Melinda Valenz is an energetic, multi-talented vocalist and songwriter who shines on her latest single “Confidence,” an intricate melodies in Pop, soul. Gospel and R&B-centered fusions that are filled with bold sounds, buoyant grooves, and achingly intimate lyrics. We had the pleasure of interviewing Melinda Valenz, and here is what she had to say:
Q: I feel like confidence will be the next anthem. How did your process come together for this track and how did you build your own confidence?
MELINDA: I really wanted to create something fun and a little bit sassy. Something you can put on while you are getting ready for a girls night out or just something to boost your self-esteem up. We all need to embrace the QUEENS we are sometimes and I wanted an anthem for just that. No matter what comes our way, the obstacles we face, the people that may talk about us….let them..it’s our confidence that sets us free. Shout out to Jaz for making this vision come to life!
Q: I see you have had a remarkable fitness journey. Tell us about your secret?
MELINDA: No secret! I have tried my best to be completely open about my own health journey. It’s not always easy being vulnerable and I’m a work in progress but if my journey can help change someone else, then I’m here for it! I decided I wanted real change and I did what I knew was going to be best for me.
Everyone is on their own journey and what has helped me and I hope helps you… is to stay true to whatever that goal is and focus on YOU. Give yourself grace and remember that successful and inflicted days are all part of it. But if you stay focused, every day is worth it.
Q: We see Fadora hats are your favorite accessory. Which you slay every time by the way. What are your top 3 favorite accessories and brands you like?
MELINDA: Thank you so much! Yes, hats are definitely something I love to compliment an outfit! I guess I would say my top 3 accessories would be: hats! , a big gold hoop earring! (Will never grow old) and I love cute shoes, especially platforms. I’m not particularly into any particular brand. If I like it, I like it. Don’t get me wrong, a girl loves her Louie bag but I can also rock Forever 21 as well.
Q: In the case of a Neo-Soul, what is your earliest memory?
MELINDA: I’m not sure if I would say this is a “neo-soul” memory, however, when I think of my earliest memory of soul music…I think of my daddy. He was a musician and really was my inspiration. He would listen to a lot of jazz, R&B and soul around the house and I remember hearing it and falling in love. When he passed away unexpectedly, I promised myself to continue to follow my dream to sing and make him proud.
Q: What does retro-soul sound like to you?
MELINDA: When I think of retro-soul, I hear doo-wop mixed with soul and R&B. I hear soulful voices enriched with vintage layers and sounds.
Q: If you had to make a neo-soul playlist, what two songs would you put one of your songs in between? Why?
MELINDA: If we are talking about my current single, Confidence, I would put it in between About damn time by Lizzo and Pressure by Ari Lennox because both of these songs give me such “feel good” vibes and make me feel confident and free.
Interviewed by Shertara Brazil
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