If Melotika could be described using a single word, that word would have to be authentic. The rising pop artist invites fans along with her on coming-of-age journeys about growing up, self-reflection, and finding inner confidence—themes everyone can relate to in some way—and she keeps them dancing the whole time. By sticking true to who she is, how she feels, and what she wants, Melotika has pioneered a New Retro Pop style that doesn’t play into trends, fads, or constantly changing obsessions; her music is real, bona fide, and easy to connect with. Active since 2017 and releasing music since 2018, Melotika has made a splash with singles like 2021’s “Crazy” and “Dancing Without You,” and 2022’s “Digital Dreams” and “#1.”
Deriving inspiration from all eras of pop music, Melotika blends sounds and looks characteristic of the late ‘70s and ‘80s, with stylistic and musical influences from the mid-late ‘00s era. Her music almost becomes experimental in combining so many styles from different time periods, but it’s still undeniably catchy, danceable pop, and makes no pretensions about being anything else. Singing with a signature low register, Melotika brings back a grandiose, larger-than-life superstar quality that is a stark contrast to the modern, stripped-down, indie approach many opt for.
With Melotika remaining the executive producer of her own music, coming out in 2024 is her newest effort, Ultra Butterfly, an album that sounds like the pop era of 2009 in an alternate, more modern universe, while dipping into alternative styles of rap and post-rock music as well. The album’s first single out now, “Pressure” featuring Krosst Out, is packed with groove, is as electric as it gets, and perfectly walks the line between neo and retro—everything Melotika is all about.
Hi, Melotika! You recently released new music. Can you give us a little backstory?
I just released a new single called "Party Like 2009" along with a music video. This project is inspired by the 80's and what I believe to be the golden era of dance pop, the mid 2000's. Reinventing Retro, I wanted to create an homage to the era 2009 with a throwback song. The video was inspired by thrifty indie sleaze fashion at a house party with a retro and Victorian aesthetic. "Party Like 2009" is more than just a trip down memory lane; it's an anthem of empowerment and liberation! A time before social media dominated the party scenes and people came together in such a different way than today. The goal with this song was to capture the essence and energy of dance-pop from the mid-2000s celebrating the millennial and Gen Z culture. I thought about the direction dance pop is going in today and wanted to do something a little more edgy. A true club anthem.
What do you like most about your genre of music? I love the flexibility of Electropop and Dance-Pop and how I can genre bend and play around with different sounds which led me to inventing my own genre that I call: New Retro pop.
What are some of the exciting projects you are working on now?
By sticking true to who I am, how I feel and what I want, I've pioneered a New Retro Pop style that doesn’t play into trends, fads, or constantly changing obsessions. I think I literally invented my own genre! Active since 2017 and releasing music since 2018, I have an ever growing underground fanbase online called The Rebelz. On August 11 I am dropping a music video for my second single of the year, “Party Like 2009!” Currently, I am working on a 13 track Electropop album influenced by the 80's and mid 2000's dance in an alternate modern universe, while dipping into alternative styles of rap and post-rock music. The album is titled, Ultra Butterfly. The songs off of the album Ultra Butterfly are about overcoming modern society and its social and superficial pressures. I reminisce about a time when music felt better to me, flying and fighting through life's obstacles after an epic rebirth and self discovery. My music is empowering and rebellious. Ultra Butterfly is an escapist fictional hybrid persona that is part eagle and part butterfly that I invented to showcase and represent my songs.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Lady Gaga, Madonna, Britney Spears, Metric (Emily Hained), Tool (Maynard James Keenan), Michael Jackson, Evanescence (Amy Lee), Silversun Pickups, & many more.
What do you hope fans take away from your music?
All are welcome in my musical world and I take pride in connecting with fans on a daily basis through social media. My fans, The Rebelz, are a huge part of my creative inspiration. Reaching out to the ‘outcasts’ and ‘underdogs’ who need a positive message through my music and delivering to them is something I’ll never take for granted. These interactions drive me and keep me going in an industry where I face constant rejections as an eccentric female artist, being labeled “weird,” “not current” and never good enough. My personal story is one of redemption, something most people can relate to in some way, and feel empowered.
Have you ever had a strange fan encounter? Can you tell us about it?
I wouldn't say strange - But, I have a fan that shows up to all of my shows and events and is very shy and doesn't like to talk very much. It's unkind to jump to judgment and call the interaction strange, afterall, they are inspired by what I do and what I do makes them happy. That is what matters.
What piece of advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out?
Don’t wait for the perfect time and moment, just do it and start now. It doesn’t have to be perfect right away. Detach from the noise; you can’t please everyone. Criticism is a prerequisite for making it. If you are not understood right at the get-go that is a good thing, it means you’re innovative and doing all the right things outside the box.
If you could go on tour with any other artist, who would you choose and why?
Lady Gaga! Mainly because to me, she is still relevant and her music career is graceful, artistic, and empowering. If I was an opening act for Gaga, I believe fans would absolutely love my music too. We stand for the same things, we are in the same genre, and we are both so different.
If you weren’t a recording artist working in the music industry, what other career choice do you think you may have chosen? I studied Psychology and used to be a social worker/addictions worker so I believe i'd be in the same field and/or running my own Cafe. Being a foodie and Barista is one of my hobbies! What is one “fun fact” people may not know about you?
Peanut butter is my favorite thing on earth. If you were to write a memoir, what would you title it?
"Mel's Series of Unfortunate Events." It would be a true comedy :)
Are you currently binge watching any shows or have any recommendations?
I am waiting for season 5 of Virgin River on Netflix!
Do you have any bucket list items you hope to cross off soon?
I really want to tour Europe. I am hoping this will happen soon.
What else can fans expect from you this year?
Fans can expect another single, remixes, upcoming local shows in Toronto, ongoing monthly live streams on TikTok, possibly another music video, and my Album Ultra Butterfly coming out in 2024 along with international show dates for 2024 if all goes well. :)