Rising Irish alt R'nB' artist Melina Malone has released new single Lovers Sunday from her forthcoming debut album. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
She has collaborated with acts including Mango X Mathman, Rebel Phoenix, Zaska, Booka Brass & Glasshouse Music.
Speaking about the track, Melina says, "Sunday for me has always been a day for love and reciprocity, of healing and rest. This track embodies all of those feelings for me. It's sensual, dreamy, woozy.
"It tells a story of two twin flames meeting (maybe for the first time, maybe for the 100th) on the Saturday night before, and how they came to be together on Sunday.
"I wanted to embody the essence of female empowerment, it’s a story of a woman stepping into her power and sensuality, owning that control she has over the other person. Sunday will always be for the lovers."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I'm a Gemini baby in love with the sun and summer. I'm a very proud Gaeilgeoir. I went to a Gaelscoil from the age of four to 18! I'm Irish and Greek. My name derives from the Greek word for 'honey’, and it was originally my mom's name. She only found out when she was 21 when seeing her birth cert as everyone in Ireland called her by her middle name Lynda
How would you describe your music?
Soulful groove-driven R&B waiting for sunshine!
Who are your musical inspirations?
Erykah Badu and Jill Scott will forever be my first musical heroes. Classic soul vocalists like Donny Hathaway and Chaka Khan inspire me to be a better vocalist - they are two of the best voices of all time in my opinion. Right now, I can't get enough of some of the UK R&B acts like Olivia Dean, Joy Crookes, NAO & Pip Millett. Amber Mark is also a big inspiration for me. I'm also hugely inspired by music with Latin roots, Bossa Nova, Flamenco - I love Rosalía, Nathy Peluso, Buena Vista Social Club and Luiz Bonfá for this vibe.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Bob Dylan in The Point aged 10! I was a massive, massive fan as a child and was actually a little disappointed as he is a notoriously grumpy performer - but great first show all the same!
What was the first record you ever bought?
I can't remember the first one I bought myself but Marvin Gaye's What's Going On was on regular rotation on my mom's record player since as far back as I can remember!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Olivia Dean - Dive, a perfect love song I keep wishing I wrote!
Favourite lyric of all time?
'Oh, you're in my blood like holy wine, you taste so bitter and so sweet. I could drink a case of you, darling and I would still be on my feet, I would still be on my feet.' - Joni Mitchell
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Impossible to answer! The first song that came into my head was Aquellos Ojos Verdes by Ibrahim Ferrer.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find me everywhere @melinamalone - I'm most active on my Instagram, so keep an eye out there for upcoming shows and more new music to come!
