Melanie Meriney
Patrick L.
Feed the Band
Melanie Meriney
Feed the Band as really taken off. It seems we have move past the possibilities that we once believed could or could not be. It feels like we are in some far off parallel universe of which is made up of a different reality where anything is possible. If you follow us on social media, you know that most of my videos often involve a thank you to the country music industry. As many times as I thank them it will never be enough. We have developed relationships with publicist, record companies and many, many artist. All who have supported our goal to bring music and food together, in a fun innovative way. Are next artist, Melanie Meriney not only is one of the most talented female country artist, but one of the nicest women you will ever have the pleasure to meet.
We have been chatting with Melanie Meriney for the past few weeks as we have been working on other interviews and we came to a point it was her turn with Feed the Band. She was open to all sorts of questions so, for us it was easy to make a connection. Her openness about her life and music was refreshing. Right now, if there is any one artist who will always hold a special place in the Southern Fellow family it would be Melanie Meriney. Now that I gave credit on her character, which was muched owed. Let’s talk about her music.
Melanie Meriney does not come from the normal area you would relate to country music. Her story starts in Pittsburgh, PA. Her father leaned toward rock and roll, her mother towards country music. This, combined with her Pittsburgh upbringing, introduced here to a wide array of genres. We actually talked a little bit about how her influences played a role in her own music. She put it in a simple, creative recipe.
1 cup of Pittsburgh, 1 cup of Nashville, sprinkle of pop, rock, and hip-hop, tablespoon of country, quart of love from my friends and family (aka cheese), bake at 350, hopefully it turns into something resembling a Grammy. If anyone knows a tip for shortening the length of cooking time, I’m ready to try it!
This recipe has equaled up to some success on her EP “Up In Lights” where her song “Life Boat” climbed high on the British charts. She also has been nominated for Best Female Country Artist as part of the Nashville Independent Music Awards. I can say that her successes are not going be stopping anytime soon. Melanie Meriney’s talent as an artist and songwriter is bringing fun twist to country music. You will have to opportunity to get your hands on a signed copy of her latest EP at the bottom of this page. So look out for it because we know you want one. Let’s get on with our interview with Melanie Meriney!
"Sober You" Video Premiere
Tell us about your journey to Nashville.
Growing up, I always loved listening to music around the house. When I was in third grade, I convinced my parents to take me with them to a Shania Twain concert. She was so incredible that I immediately fell in love with the idea of singing and performing. I signed up for voice lessons and began learning to play guitar as well as songwrite. I sang at school events, in my church, and at local open mic nights. When looking for colleges, I knew I had to be in Nashville, so I ended up going to Belmont University where I could be close to the music scene.
If you could not do music, what occupation do you think you would have?
Something creative for sure! I’ve always been interested in film and film editing, but have never pursued it. I actually have a Masters degree in education and am certified to teach high school English.
Here at Southern Fellow we are always creating recipes. What recipe do you use in your songwriting?
Start with the big idea and go from there! Having a direction at the beginning of the write helps everything else fall into place. I constantly ask myself how this line or that line is strengthening the emotion of the song so that when the listener reaches the payoff line it comes together in a big way. Also, if I have the chance to go “off-recipe” and write outside the box, occasionally I’ll get something really cool.
What is your favorite snack while writing?
Those trail mix packets with the peanuts, raisins, and M&Ms
If we interviewed your best friend from high school what would they say about you?
I’m sure he has a whole drawer full of embarrassing stories saved up for a question like this haha!
What is your first fond memory of food?
Good question! Hm… probably picking raspberries in the woods by my house with my siblings.
Try this inspired recipe!
Southern Style Lasagna
“Sober You” is a pretty big song. What led to its creation?
I wrote it with Krista Angelucci & AJ Kross when AJ came up with the title. We decided to write it about unrequited love and how the narrator will never get the best version of this guy because his heart is still with his ex. I think at one time or another, everybody has had a crush who didn’t return the same feelings. That’s pretty much what we were going for.
If you wrote a song about food, what would it be about?
Can it be indirectly? Waitressing! I worked in the food service industry for over a decade and have tons of stories. Everyone should have to at some point in their lives. It makes you incredibly humble, is very hard work for sometimes not a lot of pay, and has introduced me to some of the best people I know. Dreams are funded by the 20% you leave on the table.
If I gave you $5 to spend at your local dollar store, what would you buy?
A pack of gum, hand sanitizer, a KitKat, a notebook, and a purple pen.
What does the next year look like for you?
Hoping to have some new music and videos released as well as some big shows booked! Stay tuned!
There is our questions answered. It is an honor to have Melanie Meriney as part of the Southern Fellow family. I keep repeating, but I am here to tell you that this is one of the nicest ladies in country music. She works hard and her talent is undeniable. We know you will love her as much as we do. She is on our playlist and she need to be on yours. Download and stream her music on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music and Google Play. Also down below you will see where you can enter our giveaway for those autographed EPs.
Thank you for tuning into Feed the Band. Check out all of artist we have interviewed by clicking here and stay tuned for more Feed the Band
