INTERVIEW WITH THE DYNAMIC MELKIOR AS HE RELEASES NEW SINGLE GLISTENIN’

R&B star Melkior takes his craft very seriously and incorporates it into his daily life. His sound is influenced by his favourite eras of R&B from the 80s, 90s, and 00s with a fresh, contemporary spin on it and a sensual mood. Passionate, hard-working and conscientious, the Sicilian-born and Sydney-based artist whose back catalogue includes alluring songs such as Need You, W.M.Y.F.G and Time to Time, is a compelling talent to have on your radar.

Bliiink caught up with Melkior to find out more about his latest single Glistenin’, the challenges he finds in the music industry, who he would love to collaborate with and more.

How would you describe your musical style to new listeners?

My musical style is R&B in its most organic and purest form, with my own spin on it. It blends the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s in melodies, lyric style and production, while also bringing it to the present sound. No song is exactly like the last one but all have a sonic connection about them. There is a song for everyone.

Tell us about your new single Glistenin’

Glistenin’ is a story of lust, a letter to a love interest, being vulnerable and proclaiming all your feelings towards them. It follows the protagonist on a night of nostalgia through his past experiences with this love interest, as he shares how he sees her, what she means to him and that these feelings were from the day they met. Ultimately, he wants to know if this is a long-term thing and wants this relationship to be a long-term thing, as you see in the bridge section.

What were your emotions while writing this song and what message would you like to get across to listeners?

I was really raw and valuable when writing this. I wasn’t sure how people would perceive it or how they would take it and if it was a good enough letter, to where if this person heard this song, they would love it and know it was about them. The message I would like to get across is to take a chance on your feelings and emotions, don’t hesitate or don’t be scared, and let the other person know how you feel, see where that takes you, don’t get caught up in what-ifs and live with no regrets. If it works out for better or for worse at least then you know and can deal with the outcome appropriately.

Which artists are on your current playlist?

My current playlist consists of some really dope R&B and a lot from the UK, with the likes of Vauge Detail, Kaleem Taylor, The Code, Jvck James, Nia Sultana, Malia, Nafe Smallz, and also the bigger artists such as Drake, The Weeknd, Brent Faiyaz, Eric Bellinger, Dave, Tems, Little Simz, Kehlani etc. So many amazing artists out there and so much inspiration. R&B IS NOT DEAD!

Do your Sicilian roots influence your music and what is the music scene in Sydney like where you live? 

Yes, I bring my Sicilian roots out in my music often, a prime example is my song NFD which the first verse is in half Italian and half English, and the video clip shows an insight into Sicilian mafia culture. I have also incorporated it in a project with Sicilian folk music being the prime sample in all production and also lyrically in the way some things are said in particular situations.

The music scene is growing here, but unfortunately, the truth is often bent on the pathways for up-and-coming artists especially in R&B as it’s a small genre here. The main focus has been on AUS drill and hip-hop, which is good and awesome that scene is thriving in music here in Sydney and at the same time, the gatekeepers are so hell-bent on only having their artists thrive that they are destroying the future progression of music. It’s hard enough being a self-funded independent artist, where you are the artist, manager, and promoter yourself, but every door you knock on is often blocked, making it hard to make a living off music. I guess it’s a baptism of fire, but I feel like too often Aussie artists need to leave and make it in other places to be accepted here and it’s visible through our biggest stars such as The Kid Laroi, Starley, and even old-school stars like Kylie Minogue. We should all lift each other and build a stronger industry here. There are so many local R&B artists that should be receiving more love than they are. I personally have had lots of love for the industry and mainstream radio in the UK, so I’m grateful for that. 

Is there anywhere, in particular, you would like to perform? (A city, venue or festival?)

I’d love to be able to perform in London, Glastonbury or Pitchfork one day and definitely a massive goal is to perform at Coachella. I would love to be able to perform in my native country of Italy of course, but also in Berlin, Toronto – just globally and be able to share this art with as many people as possible. I can’t deny that another goal of mine would be to sell out The Opera House here in Sydney.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why? 

Oh man, so many to choose from I can’t choose just one. The Code is just an amazing artist that I’d love to collab with, his talent is incredible. I’d also always wanted to collab with Ty Dolla Sign, Brent Fiayaz, Drake & The Weeknd

What are the biggest challenges you face in the music industry?

I would say opportunities as an independent artist to make money and the recognition deserved. It’s very much a who you know type of business and trying to juggle a full-time music career where you’re the artist, manager, promoter etc. plus having a full-time job to be able to pay the bills and eat is the hardest part. It takes away from being able to do music full-time, skill improvement takes longer, and releasing music takes longer, but I am grateful for the opportunity to follow my dreams and do what I love.

If you could go back in time to any era of music, where would you go?

For me, there will never be an era like the ’90s and early 2000s, especially in R&B. So many classics, timeless music and music with meaning. We have amazing music now, but I think the ’90s early 2000s were the best.

What inspires and motivates you?

My love for music and how it can connect with millions of people from different ethnicities, ways of life and experiences. It is healing; anyone can be in a type of mood and put on a song that helps them get through whatever a person is going through. That’s magic.

Can you describe a typical day for Melkior?

Every day is different, but I know that I can’t go without doing vocal warm-ups and exercises, finding beats that connect with me, throwing down a few melody ideas and freestyles, and evolving them into song ideas. Like I said every day is different, depends on my full-time job too and how much I can pack into the day, but I always try to incorporate music in some way shape or form and exercise too. You should always try and do something to improve yourself each day.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

The best advice anyone has ever given me is to take time, don’t rush things, or crumble to peer pressure, find yourself fully and disconnect from other people’s journeys cause everyone’s path and timeline are different.