Melanie Frade

Melanie Frade, a promising pop/jazz/soul singer & songwriter based in Toronto, ON, Canada, has won the September SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for her performance of her song “Take Me Home.” This song has been released as a single from her debut, 6-song EP For You, which she released independently last February (2017).
“Take Me Home” is an appealing, midtempo ballad that is in the vein of classic singer/songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Norah Jones. This song provides a fine showcase for Frade’s expressive, soulful lead vocals. “Take Me Home” was expertly produced by Thomas McKay, a Toronto producer who works with many independent artists.
Frade was born and raised in Toronto, and she started to play piano when she was six years old. When she was around 10, she ventured towards singing and learned musical theatre repertoire. By age 12, she began writing songs. Frade has been inspired by listening to such favorite artists as Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, Amy Winehouse, Billie Holiday and Norah Jones.
During elementary school and high school, Frade met some musicians who took her under her wing and helped her find her niche. “[These musicians] helped me get opportunities like playing in music concert halls, music festivals and contests,” she explained. “These gigs helped immensely with my stage presence and confidence as a writer.”
Currently, Frade is attending Humber College in Toronto, where she’s working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. Her program focuses on music performance based on jazz technique.
Of course, Frade has also been focused on pursuing her career as a singer/songwriter, and she released her debut EP, For You, in February. “The EP deals with self-reflection and growing up,” she said. “It features six songs, including ‘Take Me Home’.”
Notably, Frade has been nominated twice (in 2015 & 2016) for a Toronto Independent Music Award for Best Young Songwriter. She’s also played live at many local venues, and she’s performed at various festivals including the Unionville Music Festival, Markham Jazz Festival and Canadian Music Week.
Frade discussed her future plans. “This coming year, I will be focusing on writing more music for my next musical release. I will also be playing shows all around Toronto with my band, and I will be releasing videos for my EP, For You." - SingerUniverse

What Is Jazz?

According to Melanie: “expression and experimentation is jazz.” Oh that’s so well put. Funny as late on in this interview she confesses she rambles a lot when meeting new people. She did just fine with me.

One of Melanie’s stand out aspects is that she has a solid background. Sometimes you encounter musicians who start with the music they’re born with and they never go back.

I know rap fans like that…they only listen to 50 Cent and have never gone back to the sweet era of the 90s or even earlier to consume Tribe Called Quest and so many other greats. And it’s not just about going back but it’s understanding the journey that’s brought us to this point. Standing on the shoulders of giants and all that.

To be honest this is all a fun excuse to talk about Amy Winehouse. - Girth Radio

Name: Melanie Frade

Nominated for: Best Young Songwriter

Location: Toronto

Website: www.melaniefrade.com

What was the first thing that came to mind when you learned you were nominated? The first thing that came to mind when I learned I was nominated was telling my mom. She has always been my biggest supporter. This nomination is something I think she could truly be proud of.

What will you do if you win? If I win the award, I would use the prize to my advantage. I would use the music business consultations to learn more about the music business and figure out the best moves for myself. That’s the plan but honestly, if I won, I wouldn’t know exactly how to react or what to do. It’s a new experience for me. I’ve never been formally recognized for my art.

Why should you win? I work really hard on my music. I spent years figuring out who I am as a musician. I finally found a space where I fit as a person and as a musician. I spend a lot of time crafting my songs and trying to honestly communicate with the audience. The mix of genres I use creates an undeniable sound that I can identify with on many levels. I should win because I use my talent to make it a skill.

If you weren’t nominated, who would you be rooting for? If I weren’t nominated, I would be rooting for Sydney Delong. She’s truly an amazing artist. There’s a lot of art in her music. When you listen to her music, it feels honest and pure, a quality I look for in the musicians I listen to. She also has such a phenomenal voice.

Other comments? I’m just really honoured to be recognized for my craft. As a young artist, I look for approval to learn if what I’m doing is effective. There are no true mile markers to success, so this seems like a sign. - Raz Mataz Magazine

Toronto Women in Music: Melanie Frade

Melanie sings, plays piano and guitar, and fronts Melanie Frade - an original project of "fusion-fuelled pop based music" with jazz and rock influences.

First memory of getting started in music:
"One of my first memories of playing music is mimicking my brother when I heard him play piano. His ability gave me the inspiration that sparked my journey as a musician. "

Best/most fun or interesting gig or concert ever played:
"One of my favourite gigs was playing the Burdock for my EP release. I got to play with a series of musical guests to a full audience of people I love. It was a magical night!"

Biggest musical influence:
"I have many musical influences from a range of genres, but the one constant influence is Joni Mitchell. She is one of the most incredible songwriters to date. With a clear and beautiful tone, she embodies everything I want to be."

Favourite instrument or piece of gear:
"My favourite instrument to play is my blue Gibson Midtown. It has such a rich warm tone and I use it for everything I play. It is a very versatile guitar and it helps that it is aesthetically pleasing."

Best concert attended in recent years:
"One of my favourite concerts to see was Fiona Apple with Blake Mills. I have listened to her music for a long time and it was a rare opportunity to see the artistry that she displays so naturally."

Favourite Toronto artist or band:
"Daniel Caesar is my favourite Toronto artist. His album "Pilgrim's Paradise" is a beautiful piece of work and his vocals are incredible."

Currently on the playlist:
"My playlist currently involves a lot of John Mayer, Snarky Puppy and Esperanza Spalding."

Next gig/concert in Toronto or the GTA:
"I will playing on March 25 for The Mills Street Brewery Lights Out event. It's going to a very interesting and fun gig." - Long & McQuade

What was the first concert you attended?

The first concert I attended was a festival on Niagara on the Lake, watching City and Colour. It was raining all day but when Metric came out and played an acoustic version of “Gimme Sympathy,” the sun came out and a rainbow was above them. It left me in complete awe. It was so perfectly timed and made for a great first concert experience.
What are you most looking forward to at CMW?

I’m super excited to watch all the independent acts participating in this year’s festival. CMW has become a great supporter of its Canadian indie musicians. There are some tremendous bands playing this year so I’m pumped.

What are the best and worst things about being a performer in Toronto?

The best thing about being a performer in Toronto is that there is a real sense of connection between musicians in the city. I made a lot of friends through playing in Toronto and created great relationships with my fellow songwriters. The worst thing about being a musician in Toronto is that there are so many amazing musical projects happening and perhaps not enough spaces to showcase them in the way they deserve.

What are you listening to right now?

Right now, I’m listening to a lot of H.E.R. and Beirut. I also have been intimately listening to the Maria Schneider Orchestra.

Where are your go-to takeout spots?

I pretty much will eat just about anything when it comes to take-out food. My go-tos are any sushi restaurant I can find and Portuguese chicken from St. Matthew’s. - Canadian Music Week