Canadian R&B recording artist Melanie Fiona completed a recent interview with The Coveteur where she talked about finding new ways to connect with fans, working with Jay Z, the best advice she’s received and what advice she can offer an aspiring artist.
Check out highlights of her interview below:
On the best advice she’s ever received:
“It was [from] Roberta Flack. I met her one year during Grammy weekend in Los Angeles. She said ‘Always keep your head up. It’s the moment you look down, that you’ll trip and fall.’ It rang true for me in so many ways, at so many times. Focusing on the negative is the worst possible idea any artist or public figure can do. It thrives on your spirit and you can lose your way so easily. I would give aspiring artists the same advice. I would also tell them to do a lot of artist development and self-work before they decide to put themselves out there. In other words, decide what type of artist you want to be. Whether that means touring the world or singing at your local bar. Do what makes you happy.”
On working with Roc Nation:
“It was pretty crazy! I was actually one of their first signees. When they approached me about management, they set up a meeting. I had no idea that Jay Z would actually be in the meeting, so it was nerve-racking and exciting all at the same. Having his support as a manager and as an artist is pretty cool in business and as far a street credibility goes. He’s brilliant and having him as a resource for advice is definitely helpful along the creative path. Soon after I signed to them, Jay picked me as the face of the Rocawear Women’s line. They put a massive billboard of me from the campaign right in the middle of Times Square. Crazy!”
On what’s next:
“Right now I’m in such a great place. The motto is ‘If it doesn’t make me happy, healthy, or creative, I’m not involved.’ Staying on that path, I’ve been working on putting out free music for my fans, while I work on my third album. It’s a great way for me to work my inner artist and service the fans with music. I’m about to put a mini-bundle of music called ‘Free Love.’ I have a song out right now off that compilation called ‘Cold Piece.’ In July, I was approached by Nike to be a part of their women’s marathon in San Francisco, this October. I was completely honored. It’s a great way for me to challenge myself in such a positive way, for such a important reason. I will be running for friend of mine who is battling cancer right now.”
