Nu-Soul/ blues-pop sound is well and truly alive and kicking in the English Midlands, inspired by great singers such as Diana Ross and the Supremes and Dusty Springfield, with the gutsy vibes of gospel, rock and jazz added into the mix. With the name and sound to go far, my singer/songwriter guest, Melody Carr, epitomises that new sound Midlands scene. I caught up with bubbly Melody to talk about her passion for singing and shoes….
Hi! I’m Melody Carr, a 25 year old singer/songwriter.
Congratulations on getting your debut single out there & what a smashing single it is too! When did you realise you had a passion for singing? What made you take the plunge to choose singing as a career?
Thank you! Since I can remember I have always loved singing. I was lucky enough to be brought up in a musical family. So whether it watching my uncle perform in his rock band, singing along with my nan on the piano at home or sat in the studio while my Mum was recording, singing was something I just felt like I was meant to do. Even before I realised I wanted to give singing my all, my family would constantly encourage me to sing – then it just got to a point that I decided I was ready!
“Turn Back The Hurt”, written & produced by Youngheart, is a Nu-Soul sound with, I feel a touch of the soulful blues in it too. You are also a songwriter in your own right. Who are your musical influences?
As cheesy as it may seem, my mother is my main influence. I had a lot of musical interests growing up but seeing the process of what it takes to write a song, record a track, add harmonies etc… I learnt that all from her. I am also inspired by artists who try create something new within the music industry, breaking the mould.
What do you love most about being a singer?
Simply the fact that I’m able to do something I absolutely love.
Is there any song that you really enjoy belting out, either on stage or in the privacy of your car?
One of my favourite ‘go to’ songs to sing is Amy Winehouse – “You Sent Me Flying” – the passion and emotion she sang with is inspiring!
What music genre do you enjoy listening to?
I have an ecelctic mix of music interest so I couldn’t actually specify one specific genre. I obviously love a bit of old school Motown but I find inspiration from all genres of music – so everything really!
If you had the chance to sing a duet with anybody in the world, dead or alive, who would be your partner and what song would you sing?
Very hard question! A random selection but as I like to mix things up I would actually like to sing one of my favourite songs ‘Master Blaster’ by Stevie Wonder with another one if my favourite artists, Ed Sheeran.
Hypothetically speaking, if you had to perform a song that was not Nu-Soul or Gospel … what song or genre would you pick?
I would choose Jazz. I love the real emotions portrayed when listening to live/ open mic Jazz music especially.
How do you try to keep your voice limbered up and ready for performing? How do you avoid the dreaded sore throat/croaky voice etc?
Hot water, all day everyday. From previous experiences when having to perform a lot, hot water got me through it! I also hum first then have a couple of warm up songs.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing on and off stage?
I’ve never really been one to stick to fashion rules. I pretty much wear whatever I think looks good or what I like the look of. My wardrobe is full of bright colours and patterns (mainly floral); on stage, I tend to stick to bold/ block colours with lots of jewellery!
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?
I’ve recently come across Justfab.com – so many shoes in one place.. I love! Boohoo.com is also a go to. High Street shops: I like River Island, TopShop and also Forever21… can always bag a bargain there.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
A pair of floral Doc Martens!
Boots or Shoes?
Well I love both but if I had to choose I would say Shoes… (heeled of course). They go with more outfits and well, they take up less room in my wardrobe so I can fit more in!
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can follow you and your career.
www.facebook.com/melodycarrmusic
www.twitter.com/melodycarrmusic
Instagram @melodycarr
I love your shoe wardrobe logic Melody! Thank you for telling us about your passions and I look forward to following what will be, I’m sure, your glittering music career! So, dear readers, with Melody belting out Amy Winehouse in her car; me belting out cheesy tunes of the 80s – what songs do you belt out whilst driving? Don’t be shy, do tell!
Linda x
All photos and video have been published with kind permission from Melody Carr.