What is your name?
Melanie Meriney
What is your genre of music?
County crossover! Probably a little bit of country pop, country rock, depending on the song
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m a country music artist originally from Pittsburgh, PA. I grew up inspired by artists like Shania Twain, Fleetwood Mac, and Phil Vassar and moved to Nashville after high school to pursue a music career! I’ve had some cool successes like getting a video on CMT, having a song chart #2 in the UK, and opening for acts like Little Big Town and Restless Heart. I had the opportunity to sign with a publishing company in 2016 and now own my own publishing house, Steel Fox Entertainment. My biggest passions are songwriting and performing, and I feel blessed every day that I get to do those for a job!
What made you go into music?
My “aha” moment happened all the way back in third grade. I convinced my parents to buy me a ticket to the Shania Twain concert they were going to because I liked her one song on the radio at the time. It poured rain and I sat on my dad’s shoulders with binoculars the whole time, but I just thought she had the coolest job in the world. After that day, I asked to be signed up for voice lessons and I began picking up guitar.
Who are your influences?
Shania Twain is the obvious! She is not afraid to push genre boundaries and be totally herself. But I also love the arrangements of Fleetwood Mac and I grew up listening to the lyrical genius/simplicity of Taylor Swift. I decided to pursue country as a genre because the storytelling aspect of it really enchanted me (and still does!).
Are you signed?
While I wrote for another publishing house for two years, I currently have my own song publishing company, Steel Fox Entertainment (we actually have three writers currently, myself included). I do not have a record deal currently, and while it would be nice in some ways, I am enjoying the creative freedom of being an independent artist.
You released your new single ‘Method Writer’, tell us more about the single and the meaning behind the song.
“Method Writer” is kind of a play on the term “method actor”, or someone who has to live their role in order to put on a good performance. For example, Heath Ledger for his role as a the Joker in The Dark Knight said that he isolated himself and pushed himself mentally to the limit to get into character. My friend and I were joking a few years back that we were “method writers” or people who have to mess up their own lives to write good music. The title was always saved in my phone and I finally got a chance to write it with Michael Funk & Cailen Brumfield.
Describe the track in two words.
Toxic Anthem
What was the writing and recording process like?
As happens with a lot of the songs I write, I can envision how the track should sound in my head before we lay anything down. I knew I wanted this big drumbeat behind and kind of an anthem-feel to the chorus, while keeping the verses pretty light and playful. Funk Studio in Nashville definitely helped bring that to life.
Who did you work with on the single?
I worked with my husband, Michael Funk, as producer on the single! I feel lucky that I married such a talented guy and that our studio is so accessible- there were a few times where we went out there to record at 1am or 8am, whenever the mood struck. Mat Leffler-Schulman from Mobtown Studio did an awesome job with the mastering process, and we had some incredible session musicians add some of the vital parts to the track.
Will we see a music video for ‘‘Method Writer’, and if so, what can we expect from the creative process?
“Method Writer” may get an acoustic video down the road, but my next single “X’s”, releasing on Sept 1st will definitely have a video, so stay tuned!
Will we see an EP or Album and if so what can we expect from the creative process.
Right now, I’m very focused on the single format because it not only allows me to highlight each song individually, but it’s more conducive to the streaming platform format these days. I won’t rule out an EP (or compilation) down the road though.
Do you have any live shows coming up?
I have a full band performance 6pm August 28th at Live Oak in Nashville, in anticipation of my next single release. This show is 21+, but free to the public, so come out and hang! I’ve got a great setlist of originals planned.
What else can we expect in late 2023?
I’ve got two (possibly three) releases coming out later this year! One of them may or may not be a Christmas song 😉
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I hope that I have a family, have a hit song (for myself AND as a writer for someone else), and am still grinding in the music industry!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Everything happens for a reason” because it’s my mom’s advice and it has helped me get through some disheartening times. I believe in God and the fact that there’s a plan and a path for us even though we may not be able to see the bigger picture in the moment. So many “mistakes” and “random” encounters had to happen to bring me to the people I know and the place where I am, and while it might be easy at times to look at someone else and envy their success, I know that I wouldn’t trade places if it meant sacrificing what I have.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My guitar, my tuner, my capo, my water, and my husband (he comes in handy)
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes, I’m on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube
