Melissa Fielding

PODCAST- Join us for an interview with singer/songwriter Melissa Fielding. - Ryan Cole

Great new interview with Indie pop singer songwriter Melissa Fielding about her new single, “Hide & Seek Me”

Why did you select this song as your current single?

I picked ”Hide & Seek Me” as my current single because it was the first song I wrote that I really knew I wanted to record—I had written songs before this one, but they never felt as right. It’s also very lively and catchy, but in a way that’s different from other pop music– or at least I like to think so! I want to draw people into my music, and this song encompasses what I’m about the best.

How does this single relate to the rest of the Album, EP or Mix-tape?

Well, for one it’s the title track of my debut album, which came out in February of this year. When I wrote this song, it set off a chain reaction in my writing that started in a whimsical place and then moved pretty much all across the gambit of emotions throughout the rest of the album.

What was the writing process for the song?

This song actually started out as an assignment in one of my classes in college—and I remember being completely tapped out of ideas as per what to write. So I procrastinated for a while, which wasn’t great, except that it actually worked in my favor. I went to a party with my friends instead of working on this song, and at the party different images stood out to me. I actually mostly observed everyone else at that party, jotting down ideas into my phone, sort of like a corner creep, at least for an hour or two. The next day I went over everything I wrote, combed through it to weed out the good from the bad (from the horribly unintelligible 3AM notes) and began writing the song at my piano.

What does this song’s lyric mean to you?

When I wrote this, I was thinking of fleeting love/connections with others; how even if they’re temporary, they’re still meaningful, still playful, still enjoyable. They’re important, no matter with whom you have a connection or for how long—and the song focuses on the playful nature of that important yet fleeting love. That’s not to say that all love is fleeting, of course, but when you’re at a party, it’s maybe a little less long-lasting. Maybe.

What would it be like to see you in person performing this song?

This song holds a special place in my heart because I remember the moment I wrote it to the very first time I performed it for a class where someone liked it so much he decided to take a chance on me as a songwriter and musician. When I play live, I like to strip the song down—just a guitar and vocals—to really let it speak for itself and just sing my face off. The full band version is just plain fun though, with all the added instruments (particularly those strings)!

Could your fans summarize who you are as an artist by this song?

I definitely feel like this song shows a big part of who I am as an artist. The album as a whole shows me completely—every thought, every emotion. This song, “Hide & Seek Me,” is the perfect introduction to who I am. It’s definitely true to my writing, my style, and my interests.

Is there a video planned and or completed and if so, what was the idea behind the video?

As of yet, there is no video completed for this song but I am hoping to do this by the end of the year, if not sooner. There are several ideas floating around my head—but then, like in the song, my head gets a little crowded with thoughts and possibilities. I’m stoked to really plan it out soon; it will be my first music video, which is always an exciting thing for an artist.

One last question, what is your motivation behind your music?

The love, which sounds like a stolen line from Sam Smith. But it’s true! I really am motivated by my love of music—writing, playing, recording, listening, and just all around experiencing music in as many different ways and as often as I can. I just want to share the love I have for music with others. And if I make even one person happy through my own music, it’s all worth it. - iMoveiLive

Indie NYC Singer/Songwriter Melissa Fielding is a musical colossal of pure talent. She sings and writes music that matters and speaks to a generation. It is her connection to everyday themes such as love, loss, loneliness, happiness, and insanity to name a few that sets her apart from other Indie Performers. We were delighted to get an opportunity to interview an amazing performer in this week’s spotlight. Here Fielding shares her story with our online publication. Here is what transpired from our online encounter.

Isaac: It is a pleasure to speak with you via this important online conversation. I have a chance to review your press kit, and I am must say that I am impressed, excited, and thrilled about your music. What do you think you will add to the Indie Music Genre that will set your music apart from others?

Melissa: Hi, yes, thank you so much! I feel like I add a fresh perspective on a lot of universal themes—love, loss, loneliness, happiness, insanity. I have experienced all of these just like so many other people, but I try to write about them in new ways and different styles. One of my songs is about depression in the form of soldiers dancing in my head. Another song is a very surreal take on the feeling of belonging. And then of course, I have some straight up love/loss songs that can break my own heart over and over again. I write about what I know, but I try to do it in a way that’s new yet still relatable for the listener.

Isaac: What has been your inspiration for pursuing a music career?

M: My main inspiration, outside of my music ones, would be the people in my life—particularly my family. As a two year old, I would sing very loudly in inappropriate places (like the library). And instead of snuffing out that desire to sing, my parents encouraged me to develop it. They’ve supported all of my decisions to pursue music at every step of the way. And my brother has been my champion, telling anyone who will listen that they need to hear my music. I’ve loved music since a very young age; my family gave me the courage to develop that.

Isaac: Why is music important to you?

M: Music is the best and most effective way for me to release my emotions—which, anyone who knows me will tell you, I have a ton of. I need that catharsis, be it through listening, playing, or writing music. It’s what makes the tough days easier and the good days more enjoyable.

Isaac: How has the whole experience of being on stage performing for what you love to do help you grow as an artist?

M: I’m still coming into my own as a performer, even though I’ve been doing it for ten years or so in some capacity or another. Each time I get on stage, I still feel awkward and fumbly, but that might just be because I am still awkward and fumbly in my everyday life (I trip a lot). It helps me to grow because I don’t let that stop me from getting up there. I try new things, some of which actually work, and then take it from there for the next performance.

Isaac: How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

M: Just keep going really, which is obviously easier said than done. But letting mistakes trip me up would ruin what is otherwise a great time! I want a great show for the audience—the people who made it a point to come see me or decided to stay while I was on. I want to have fun and a mistake or two aren’t going to ruin that! Besides, a few mistakes give it that authentic live feel, right? Hahaha.

Isaac: Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition? If so, what do you do to overcome your fears?

M: Almost always have and probably always will, at least a little bit. I just do my best to focus—practice, breathe, know where I need to be beforehand. And then when that doesn’t work, I talk to someone I find comforting who ultimately helps me to remember how much I love this. The rest sort of mellows from there.

Isaac: Do you ever experience writer’s block when you are writing new songs? I can imagine this would be particularly annoying if you were in a collaborative situation. If you have in the past, what do you do to get over it?

M: When I was in college, we had this assignment where we had to write a song based on something we found on a ripped out page from the newspaper. I got this huge advertisement for some department store, so not a ton to work with, but I wrote probably one of my favorite songs out of that exercise. These days, I like to read Charles Bukowski to try to spark something when I’m a little tapped out. Sometimes it’s just as simple as taking a break—letting your mind reset by coming back to it later.

Isaac: What advice have you received from mentors about pursuing a music career?

M: Develop thick skin—not everyone is going to like you, some people might hate you and make sure you know it. Don’t let that stop you; be persistent. And the obvious, write good music, hahaha.

Isaac: What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous about pursuing a music career?

M: Definitely the same things I was told—don’t just give up. Also, take criticism constructively, not defensively. Listen to what others have to say, and use what you think is helpful. Remember that you don’t have to take anyone’s advice, but be open to it. And play your damn heart out. Just really lay it all out there.

Isaac: With so much diverse music currently out, do you feel that your type of music is still relevant or important in today’s music industry? What do you feel makes your music stand out for the rest?

M: Yeah, definitely. No matter what the medium is, people will judge a work largely on being able to connect to the story it is trying to tell. If there is still a story worth telling that others can relate to, then it is definitely relevant today. I pride myself on my lyric writing, particularly. I feel like my music stands out because the lyric is both relatable and atypical. I try to play with line structures, rhyme scheme, both consciously and unconsciously, to sort of mess around a little bit with what the listener might expect. I like to take something familiar and make it different, a little stranger if I can. Strange is good in my book, hahahaha.

Isaac: How does music affect you and the world around you?

M: As I mentioned before, I can be all sorts of emotional; music helps me to work these feelings out in a constructive way. And it’s just downright enjoyable. I love to listen to music all of the time, for every mood. And the beautiful thing is that I can do that, no problem. I have music for when I’m happy, sad, angry, energetic, relaxed, etc. and it’s all amazing.

Isaac: Why do you believe music is something that everyone should enjoy?

M: The incredible thing is that no matter who you are or what your life is like, there is always going to be some sort of music out there for you. And it really helps to express whatever it is you want or need to express without having to necessarily say anything. It connects everyone in a way that nothing else really can.

Isaac: What do you think about downloading music online?

M: Downloading music and listening to music online, in general, is the new way to get music directly to the fans. Hardly anyone I know actually buys CDs anymore, which is sort of sad in a way, but it’s also 2014 so it makes sense. Digital is the new-wave, and I think some of the laws need to be adjusted to suit this changing environment. Especially with platforms like Spotify and Pandora, which are great for getting music out there, but not so much for revenue and making a living… We need new laws that fit the needs of the listeners without hurting the artists.

Isaac: Do you find that your songs typically touch people as much as they touch you?

M: I hope so, haha! Overall, the response seems to be that most people, at least feel my intention behind the song if they don’t actually feel anything themselves.

Isaac: When you are in songwriting mode, who are you thinking about when gathering your thoughts for your lyrics?

M: A lot of my songwriting stems from my personal experiences, so it really just depends which ones I’m drawing from at the time. My exes get a lot of thought time, haha. And any love currently in my life too, be it family, friends, or a guy. Sometimes I think about myself, particularly when it comes to songs about, ya know, losing my mind temporarily.

Isaac: How prolific are you with respect to your songwriting skills? Do you believe it is a meticulous process to create your lyrics or do the lyrics flow naturally?

M: I have a lyric book that I carry with me most of the time, plus at least 10-20 little notes and voice memos on my phone. I find that for me, forcing myself to write for X minutes per day just makes me a tiny bit resentful. So instead, I like to jot down small notes here and there until I can take a full 2-3 hours at home a few times a week in front of the keyboard or guitar and just try to pull something out. When I’m lucky, the lyrics just sort of come out… but I never stay lucky long enough to get a full song. Usually a verse and a chorus will come to me, and then I’ll sit there just staring at the page thinking “Awesome! But, uh… now what?”

Isaac: What skills/personal attributes are most important to being successful in this music business? How do you promote your music and shows?

M: Persistence and the ability to network. Can’t be afraid to meet new people and get their information—make those contacts! Promotion is key, and I use all of my social media outlets to promote my music and my shows… but these are all things I’m still working on.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one of today’s hottest artists or group, who would it be and why?

M: St. Vincent is super dope. She’s just got this air about her that screams “cool;” her performance style is super interesting and the music is just killer. Also, definitely Lucius. They’re just amazing—their whole look and sound is incredible. I’ve seen them live twice and both shows are still in my top 10.

Isaac: Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD’s?

M: This is a hard list to keep concise, haha. Fiona Apple, Adele, Amy Winehouse are all top picks. And obviously St. Vincent and Lucius. I also really love the Beatles (particularly “Abbey Road”), Bon Iver, Regina Spektor. I miss the Civil Wars, and Death Cab for Cutie will forever stay in my heart. Oh, and Robyn. Her album “Body Talk” is everything I could ever want when I need to dance.

Isaac: Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?

M: Adele. She’s easily my biggest musical inspiration. I mean, she’s just so incredibly talented. She doesn’t let anything stop her, and remains super grounded despite her insane success. Plus, I love her cackle. That laugh gets me every time.

Isaac: The Internet plays an integral role with artists getting their music out to the masses. Do you have your own website and what will fans find there?

M: Yes! Today is completely a part of the digital age, so an online presence is definitely important. My website has all my music, information on upcoming shows, photos, videos, contact information, etc. It also has all of my social media information—Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.—which is a great way to connect. My website is www.melissafielding.com.

Isaac: At the end of the day, are you happy with where you are at professionally?

M: I’m very happy with where I’m headed. I’m just starting out and still getting myself/ my name out there. It’s tough, and it can get frustrating, but it’s so exciting and beyond worth it. I’m looking forward to everything that’s still to come.

Isaac: Who would you like to dedicate this interview to and why?

M: Really to anyone who has listened to my music and though, “Yeah, I could get down with this.” I make music as much for myself as I do in the hopes that others will also enjoy it. Particularly dedicated to my family & friends for their nonstop love and support of this crazy ride. - Isaac Davis Junior, Junior's Cave Online Magazine

01. Tear Them Down / Their Fault, Our Problem
02. The Mighty Fine / Brothers And Smugglers
03. Stiff Little Fingers / No Going Back
04. Broilers / Noir
05. * Repeat Repeat / Bad Latitude
06. Lake Street Dive / Bad Self Portraits
07. Happy Campers / Dancing With Demons
08. The Jellybricks / Youngstown Tune-Up

09. The Dollyrots / Barefoot & Pregnant
10. Flatcat / Heartless Machine
11. Mighty Oaks / Howl
12. Fireworks / Oh, Common Life
13. Peralta / Time, Purpose & Gold
14. The Wild Young Hearts / California Dreams
15. Halfway / Any Old Love
16. Withered Hand / New Gods

17. Unwelcome Guests / Wavering
18. The Mike Benign Compulsion / Here’s How It Works
19. Role Models / Lost In The City + This Eventually Leads Nowhere
20. Cloud Nothings / Here And Nowhere Else
21. Ken Will Morton / Slow Burn
22. Ryan Vandordrecht / Beast Of Love
23. Admiral Freebee / The Great Scam

24. Black Lips / Underneath The Rainbow
25. Electrisixties / Classy But Rackety
26. Tom Pappas Collection / Bomb Shelter
27. Skip The Use / Little Armageddon
28. Twin Forks / Twin Forks
29. The Corrigans / Keep On!
30. Horror Section / The Prowler
31. Brown And Blue / Shame On You

32. Modern Delusion / Wasteland
33. Brain Flannel / Empty Set
34. Cody Jasper / Cody Jasper
35. Little Chief / Lion’s Den
36. The Peckham Cowboys / 10 Tales From The Gin Palace
37. Andy Pickering / When Today Is History
38. Howler / World Of Joy

39. Together Pangea / Badillac
40. Dani Flaco / Versos Y Madera
41. Carrie Ann Carroll / You Should Know
42. The Nefidovs / Better Wake Up!
43. The Saucy Jacks / Singles Bandcamp 2014
44. Steve Roberts / When We Dreamed We Dreamed Of Dreams
45. The Native Sibling / The Native Sibling

46. Life In Vacuum / 5
47. Nick Waterhouse / Holly
48. Appletop / Brave Mountains
49. Wolfmother / New Crown
50. Morning Glory / War Psalms
51. Jimbo Mathus / Dark Night Of The Soul
52. Ginnels / A Country Life
53. Fourtitude / Folk Legend

54. The Shell Corporation / Mandrake
55. Mount Carmel / Get Pure
56. John Nemeth / Memphis Grease
57. Scarboro / The Safeword Is Yes
58. Lupers / Lupers
59. La La Boom Boom / La La Boom Boom
60. Dugout / Where There Used To Be Meaning
61. Los Lonely Boys /Revelation

62. Elder Brother / Heavy Head
63. The Turkletons / Fur Frontal
64. The Capitalist Kids / At A Loss
65. The Parson Red Heads / Early Birds Volumen Two
66. The Night Party / Get To You
67. Taking Back Sunday / Happiness Is
68. Tamas Wells / On The Volatility Of The Mind
69. Summer Villains / Loons

70. The Filthy Radicals / Life Or Debt
71. Vocoder / Vocoder II
72. Limits / Pretty Pretty Good
73. Deadends / Deadends
74. Frank Turner / Polaroid Picture
75. The Sound Is Fine / The Sound Is Fine
76. Nine Times Blue / Matter Of Time
77. Osoosooso / Osoosooso

78. We Are The In Crowd / Weird Kids
79. Dropkick / Homeward
80. Terminal Licks / Demo 2014 + Demo 2
81. Cardinal Cardinal / Distant Lover
82. Pixies / Ep3
83. The Very Most / Things Too Obvious To Sing
84. The Rocco Lampones / Everybody Hates
85. Cataldo / Gilded Oldies

86. Novedades Carminha / Juventud Infinita
87. Talksick / Waste
88. The Sore Losers / Roslyn
89. Talk-Sick / Genetics
90. Painted Faces / Demo Ep
91. La Moto De Fernan / Vuelta Al Mono
92. Dogbeats / Dogbeats
93. Showponies / Showponies

94. The Dirty Nil / Smite
95. Running With Lions / Blink And You’ll Miss It
96. The Sport-O’s / I Alreadey Did
97. The Jac / Love Dumb
98. Penny Necklace / Throwing Light
99. The Hotelier / Home, Like Noplace Is There
100. Rollercoaster Kills / Evil Debt
101. We Are Scientists / Tv En Français

102. Ed Woltil / Paper Boats
103. Angel Olsen / Burn Your Fire For No Witness
104. Kevin Seconds / Off Stockton
105. Johnny Foreigner / You Can Do Better
106. Mikey Georgeson & The Civilised Scene / Blood & Brambles
107. Têtes Raides / Les Terriens
108. Bigelf / Into The Maelstrom

109. The People’s Temple / Musical Garden
110. Flybys / Your Mother’s Love
111. Screen Door Porch / Singles Soundcloud
112. Lightmares / Like Dreamers Do + Soup
113. Head North / Scrapbook Minds
114. Bellwether / After Reflection
115. Big Brother / Ministry Of Truth
116. You Beauty / Jersey Flegg

117. New Electric Ride / Ballon Age
118. Chevelle / La Gárgola
119. White Hinterland / Baby
120. Creepoid / Creepoid
121. Kevin Drew / Darlings
122. Liam Finn / The Nihilist
123. Rust Belt Lights / Religion & My Ex
124. Comeback Kid / Die Knowing

125. Dex Romweber Duo / Images 13
126. Peter Buck / I Am Back To Blow Your Mind Once Again
127. Micah P. Hinson / And The Nothing
128. Distances / Boulders
129. The Drive Home / This Is All You Left Me With
130. Mountains To Move /What Ifs And Could Have Beens
131. Canto El Cuerpo Eléctrico / Los Años Diez

132. Lissie / Cryin’ To You
133. Ex Norwegian / #tbt ep + Feelin’ It
134. Special Explosion / The Art Of Mothering
135. Give And Take / Noteworthy
136. Above The Underground / Sonder
137. Tokyo Police Club / Forcefield
138. Kilto Take / Resolute
139. Destrage / Are You Kidding Me¿ No.

140. Elbow / The Take Off And Landing Of Everything
141. Trono De Sangre / La Mitad De Lo Que Somos, La Mitad De Lo Que Creemos
142. Nina Persson / Animal Heart
143. Rival Knives / Blood City
144. Foster The People / Supermodel
145. Chad Vangaalen / Shrink Dust
146. Die Happy / Everlove

147. Direct Effect / Suburn
148. Sam Roberts Band / Lo-Fantasy
149. Hindsight / Unwind
150. The Vaporettos / Grimsby + Pre Release
151. The Beatdown / Let’s Go!
152. Anchoress / Crime
153. The Bastard Sons / Roads
154. Abandoned By Bears / When Nothing Goes Right, Go Left

155. Spain / Sargent Place
156. Bart Davenport / Physical World
157. Four Hours Sleep / Four Hours Sleep
158. Tides Of Man / Young And Courageous
159. Of Mice & Men / Restoring Force
160. La Dispute / Rooms Of The House
161. The Sofisfucks / Then They Came For Me
162. Melissa Fielding / Hide & Seek Me

163. The Order / Bridge Of Light
164. God’s Hate / Divine Injustice
165. Gnarboots / Dark Moon
166. Xo / Heart
167. Crucial Chaos / Demo 2014
168. Crosses / †††
169. The Electric Vogues / All I Need
170. Die Birth / Straight To Burn

171. Prelude / Vain & Valor
172. Joker’s Daughter And The Bullfrogs / Hybrid
173. Execució / Demo
174. Architects / Lost Forever-Lost Together
175. Headway / Uproot
176. Whats Good / Steppin Outta Line
177. Los Equivocados / Sur
178. Nick Frater / 8 Ohms To Hold You

179. The Afghan Whigs / Do To The Beast
180. Wye Oak / Shriek
181. The Loss / Last Rites
182. Papercuts / Life Among The Savages
183. Issues / Issues
184. La Habitación Roja / La Moneda En El Aire
185. Vales / Wilt & Rise
186. Direwolves / Ægri Somnia

187. Small Wonder / Wendy
188. Shores / Life/Lost
189. Lucas Spears / Put Out That Cigarette, Stop Reading Balzac, And Make Yr Own Damn Art
190. Blotter / Under Armour 77
191. New Bums / Voices In A Rented Room
192. Moss / We Both Know The Rest Is Noise
193. The Holidays / Real Feel

194. Artist Vs Poet / Sake Of Love
195. Unwound / Rat Conspiracy
196. Perfect Pussy / Say Yes To Love
197. Liars / Mess
198. Remedial Chaos Theory / Can’t Tell The Difference Between Fantasy And Reality + Laconic - 1001 Records