for me. I go to Jamaica every year, my family is from there and I’ve grown up around that music anyway. So it happened naturally.

So, you had a song that inspired you, and you wanted to make a video that inspired you, so you

took them to Kingston Jamaica, and you scouted for locations for your own video? Thats not normal is it?

I’m just that kind of person. I believe that if you are an artist you should have a part in things like that. I believe thats part of what being an artist is. I think you should have a role in everything. So with the video director, I went on the location scout and I casted the girls - in fact I casted everyone for the video. I had a part in the treatment too.

I believe that important that you have creative control throughout your career. I am a hands on person and I like to have a say in what’s happening.

You were making Youtube videos of Keisha Cole covers from the age of 14, the word discoverability comes into play, so what does it mean to be discovered?

I dont know if i was discovered purely from Youtube. It was a platform for me, but I was coming to London and working with people and building links as well. It helped though.

Your roots have given you an ear that is accustomed to dancehall music. When you ended up working with Popcaan, what was the vibe between you?

I really get along with Popcaan. He was already on the demo but we wanted to meet before we did the video shoot so it wasn’t awkward.

I met him when I was in Jamaica, and we went on a night out. It was really fun. He showed me all the best hot spots to go to, because it was my first time in Kingston, usually when i go to Jamaica I stay on the other side of the island.

It’s a completely different vibe to the UK. Everyones so chilled out and they know straight away I am from England. When I am walking down the street, people are asking why I’m in such a rush!

How would you want to give back to your culture and evolve at the same time?

I think that it will happen as I get older, naturally. I think the sound is going to change. I love dancehall at the moment. That’s what I love to make now but as time goes on as I grow as a person it’s going to naturally take its course.

How would you describe your songwriting style in a genre?

R&B pop with Reggae twist?

Vocally my voice is R&B; but musically I don’t really get constrained by genres. Whatever I make, I always want to have the island vibe to it; even if its just a hint. Songwriting is my way to vent, but the physical release of singing is also amazing. They are both good for different reasons.

When I’m writing a song, I just sing the first melody that comes to my head, and we record it. Usually we end up using the first thing that comes out because what’s natural is best.

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thats part of what being an artist is. I think you should have a role in everything.

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Download “Kisses For Breakfast” Ft. Popcorn by clicking here.