
How do you describe your music to people, Melina?
I have recently settled on a couple of phrases that seem to give people a clear picture. I sing Sophisticated Euro Dance Pop that sounds like a fusion of Shakira dance rhythms and an Enya world music sensibility!
Tell me about how you originally got into your craft.
Ever since I can remember I have been singing. I sang with my mom in church. I didn't even know that I was different than anyone else until the third grade when our choir teacher made everyone sing Happy Birthday... A couple of years later, that same teacher swore she would kill me if I ever stopped singing!
What is your favorite thing to do in the whole wide world?
Honestly... laying in my husband's arms at night.... that is when I exhale!
The beach is also a favorite!
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to running your business?
TIME!! My biggest challenge is finding time to be the artist, to be the singer , the performer, the business person, emails, gigs etc... The truth is so much slips through the cracks, but I try to continue to work the system and ask for help.
When you were a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
I always knew I would perform. I always knew... Thank God I didn't settle on Opera. It's fun to be able to work in all genres
In what way has your community impacted your development as a musician?
Growing up listening to Arabic language, and Coptic hymns in church have impacted the way I sing. When writing or adlibbing my songs, those arabic tonalities that I grew up with resurface. Because my family unit spoke arabic and English in one sentence, I tend to mix it in some of my songs also.
What other artists out there do you love?
I love Cold Play
What does your future hold?
Hmmmm.... I used to only wish for one thing.. like being a super famous singer... now, I believe that my path will constantly evolve but there is one thing I know for sure: I will exhaust my God given talent and use it to help people. I don't know if that will pay my bills, and I am not sure that i will ever be recognized for that... but it is ever so clear that THAT is my future.